CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo — The Colorado Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion) transferred the KFOR Regional Command-East aviation mission to the 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, Aug. 30, 2026.
The transfer ensures continued rotary-wing support to KFOR throughout RC-E, providing aviation capabilities that support troop movement, medical evacuation, training and operations across the region.
The outgoing formation, Task Force Blackjack, consists of the COARNG’s 2-135th GSAB, including Tennessee ARNG aviators assigned to Company C. The incoming 3-1 AHB operates as Task Force Nightmare.
Florida Army National Guard Col. John Sargeant, commander of KFOR RC-E, presided over the ceremony and recognized Task Force Blackjack’s contributions during nine months of mobilization, training and operations.
Over the rotation, Task Force Blackjack logged more than 1,900 flight hours, conducted 359 crew proficiency training flights and distributed more than 134,000 gallons of JP-8 aviation fuel while supporting KFOR operations.
“Perhaps most impressive was their work in changing the way that we patrolled the Administrative Boundary Line,” Sargeant said.
Sargeant credited Task Force Blackjack’s infiltration and exfiltration support to the RC-E Maneuver Battalion with having a direct impact on reducing illegal activity along the ABL.
Task Force Blackjack entered active duty Dec. 26, 2025, with Soldiers from Colorado and Tennessee mobilizing and training at Fort Hood, Texas. The task force deployed to Camp Bondsteel in January and assumed responsibility for the KFOR aviation mission Feb. 6 in support of Operation Joint Guardian.
Colorado ARNG Lt. Col. Ronald Bryant, commander of Task Force Blackjack, reflected on the task force’s service and recognized the Soldiers whose efforts in flight operations, maintenance and staff sections enabled the mission.
“You are inheriting a mission of great importance, and we have complete confidence in your ability to carry it forward with distinction,” Bryant said.
Bryant also recognized the Soldiers whose work behind the scenes sustained Task Force Blackjack’s aviation operations.
“Your humility, your dedication and your willingness to do the hard work no one sees are what truly carry this mission,” Bryant said.
The ceremony included the casing of Task Force Blackjack’s colors, marking the completion of its mission and the transition of aviation responsibilities to Task Force Nightmare.
For Task Force Nightmare, the KFOR mission represents another milestone in its ongoing U.S. European Command rotation and expands the task force’s footprint to a fourth forward operating site.
“This ceremony is more than a change in call sign,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeremiah Webb, commander of Task Force Nightmare. “It represents the continuity of the mission, the trust placed in our formation to remain ready, disciplined and committed to support the ground force.”
Webb thanked Task Force Blackjack for the deliberate transition and said Task Force Nightmare would build on the relationships and operational foundation established by the outgoing task force.
“We’re proud to assume the mission,” Webb said. “We’re ready to carry the torch forward.”
The transfer of the KFOR aviation mission to Task Force Nightmare becomes effective Sept. 1, 2026.
KFOR continues to implement its mandate based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999 to contribute to a safe and secure environment for all people in Kosovo and freedom of movement at all times and impartially.