Wings of the Guard
An in-depth examination of the 104th Aviation Regiment, detailing its organizational structure, operational capabilities, and historical evolution within the U.S. Army National Guard.
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Regiment Overview
A Component of U.S. Army Aviation
The 104th Aviation Regiment serves as a vital aviation component within the United States Army, primarily drawing its personnel and resources from the Army National Guard. This integration underscores the dual role of the National Guard, providing both state-level support and federal military capabilities. As an aviation regiment, its core mission revolves around aerial operations, encompassing a range of functions critical to modern military engagements.
Affiliation with the 28th Infantry Division
Both active battalions of the 104th Aviation Regiment are integral elements of the Combat Aviation Brigade, which is part of the 28th Infantry Division. This organizational alignment ensures seamless coordination and operational synergy, allowing the regiment to provide essential air support, transport, and reconnaissance capabilities to the division's ground forces. The 28th Infantry Division, known as the "Keystone Division," benefits significantly from the specialized aviation assets provided by the 104th Regiment.
Role in National Defense
As a National Guard unit, the 104th Aviation Regiment contributes significantly to both domestic emergency response and overseas military operations. Its aviation assets are crucial for disaster relief, search and rescue, and other civil support missions within the United States, while simultaneously maintaining readiness for deployment in support of federal military objectives. This versatility highlights the strategic importance of Army National Guard aviation units in the broader U.S. defense posture.
Historical Evolution
Formation and Early Operations
The 2nd Battalion, 104th Aviation Regiment, was formally established in October 1990. Its initial formation took place at Fort Indiantown Gap, a significant military installation in Pennsylvania. At its inception, the battalion was designated as an assault helicopter battalion, equipped with the Bell UH-1 Iroquois, commonly known as the "Huey." This iconic utility helicopter played a pivotal role in various military operations, particularly during the Vietnam War, and served as a foundational asset for early aviation units.
Transition to Modern Aircraft
A significant modernization effort occurred in 2002, when the 2nd Battalion transitioned from its Bell UH-1 Hueys to the more advanced Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawks. This strategic upgrade transformed the battalion's capabilities, shifting its designation to a general support aviation battalion. The Black Hawk, with its enhanced speed, lift capacity, and technological sophistication, significantly expanded the regiment's operational versatility, enabling it to undertake a broader spectrum of missions, from troop transport to medical evacuation.
Disbandment of the 1st Battalion
While the 2nd Battalion continued its operational evolution, the 1st Battalion of the 104th Aviation Regiment, which had served as an attack helicopter battalion primarily provided by the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, was officially disbanded in 2016. This restructuring reflects ongoing adjustments within military forces to optimize resources and adapt to evolving strategic requirements, consolidating aviation assets where most effective.
Organizational Structure
The 2nd Battalion (General Support)
The 2nd Battalion, 104th Aviation Regiment, operates as a General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB), providing comprehensive aviation support across various mission sets. Its structure is designed to facilitate diverse operations, from direct combat support to logistical and administrative functions. This battalion is composed of several specialized companies and detachments, each contributing to the overall operational readiness and effectiveness of the regiment.
Primary Aircraft
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk
The UH-60 Black Hawk is a versatile utility helicopter forming the backbone of the 104th Aviation Regiment's operational fleet. The regiment operates both the UH-60L and the HH-60M variants. The UH-60L is primarily used for tactical troop transport, air assault, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions, offering robust performance and survivability. The HH-60M, a specialized MEDEVAC variant, is equipped with advanced medical systems and enhanced capabilities for combat search and rescue, underscoring the regiment's critical role in personnel recovery and casualty evacuation.
Boeing CH-47F Chinook
The CH-47F Chinook serves as the regiment's primary cargo helicopter, renowned for its distinctive tandem rotor design and exceptional heavy-lift capabilities. This aircraft is indispensable for transporting troops, artillery, equipment, and fuel in support of combat and humanitarian operations. Its ability to operate in diverse environments, including high altitudes and hot climates, makes it a crucial asset for logistical support and rapid deployment, enabling the regiment to move substantial payloads efficiently across the operational theater.
Operational Locations
Key Bases and Facilities
The 104th Aviation Regiment, particularly its 2nd Battalion, maintains a distributed operational footprint across several states, reflecting its composition as an Army National Guard unit. This geographical dispersion allows the regiment to draw personnel and resources from multiple states, enhancing its overall readiness and responsiveness to both state-level emergencies and federal deployments. Key operational locations include:
- Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania: The historical formation site of the 2nd Battalion and home to Company F (Air Traffic Control).
- Windsor Locks, Connecticut: Site of the Aviation Support Facility, hosting Detachment 2 of HHC, Company B, and Detachment 1 of Company B, as well as Detachment 2 of Company D and Company E (CT ARNG).
- Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport, West Virginia: Home to Army Aviation Support Facility #1, where Company C (UH-60L/HH-60M) is based (WV ARNG).
- Lincoln Airport, Nebraska: Site of Army Aviation Support Facility #1, hosting Company G (UH-60L) (NE ARNG).
These locations serve as critical hubs for training, maintenance, and deployment preparation, ensuring the regiment's ability to execute its diverse aviation missions effectively.
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
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