Aviation Soldiers back in United States from Iraq Mission

Courtesy Photo | Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk (left), North Dakota adjutant general, talks with Capt. Douglas Larsen, commander of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment at Fort Sill, Okla., Sept. 22, 2010. The 47 soldiers of Company C arrived at Fort Sill today in order to participate in the demobilization process before returning home to North Dakota early next week. Sprynczynatyk and other senior Guard leaders traveled to Fort Sill to welcome the soldiers home from their yearlong mobilization and service in Iraq. (Photo by Lt. Col. Rick J. Smith, North Dakota Public Affairs)  

BISMARCK, ND, UNITED STATES

09.22.2010

Courtesy Story

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

BISMARCK, N.D. – Soldiers of the Bismarck based Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment are back on U.S. soil. The 47 aviation soldiers have been on active duty since last October and served in Iraq since December.

They arrived this morning at Lawton, Okla., at 11:15 a.m. (CDT) in order to undergo the demobilization process at nearby Fort Sill. Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, and other senior leaders traveled to Oklahoma to welcome the soldiers home.

“Greeting soldiers and thanking them when they arrive safely home for their service is one of my favorite duties as adjutant general,” Sprynczynatyk said. “We are all extremely proud of their outstanding duty performance in Iraq.”

The soldiers arrived in Bangor, Maine, last night at 4:41a.m. (EDT) on a charter flight. They took off again this morning at 6:18 a.m. (EDT) and headed for Oklahoma. The flight stopped en route in Topeka, Kan., to drop off soldiers from other units.

Company C flew more than 750 combat missions totaling more than 5,200 flight hours. Assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, they were responsible for transporting senior officials, soldiers, medical supplies and other cargo in Iraq. The unit is commanded by Capt. Douglas Larsen, of Granville, N.D. The senior enlisted soldier is 1st Sgt. Daniel Marquart, of Bismarck.

Company C is comprised of 10 Blackhawk helicopters and assigned crews of which North Dakota has five, with the other half comprised of soldiers from the Utah Army National Guard. The unit consists of pilots, crew chiefs, door gunners, mechanics, fuelers and flight operations personnel.

A North Dakota National Guard team is at Fort Sill to help expedite the demobilization process. After completing demobilization, the soldiers will travel on another charter flight to North Dakota. Our Public Affairs Office will disseminate arrival information as soon as it’s available. The soldiers are expected to arrive home in Bismarck early next week.

• Date Taken: 09.22.2010
• Date Posted: 09.22.2010 15:56
• Story ID: 56808
• Location: BISMARCK, ND, US