2-17 Cav takes the reins for TF Saber

Photo By Capt. Stephen James | Soldiers from C Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th U.S. Cavalry Regiment perform inspections and maintenance on an AH-64E Apache helicopter at Qayyarah West Airfield, Iraq, September 2, 2017. The 2-17th Cav. will provide attack, reconnaissance and surveillance capability for Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve while commanding Task Force Saber. CJTF-OIR is the Coalition to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Stephen James)  

CAMP TAJI, IRAQ

08.29.2017

Story by Capt. Stephen James 

29th Combat Aviation Brigade

TAJI MILITARY COMPLEX, Iraq – The 4th Squadron, 6th U.S. Cavalry Regiment transferred authority to the 2nd Squadron, 17th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, which will take the reins for Task Force Saber in the fight against ISIS.

The 2-17th Cav., from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade (Air Assault) became the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade’s primary attack and reconnaissance squadron for Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, in Erbil, Iraq, following the successful conclusion of the 4-6th Cav.’s mission on August 29.

The 2nd Squadron, 17th U.S. Cavalry will provide an attack helicopter and tactical unmanned aerial system (TUAS) capability to the coalition ground forces supporting OIR over the coming months, said Lt. Col. Cayton Johnson, 2-17th Cav. squadron commander.

In addition to their normal AH-64E Apache helicopters and RQ-7Bv2 Shadow TUAS, the 2-17 Cav. will employ UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, CH-47F Chinooks and HH-60M aeromedical evacuation helicopters in OIR as part of their new role as Task Force Saber. The 29th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) welcomes 2-17th Cav. and the wide array of capabilities they bring with them.

This isn’t the first time that the 29th CAB and the 2-17th Cav. have worked together. The 2-17th Cav. participated in the 29th CAB’s culminating training event at Fort Hood, Texas, prior to the current deployment in the Middle East.

“We welcome the 2-17th Cav. back to the 29th CAB and know that they will serve well as Task Force Saber,” said Col. Mark Beckler, the 29th CAB commander.

The 2-17th Cav. is already executing missions in OIR. Wherever the battle shifts, Task Force Saber will be there.

The 29th CAB, an Army National Guard brigade, provides aviation assets, offensive strike capability, logistical and operational support to Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, while simultaneously providing interoperability training and aviation support to Operation Spartan Shield in Kuwait.

• Date Taken: 08.29.2017
• Date Posted: 09.10.2017 06:27
• Story ID: 247625
• Location: CAMP TAJI, IQ
• Hometown: FORT CAMPBELL, KY, US