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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
Photo Essay Courtesy of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion
CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. - During times of natural disasters some areas may be too remote or inaccessible for convoy resupply due to destruction or congested highways. These communities still need basic life support such as food and fresh water. The Kentucky Army National Guard possesses that ability.
Recently, Kentucky National Guardsmen of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, based out of Burlington, Ky. and Bravo Co. 2nd Battalion 147th Aviation, out of Frankfort, Ky. received training during the ARMY NORTH Vibrant Response Exercise on sling load operations. They distributed 500 gallon water blivets to a simulated devastated region. The training demonstrated seldom utilized capabilities to conduct relief operations during a natural disaster.
Sgt. Greg Wieland, a water purification specialist, with Alpha Company, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, 63rd Tactical Aviation Brigade, Kentucky National Guard headquartered out of Burlington, Ky., signals a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter as it carries a water blivet during a sling load operation during the U. S. Army North (Fifth Army) lead Vibrant Response 13-2 training exercise Aug. 2 at Camp Atterbury, Ind. The water blivet will be used to supply water to Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Night Hawk for hydration, cleaning, and cooking purposes. (Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandria Brimage-Gray/Released)
“The initiative taken by the Soldiers of Alpha Company, 1204th ASB and Bravo Company 2-147th to accomplish this mission demonstrate everything that is right about the Kentucky Army National Guard aviation community, ” said Maj. Phil Robinson, commander of the 1204th. “The Soldiers and leaders from each unit capitalized upon an opportunity to combine their separate collective training events into a complex multi-echelon mission that provided some of the best training throughout the operation.”
“I am proud of the fact that these Soldiers are continually striving to integrate all aspects of our capabilities in a continuous effort to be prepared for any civil support need within the Commonwealth.”
Forward Area Water Point Supply System (FAWPSS) is being delivered to the distribution point during the U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) lead Vibrant Response 13-2 training exercise Aug. 2 at Camp Atterbury, Ind. The water blivet will be used to supply water to Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Night Hawk for hydration, cleaning, and cooking purposes. (Photo by 1LT Gregory Slater/Released)
Water purification specialist with Alpha Company, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, 63rd Tactical Aviation Brigade, Kentucky National Guard headquartered out of Burlington, Ky., connect a water blivet to a UH-60 Black Hawk while conducting sling load operations during the U. S. Army North (Fifth Army) lead Vibrant Response 13-2 training exercise Aug. 2 at Camp Atterbury, Ind. The water blivet will be used to supply water to Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Night Hawk for hydration, cleaning, and cooking purposes. (Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandria Brimage-Gray/Released)
CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. – Pvt. Nicholas Heath, a water purification specialist, with Alpha Company, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, 63rd Tactical Aviation Brigade, Kentucky National Guard headquartered out of Burlington, Ky., conducts an inspection on the strainer as the water goes through a ultra filtration system during the U. S. Army North (Fifth Army) lead Vibrant Response 13-2 training exercise Aug. 2 at Camp Atterbury, Ind. The water moving through the strainer is the first step in the ultra filtration water purification process. (Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandria Brimage-Gray/Released)
Story by: Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Photos by: Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Soldiers of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion salute during the National Anthem at the Florence Freedom Baseball stadium during their welcome home ceremony at the Florence Freedom Baseball Field in Florence, Ky., Aug. 18. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FLORENCE, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard honored 225 Soldiers from the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion returning from Kuwait today at a welcome home Ceremony at the Florence Freedom Baseball Field in Florence, Ky.
To view all the photos from this story, please click HERE.
“These Soldiers served honorably,” said Lt. Col. Tom Roach, 1204th ASB Commander. “From Iraq to Kuwait to Qatar to Jordan and Afghanistan, they’ve added to the historic legacy of the Kentucky National Guard.”
While in country, the 1204th’s mission was to provide logistical, maintenance and signal support for military operations in the Persian Gulf Region.
Spc. Daniel Morrison, from Florence, Ky., deployed with the Headquarters Support Co., 1204th ASB and couldn’t wait to get back to his family.
