LIELVARDE, Latvia - Maj. Gen. Erik C. Peterson, the Director of Army Aviation, visited Soldiers at Lielvarde Air Base, Latvia, May 12. Peterson visited several locations on the airbase, to include the control tower, the hangar, and the dining facility.
At the tower, Peterson attended a brief conducted by U.S. Army Maj. Nathan Colvin, the officer in charge of operations for Task Force Baltic Phoenix, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York.
The unit is deployed to Lielvarde to conduct aviation operations in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which demonstrates U.S. commitment to NATO Allies and partners by rotating units throughout the European theater.
The brief discussed Task Force Phoenix's mission in the Baltics and the overall objective for 10th CAB in the region. Other topics discussed were the unit capabilities, training scenarios and future actions.
Departing to the hangar, Peterson met with a group of flight crew and aircraft mechanics, one of which was Sgt. Jourdain Knight, a flight instructor with 2nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York.
Peterson inquired about the missions Task Force Phoenix has conducted since their arrival. He asked about mail, daily life and parts availability for the helicopters.
"He's very professional," Knight said. "You could tell he's a prior aviator... he definitely knows his way around the aircraft."
Peterson offered advice and equipment operations knowledge, Knight said.
"When you have somebody, who actually knows exactly what's going on and who knows the system as well as you, it's very impressive," Knight said.
Peterson ate lunch with Soldiers at the dining facility on Lielvarde before departing the air base.
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