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101st CAB activates new unit and rekindles Varsity legacy
Story by Spc. Andrea Notter, 40th Public Affairs Detachment
Fort Campbell, Ky. -- The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), activated its newest unit June 22, 2021, at Hangar 3 here.
The new unit is Golf Company, out of 6th Battalion, led by Capt. Robert Mayville and 1st Sgt. Zachery Lewis. It officially began reorganization February 16, 2021, and plans to be at full operational capability by September 2022.
“When Soldiers hear the call sign “Varsity,” they know they're getting a premier team of professional aviators willing to do everything they can to assist our brothers and sisters in arms,” said Col. Travis Habhab, commander of the 101st CAB. “I have no doubt they will represent the long and storied history of the Varsity company and the Screaming Eagles with pride, and add to their rich heritage.”
Golf Company, 6-101st Aviation Regiment, was officially organized as the 272nd Aviation Company at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, under the 154th Aviation Company on August 1, 1967. In May of 1968, the 272nd Aviation Company deployed to Vietnam assigned to the 101st Airborne Division and later redesignated Bravo Company, 159th Aviation Battalion (ASH). That same month, the company received the tactical call sign “Varsity,” because it was the first team second to none. It was deactivated in 2015 with the rest of the 159th CAB.
The formation of Golf Co. marks the first step towards establishing a new heavylift battalion at Fort Campbell, the Army’s only air assault division, and increasing the 101st’s heavy lift capabilities. While the official activation just happened, their standing up began over a year ago and Varsity Soldiers have already been conducting air assaults with the other brigade combat teams.
Lewis says that the Soldiers forming Golf Co. are motivated to be a part of rebuilding the Varsity legacy.
“We're remaking history, but then making history at the same time,” said Lewis. “They're not just showing up somewhere where everything is already set, they get to go through and make all their stuff, so they're more motivated, more excited to actually make the history because it's new.”
One of Varisty's most prized accomplishments was its outstanding flying record, flying over 22,000 accident-free hours and only one aircraft accident and a total of 32,000 hours flown in the Republic of Vietnam.
Something Mayville is excited about is the chance to establish a culture from the ground up. One of their biggest obstacles has been sustaining operations with minimal personnel.
“When we first got here, we had about five people in total that were working on Golf Company in our little footprint,” said Mayville. “Our hangar needed a lot of repairs and a lot of love. We had our aircraft, we had some toolboxes and not much else. But we had a small group of people who were ready to work and motivated to build something great.”
This is his first command, so he is looking toward his experienced and knowledgeable command team to help guide him.
“I couldn't have been more fortunate to get to do this as my first command,” said Mayville.
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| Date Taken: | 06.23.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 06.23.2021 12:57 |
| Story ID: | 399519 |
| Location: | FORT CAMPBELL, KY, US |
| Web Views: | 859 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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