Soldiers and their four AH-64E Apache Guardians from 16th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, were welcomed by Soldiers of CAB, 25th Infantry Division on Jan. 6 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
The arrival of the aircrews and airframes marks the start of a six-month training partnership between the and 7th Infantry Division’s CABs. There will be a total of 61 personnel associated with the 1-229th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion's Bravo and Delta companies. The "Killer Spades" will be on Hawaii for a six months total, with a personnel rotation expected in March. The units are going to fill the void of attack/reconnaissance coverage for the 25th Infantry Division following the divestment of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.
With 2nd Squadron, 6 Cavalry Regiment's retirement of the Kiowas, the AH-64 will be the only organic aerial attack platform to the 25th Infantry Division. The team from 16th CAB will be providing support to not only help train the battalion on the use of the Apache, but also to participate in multiple exercises across the Pacific. Their role is to support the 25th Infantry Division as the attack aviation platform through multiple upcoming training events such as Lightning Forge and 2-35 IN Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise.
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