“It feels great to be home, to see trees and grass, not the sand blowing in your face all day,” said Morrison. “First thing I want to do is get a nice, fat steak.”
Spc. Daniel Morrison of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion greets his family during the unit’s welcome home ceremony at the Florence Freedom Baseball stadium in Florence, Ky., Aug. 18, 2012. The 1204th deployed last August to the Persian Gulf region in support of Operation New Dawn. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The 1204th ASB is made up of more than 600 Soldiers from Kentucky, Alabama, Florida and Maryland. The unit departed Kentucky August 26, 2011 and spent several weeks in Fort Hood, Tx before deploying to Kuwait. “From the recovery of millions of dollars worth of equipment from Iraq, to sustaining air operations in theatre, to providing world class medical care to troops overseas,”said Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general of Kentucky, “the 1204th exceeded all expectations and showcased the Kentucky Guard like never before.”For more stories on the 1204th ASB, please search “1204th” on www.kentuckyguard.com
Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Maszor, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion
NOTE: Each week kentuckyguard.com publishes stories by or about Kentucky National Guard unit public affairs historian representatives, also known as UPAHRs. This is an additional duty taken on by a Soldier or Airmen with the intent of telling their unit’s story. This is one such story ….
Spc. Glenn Dunn (left), Spc. Brandin Smith (center) and Spc. Duston Logan, all of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, were awarded the Army Achievement Medal in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, June 28, 2012. The Soldiers assisted in the drawdown of ammunition out of Iraq following the reposturing of U.S. Forces in 2011. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Maszor)
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait — On June 28, 2012 the six-man Ammunition Section of Alpha Company, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, was formally recognized for their hard work and dedication in support of Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom. Since the middle of November the Ammunition Section has been working with the 261st Ordnance Company, an Army Reserve Unit based out of West Virginia. Together they were able to contribute to the success of one of the most dynamic strategic sustainment operations in the history of the United States Army.
“You all should be extremely proud of yourselves, for you have accomplished the largest single logistical operation since World War II,” said Col. David L. Jones of the 113th Sustainment Brigade.
Jones was referring to the ammunition turn-in and repositioning of equipment from the drawdown in Iraq.
In just three months a five man team consisting of Staff Sgt. Jason Maszor, Sgt. Kyle Clifton, and three Soldiers from the 261st received, processed, repackaged, and condition coded 26 million rounds of ammunition valued over $45 million, according to the 261st Ordnance Co. The remaining members of the Ammunition Section; Spc. Glenn Dunn, Spc. Duston Logan, Spc. Lee Millar, and Spc. Brandin Smith worked alongside other Soldiers of the 261st and conducted over 7,000 inter depot transfers, issues, receipts, and shipments that amassed to over 150 million rounds valued at over $475 million.
For their hard work and dedication, the “Ammo Dawgs” of Alpha Co. were awarded achievement medals from the 261st Ordnance Company. Clifton from Crestview Hills, Ky., was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Maszor, a native of California, Ky., Dunn of Dry Ridge, Ky., Logan from Alexandria Ky., Millar of Grant’s Lick, Ky., and Smith from Crittenden, Ky., were awarded the Army Achievement Medal.
Dunn, Logan, and Smith were also recognized for their hard work in preparing detonations for demilitarization with the 788th EOD Company.
“It was an honor to work with both Active Duty EOD Soldiers and fellow ammunition Soldiers from the Army Reserves,” said Logan. “It made me feel distinguished that another unit would take the time to acknowledge the hard work and accomplishments that we completed”.
Capt. Todd Allen, Alpha Co. commander said of the Soldiers, “It is great to see that their work did not go unrecognized. They are a great section of Soldiers and I am proud to have them in Alpha Company.”
Story and photos by 1st Lt.Gregory Slater & Spc. Matthew Magreta, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion
Soldiers near Camp Buehring, Kuwait await an air drop from Air Force cargo planes. The air drop was part of a joint training exercise for Joint Precision Aerial Drop Systems (JPADS).(Kentucky National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Gregory Slater, 1204th ASB/Released)
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait - The forward operating bases of the conflicts in Southwest Asia are at times too remote to be resupplied by convoy. These FOB’s continue to operate, however, thanks to the abilities of Army and Air Force airdrops. Food, clothing, thousands of barrels of fuel, construction materials and ammunition have all found their way to the FOBs because of this aerial support.
