CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The 4th Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment from Ft. Bliss, Texas, ended their successful tour in Southwest Asia with a Transfer of Authority Ceremony Aug. 16 at Camp Taji, Iraq.
The “Pistoleros” were attached to the 185th Theater Aviation Brigade and conducted missions throughout the Middle East and Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. During their nine-month deployment, the Pistoleros provided attack, lift, and medical evacuation support for Operation Inherent Resolve.
“Everyone had to pull their load, consistently working long hours with little time off,” said Lt. Col. Lance VanZant, commander of the 4th Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment.
As the Pistoleros return home the 3rd Squadron, 6th Air Cavalry Regiment begin their deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Task Force “Heavy Cav” is the first attack reconnaissance battalion to deploy with Shadow unmanned aerial systems. The 3rd Squadron, 6th Air Cavalry Regiment will provide both general and attack aviation support for Operation Inherent Resolve.
“You have a large banner and heavy mantle to assume,” said Col. Ronald Beckham, 185th Theater Aviation Brigade.
“Heavy Cav” was the first attack reconnaissance squadron to receive the Shadow unmanned aerial system in March 2015. In order to support Operation Inherent Resolve, they will use both the AH-64 Apache Aircraft and the Shadow UAS. The Shadow provides real time video feeds to both the pilots in the Apache aircraft and to personnel in the Tactical Operations Center, which provides another channel of communication between the crews in the aircraft and to the personnel in the TOC.
“And like the 4th Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, I know that you will conduct this mission with honor and leave the field with honor,” Beckham said to the incoming Soldiers.
| Date Taken: |
08.16.2015 |
| Date Posted: |
08.21.2015 09:00 |
| Story ID: |
173854 |
| Location: |
CAMP TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: |
293 |
| Downloads: |
4 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, Task Force Pistoleros transfers authority to Task Force Heavy Cav., by 1LT Michael Needham, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
