Fellow Soldiers and unmanned aircraft systems operators, family members and friends gathered to commemorate the service and sacrifice of one of their own during a dedication ceremony of one of the Gray Eagle UAS hangars at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Fort Huachuca is the Army's training center for UAS operators.
Hangar Five was dedicated to Capt. Bradley Nicka, an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior pilot, platoon leader, and the Army's first MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft system company commander. Nicka was 29 when he died from a brain tumor in September 2013.
"It is truly an honor to be able to recognize and dedicate one of the Army's Gray Eagle hangars to an outstanding Soldier," said Lt. Col. Tony Davila, product manager for Medium Altitude Endurance UAS. "Capt. Nicka had the utmost dedication to the Army mission. He will always be remembered for his sacrifice, leadership and bravery."
Nicka served with the 2-13th Aviation Regiment at the time of his death.
During his service, Nicka conducted two combat deployments to Afghanistan. During his first deployment, he led Soldiers and flew combat reconnaissance missions from Kandahar Air Base as an OH-58D troop platoon leader assigned to C Troop, 1st Squadron 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade. He earned the Air Medal and Combat Action Badge for his action throughout multiple combat mission and enemy engagements.
As the commander of Quick Reaction Force Company 1, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment, Nicka rendered distinguished and unparalleled service to the battalion and UAS community during more than 18 months of company command. He was known to his leadership and peers for his inspiration and leadership throughout their training in the MQ-1C Gray Eagle and their deployment with the 160th special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) to Operation Enduring Freedom 12-13.
An excerpt from the dedication plaque reads: "Capt. Nicka worked tirelessly to improve and sharpen the performance of his company through constant training in order to provide optimal operational support to special operations forces. His operational performance was second-to-none, culminating in over 2,750 MQ-1C hours in support of more than 250 combat operations. His exceptional capacity for developing new employment techniques for UAS systems has shaped the way unmanned reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition is performed. Dedicated to this Soldiers and family, Capt. Nicka earned a deep-founded respect from all who knew him and fell under his command. Capt. Nicka was a compassionate leader, dedicated Soldier and loving husband, father, brother and son."
Nicka was born in Painesville, Ohio, on May 8, 1984, and he grew up in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 2006 with a bachelor's in civil engineering and received his commission as a second lieutenant. He received a master's in business administration from Webster University in 2012.
Nicka served as an aviator with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment with two combat tours in Afghanistan. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Army Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge and the Army Parachutist Badge.
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