2-58th Avn. Regt. inactivates, Soldiers reorganize into companies

By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff WriterSeptember 22, 2016

2-58th Avn. Regt. inactivates, Soldiers reorganize into companies
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FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Soldiers bid farewell to their unit that can trace its history back nearly 50 years as it inactivated during a ceremony at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum Sept. 17.

The 2nd Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment (Airfield Operations) may have cased its colors, but Soldiers of the unit will reorganize to become two separate air traffic services companies to support ongoing operations, according to Col. Andrew Doehring, 11th Aviation Command deputy commander.

"Today we're starting a new history in Reserve Aviation and a new history in Army Aviation, and it's great to be a part of this historic event," he said during the ceremony. "Although we're losing our battalion headquarters, we're not losing our air traffic services capability."

The battalion will now reorganize into two air traffic services companies: F Co., 7th Bn., 158th Aviation Regiment, which will call Fort Rucker home; and F Co., 5th Bn., 159th Avn. Regt., which will find its home in Fort Knox, Kentucky.

"Reorganizing these two ATS companies will provide each (general support Aviation battalion) with the same structure as their active component counterparts, and I'm confident that this will allow for greater opportunities in the future," said Doehring. "Most of you will embrace this change and overcome the short-term challenges this presents, and we will all be a better Reserve Aviation for it."

During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Daniel McClintock, 2-58th commander, relinquished command of the unit, and although his time in command was short, Doehring said it was time well spent.

"Lieutenant Colonel McClintock's time in command has been cut short by a year, but in that year in command he's gotten about two years of actions done," he said. "Dan, I know that you're not ready to be done with this yet, but in this short year you've done an outstanding job."

McClintock said that although the time to give up command is bittersweet, he is proud of what his Soldiers were able to accomplish during his time with them.

"I came on board 12 months ago to the best airfield operations battalion, and we're one of only three battalions in the 11th Aviation Command that successfully trained, validated and deployed," he said. "Watching what you've done in the past 12 months has been my best privilege as an officer.

"Here is where I've seen the senior NCOs and Soldiers actually doing the mission," he continued. "Here's where I also saw warrant officers stand up and take charge when they needed to. Here is where I saw the officers take care of Soldiers and make sure every individual was ready for the next mission -- it was impressive."

Although his time in command was cut short, McClintock and Doehring said they were both honored to be a part of Aviation history.

"It's been my honor to be here today and be able to share this part of making Aviation history," said Doehring. "The entire command is very proud to have had the 2-58th AOB. Her history is rich, strong and will remain. The future is bright with our two new ATS companies, and it's an exciting day to be a part of Army Aviation and Army Reserve Aviation."