JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Late last month the Army announced the future activations of two 16th Combat Aviation Brigade units.
Soon Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 158th Assault Helicopter Regiment and the 46th Aviation Support Battalion will be stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
The activations, which will eventually add almost 1,000 military personel to the JBLM troop population, is part of what the Army calls "force structure actions, as part of the Army's broader strategic and operational requirements, which incorporate initiatives to include Army Force Generation model and Army transformation, both of which are required to achieve the Army's goal of rebalancing the force."
The move is part of the previously announced activation of the 16th CAB and will be completed by Oct. 16, 2014.
The brigade uncased its colors in August after a move from Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
According to Maj. John Tiedeman, 2-158 AHB's S-3, his unit, commanded by Lt. Col. Bryan Hoff, will be "the premier assault helicopter battalion in Army aviation."
"The unit is being fitted with cutting edge equipment and highly trained Soldiers," he said.
"The uniqueness of this battalion is being able to build from scratch, using all the ingredients needed for a professional organization, a clear mission, inspirational leaders, a motivated NCO corps, and Soldiers who model the Warrior Ethos. We all have the same end-state in sight, a standards-based organization that is ready to deploy when called upon."
Tiedeman said the mission of the AHB will be "to conduct air assault and tactical air movement operations with the (Stryker brigade combat teams) and essentially to deliver combat power to the objective area and give infantry brigade commanders operational reach and flexibility."
They'll also have the ability to conduct aerial command and control, air drops, aerial sustainment, and CASEVAC missions.
Two flight companies will join 2-158th's ranks in the coming year, ending with approximately 400 personnel; almost three dozen UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, 405 personnel; and supporting ground equipment.
The mission of the 46th ASB is to "plan, coordinate, and execute the aviation brigade's sustainment and signal support requirements" and is a unit that'll be thought of as "the maintenance backbone that keeps the 16th CAB in the air."
Officials from the 16th CAB said the brigade is working hard to meet its full strength and JBLM and the surrounding areas should expect to see an increase of Army aircraft as early as next spring, as well as 16th CAB Soldiers working both on and off the installation.
"This is an exciting time for the 16th CAB as we join the legacy of America's Corps -- I Corps," Tiederman said.
David Poe: david.poe@nwguardian.com
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