On October 20, U.S. Army helicopters arrived in Belgium to begin a nine-month rotation, which will provide air support for units stationed in Europe. As part of its deployment, the Army’s 1st Air Cavalry Brigade brought 89 helicopters across the Atlantic, including 12 CH-47 Chinooks, 38 UH-60 Black Hawks,15 HH-60 Medevac Black Hawks and 24 AH-64 Apaches.
In Poland, the deployment will be based in Powidz and will include 4 UH-60 Black Hawks, 4 AH-64 Apaches and about 90 soldiers. Missions will include medical transport, exercise support and aviation operations across Europe to improve interoperability and strengthen relationships. The 1st Air Cavalry Brigade replaces the 10th Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division as part of U.S. European Command’s (EUCOM) Operation Atlantic Resolve.
Col. Phillip C. Baker, commander of the brigade, stated: “The 1st Air Cavalry Brigade looks forward to being the second brigade-sized rotational aviation unit to deploy to EUCOM in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Air Cav troopers are trained and ready to showcase our dynamic aviation capabilities through multinational exercises with our NATO allies and partner nations.”
Throughout Fall 2017, approximately 1,900 soldiers from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas will be deployed to Europe.
Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jacob McDonald 21st, Theater Sustainment Command