Kentucky National Guardsmen of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion recently received training to contribute to those efforts.
Four Soldiers from 1204th, Staff Sgt. David Davis, Spc. Kyle Barnes, Spc. Evan Scoskie and Spc. Dillion Hoepker were chosen to participate in Joint Precision Air Drop System (JPADS) recovery training. The soldiers received extensive hands-on training in preparing the system for an air drop mission and recovering of sensitive equipment. These Soldiers were then tasked to train other Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry that would augment the 1204th recovery team.
After months of planning, the Army and Air Force held a multi-unit proof-of-concept exercise testing Joint Precision Airdrop Systems operations. The event took place May 19, on the north side of Camp Buehring and consisted of approximately 60 troops from the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, 1-7 Cavalry, and the Air Force.
Left to right: Spc. Kyle Barnes, Staff Sgt. David Davis, Spc. Dillon Hoepker and Spc. Evan Scoskie of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion in Al Udeid, Qatar. The Soldiers were trained as part of a Joint Precision Aerial Drop System while deployed to Kuwait. (Kentucky National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Gregory Slater, 1204th ASB/Released)
Although JPADS are commonly used in Afghanistan, this was the first time that Kuwait-based units had coordinated as a combined arms team to demonstrate their ability to resupply ground combat units.
“Mission success was contingent upon the positive relationships between U.S. units and our Kuwaiti partners to ensure that airspace was available and clear during the operation,” said Lt. Col. Todd Coulson, deputy chief of staff for operations, Task Force 3.1.
The operation was previously delayed due to administrative issues, but last month the exercise was conducted flawlessly with JPADS performing exactly as advertised.
Air Force personnel dropped four bundles totaling 5,000 pounds from a C-17. Flying in at almost 10,000 feet, two pilots and a full crew guided the drops using a Global Positioning System, meteorology data kit and a mission planner laptop. Each bundle varied in size and weight, but each one resembled a giant cube with netting holding the cargo in place. Pushed out by the crew at 130 knots, each bundle traveled roughly eight meters per second with the parachute fully open.
“Each bundle consisted of water, MREs, and (the energy drink) Rip-Its which would simulate a realistic resupply drop to ground combat personnel, located anywhere,” said Coulson.
Soldiers from the 1204th ASB and 1-7 CAV were responsible for transportation, security, recovery and safety of the bundles as they immediately touched down in the 360-degree perimeter.
“Before the drop, we do a reconnaissance and a visual sweep of the drop zone to ensure the area is clear of debris, camels and Bedouin Camps,” said Capt. Michael Kiser, Alpha Co., 1-7 CAV.
According to Staff Sgt. David Davis of the 1204th ASB, there was a one-minute response time to each bundle. It took the recovery team less than 30 minutes to collect the equipment, parachute, and sensitive items and load them for transport to a more secure location where a unit can then conduct resupply operations.
The drop zone was an open area situated in low ground with clear visibility for miles. Despite having a drop zone of 1,000 meters in radius, a “high accurate” designated point of impact is 300 meters or closer.
Soldiers of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion and 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, recover Joint Precision Aerial Drop Systems (JPADS) near Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The JPADS were dropped from an Air Force C-17 as part of a training exercise in the region. (Kentucky National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Gregory Slater, 1204th ASB/Released)
“From my perspective, a high altitude precise drop assists in keeping any bundles away from enemy combatants,” said Sgt. Sean Huynh, F Co., 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment.
Used in combat operations in Afghanistan, the main benefit of JPADS is to increase the availability of cargo. With troops stationed in remote forward operating bases, JPADS allows those units to be quickly and regularly resupplied by air where ground transport often is not practical. Regardless of location or situation, JPADS offers all armed forces a way to stay well equipped.
