Maxwell flightline supports Army's 82nd Airborne Division

Photo By Staff Sgt. Alexa Culbert | An OH-58 Kiowa Warrior takes flight from the Maxwell flightline Oct. 22, 2015, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. The aircraft was one of 27 aircraft from Fort Bragg, N.C., stopping at Maxwell to re-fuel during its flight to Fort Polk, La. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexa Culbert)  

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, AL, UNITED STATES

10.22.2015

Story by Airman 1st Class Alexa Culbert 

Air University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. - Maxwell Air Force Base may be most notable for being the home of the Air Corps Tactical School, now Air University, but Maxwell's flightline has also experienced its share of notoriety, hosting aircraft such as Air Force One and NASA's Aero Spacelines Super Guppy. But recently, Maxwell served as a stopping point for 27 Army aircraft en route to Fort Polk, Louisiana.

The 27 aircraft assigned to the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, including a CH-47 Chinook, UH-60 Black Hawks, AH-64 Apaches, and OH-58D Kiowa Warriors from Fort Bragg, N.C., landed on the flightline here Oct. 22, 2015.

The training mission from Fort Bragg to the Joint Range Training Center at Fort Polk demonstrated the aircrafts' ability to travel more than 500 miles before refueling, validating their global response force capabilities.

According to Army Capt. Michael Skuza, 2nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Brigade commander, the training mission did more than show the reach of the aircraft, it also showcased the reach of the force.

"With the help of the Air Force [airlift capabilities], we can deploy anywhere in the world within 18 hours of notification," said the Echo Company commander.

Skuza went on to explain that the Army and Air Force rely on joint operations in order to achieve mission success on the battlefield.

In addition to needing Air Force aircraft to transport Army paratroopers to drop points, Skuza explained that during a combat mission, the multifunctional aviation task force, brigade infantry support element, would follow Air Force F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II fighters, taking advantage of their integrated defense system capabilities prior to an assault.

• Date Taken: 10.22.2015
• Date Posted: 11.05.2015 15:29
• Story ID: 181044
• Location: MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, AL, US