Subscribe
By U.S. Army Spc. Kam Gerohimos,
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, Afghanistan - Task Force Shooter, or 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, officially replaced TF Lighthorse, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cav. Avn. Regt., 3rd CAB, in a transfer of authority ceremony here, Nov. 18.
TF Lighthorse formed as a multi-functional aviation task force and deployed to Afghanistan November 2009. While stationed in the eastern city of Jalalabad, TF Lighthorse served as the direct support aviation task force for TF Mountain Warrior and TF Bastogne in Nagarhar, Nuristan, Kunar and Laghman provinces of eastern Afghanistan under Regional Command East. The task force flew in excess of 30,000 flight hours in support of U.S. and coalition forces while conducting more than 130 engagements during more than 1,000 security and reconnaissance missions, as well as using their assault and lift assets moving over 30,000 personnel during 400 combat air movements and air assaults. In addition, the TF completed more than 500 medevac missions while treating more than 800 patients during their deployment.
“We follow in the footsteps of 2-17, 7-17 and now 3-17 Cavalry.” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Christopher Downey, of Philadelphia, TF Shooter commander, in his speech during the ceremony. “The colors, the leaders and the Cavalry troopers are transitioning today, but this is the only thing that will change with the mission assumption as the fourth U.S. Cavalry Squadron to serve here at Jalalabad. Aggressive, competent and responsive Army Aviation throughout this battle space will remain constant.”
The 6th Sqdn., 6th Cav. Aviation Regt,. reactivated July 6, 1990, greatly contributed aviation support in combat from Operations Desert Shield and Storm to Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. In addition, the squadron was called upon to assist during Operations Joint Endeavor, Joint Guard and Joint Force in Bosnia-Herzegovina, as well as Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo.
Upon redeployment from Iraq in 2009, 6-6 Cav. Regt., known for its aerial reconnaissance capabilities of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, became a multi-functional aviation Task Force in March. This includes all four Army aircraft: AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters, UH-60 Black Hawk utility and medical evacuation helicopters, and CH-47 Chinook cargo helicopters.
With their multiple aerial capabilities, TF Shooter will be able to support ground elements along with coalition forces in the sustainment of counter insurgency in the areas of operation surrounding the city of Jalalabad and other areas in eastern Afghanistan. The squadron conducted collective training and aerial gunneries in preparation for their 12-month deployment to Afghanistan.
Incoming task force commander, Downey, recognized the actions of the leaders and Soldiers of TF Lighthorse, as he told them to be proud of their accomplishments.
“You truly set the bar high. You are truly a professional organization who sustained the energy to ensure that the Six Shooters were trained and ready.”
Downey added TF Shooter will not take the mission lightly.
“We already executed over 2,000 flight hours of responsive, relevant and integrated aviation support throughout area of operations Bastogne,” he said, directing his speech toward TF Bastogne, the ground task force in the area. “We are looking forward to continuing the collaborative work with your team. To our infantry brothers, you pick the fight, and we go your back!”
| Date Taken: | 11.20.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 11.20.2010 12:55 |
| Story ID: | 60556 |
| Location: | FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, AF |
| Web Views: | 304 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, TF Shooter takes over aviation ops, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
