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171st Aviation Battalion Deploys,
Will head to Kuwait for War on Terrorism

Onlookers wave goodbye to the Black Hawks of the 171st Avn Regiment as the aircra'ft make a final pass over Dobbins before departing for their active duty rotation. More photos

Some 230 Georgia Army National Guardsmen of the First Battalion 171st Aviation Regiment said farewell to their families and friends on Tuesday, January 6 as they prepared to deploy to Fort Knox, Ky. and then to the Middle East. The deployment is the first for the aviation battalion, which flies eight UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters at Dobbins ARB.

The 1/171st was the one of two aviation units in the Georgia Army National Guard that received alert notices in September 2003 when the Pentagon announced the proposed schedule of unit rotations. The first Georgia aviation unit to deploy before Christmas was Company C of the 1/171st Aviation Regiment that flies the Sherpa aircraft. 

“As long as you live, you will never forget this day,” said Major General David B. Poythress when he addressed the formation of soldiers and the more than 500 family members and friends prior to the Guardsmen boarding buses. Also on hand to wish the troops well was Mayor Bill Dunaway of Marietta who presented LTC Brent Bracewell, the unit commander, with a flag of Marietta. LTC Brent Bracewell emphasized that the troops were ready for whatever challenges that may come their way. 

"Our current plans are to spend several weeks in preparation for deployment at Fort Knox and then be deployed to Kuwait”, continued Bracewell.

Flight crews started engines running and rotors turning on the seven helicopters moments before noon. The formation lifted off individually and formed a tight formation before circling back across the crowded tarmac filled with well wishers.

Officials indicate that the deployment of the 1/171st will extend approximately eighteen months.    

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