“I have worked with JPADS for seven years as an infantryman on the ground and experienced the benefits firsthand,” said Coulson. “The recovery might be difficult in four feet of snow in the Afghan mountains making the precision of the delivery invaluable for those Soldiers who may have to conduct recovery in a hostile environment.”
There are four weight increments that are authorized for use with JPADS. This operation was classified as an “extra light” category of 2,200 pounds or less. However, a bundle can hold as much 60,000 pounds of weight if a mission dictates.
“Pray for good weather, talk to the pilots constantly, and over-communicate with one another throughout the planning. That is the secret of a successful operation,” said Coulson.
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Photos by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Kentucky Guardsman Pvt. 1st Class Kyle Hoben, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, provides security while his squad is stopped during dismounted patrolling training at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., June 17. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
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Photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Kentucky Guardsman Sgt. Russell Golden, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, leads his fire team on a dismounted patrol as part of his unit's pre-mobilization training at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., June 16. The Kentucky Army National Guard's Pre-mobilization Training Assistance Element provided training for the 1204th ASB. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Kentucky Guardsman Staff Sgt. George Stephens, PTAE instructor, explains the action required when assaulting an ambush position during field training on dismounted patrolling as part of pre-mobilization training for the 1204th Aviation Support Bn., June 17. The 1204th ASB deployment ceremony is Saturday, Aug. 27. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
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Photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Kentucky Guardsmen of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion are on a dismounted patrol during the unit’s pre-mobilization training at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., June 17. The 1204th ASB will deploy to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn later this summer. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Kentucky Guardsmen of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion re-consolidate after assaulting an enemy position during an exercise to validate their skills in dismounted patrolling at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, June 17. The 1204th ASB departure ceremony is this Saturday, Aug. 27. . (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
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Photos by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Kentucky Guardsman Staff Sgt. George Stephens, Wendell H Ford Regional Training Center instructor, watches as Soldiers of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion begin a dismounted patrol as part of their pre-mobilization training at the WHFRTC in Greenville, Ky., June 17. The 1204th ASB will deploy to Iraq to support Operation New Dawn. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Kentucky Guardsman Pvt. 1st Class Kyle Hoben , 1204th Aviation Support Battaion, provides security during an exercise in dismounted patrolling at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., June 17. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
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Photos by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Kentucky Guardsman Pvt. 1st Class Jacob Hickey, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, provides security while his fire team participates in dismounted patrolling exercises as part of the 1204th ASB's pre-mobilization training at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., June 16. The 1204th deployment ceremony is 27th Aug. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Kentucky Guardsman Sgt. Russell Golden, 1204th Aviation Support Bn. leads his fire team on a dismounted patrol as part of his unit's pre-mobilization training at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., June 16. The Kentucky Army National Guard's Pre-mobilization Training Assistance Element trained the 1204th ASB. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
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Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Michael Oliver, Kentucky Guard Public Affairs Office
Kentucky Guardsman Sgt. Thomas Knight, Alpha Company 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, stand guard in front of the fuel point at the inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cub series race at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., July 9.
SPARTA, Ky. – It wasn’t just fast cars and big crowds at the Kentucky Speedway last weekend. Members of the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 1204th Aviation Support Battalion also made a big showing at the inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup series race.
More than 40 Soldiers from the 1204th ASB were on duty during the three day event, tasked with perimeter track security and guarding the official NASCAR fuel tanker.
“It’s just another security mission for me,” said Sgt. Thomas Knight, Alpha Company 1204thASB. “But the great thing about this mission is interacting with all the NASCAR fans who appreciate the military.”
Kentucky Army National Guard Pfc. Rob Houston and Pfc. Joseph Moorman, Alpha Company 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, patrol the crowd at the inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup series race at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., July 9.
It’s not unusual for the Kentucky National Guard to support sporting attractions across the Commonwealth. This year NASCAR can be added to the mission support list.
“Doesn’t get any better than this,” said Pvt. 1st Class Rob Houston, also a member of Alpha Company. “Being out with people and watching them enjoy their favorite past time sport”
And as Kyle Busch raises up the winning trophy, the Kentucky Guardsmen of the 1204th can now say another successful mission completed.
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