4/6 Air Cavalry Squadron (4/6 ACS) "Sabre"
4th Squadron "Winged Dragoons"
The Regimental Aviation Squadron, which was previously a part of the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, is realigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps as the 4/6 Air Cavalry Squadron (4/6 ACS). The final unit configuration for the 4/6 ACS has not been determined as of November 2004. Assuming that unit configuration would be similar to that of the Regimental Aviation Squadron, the 4/6 ACS would employ a total of 41 rotary wing aircraft as follows:
- 24 OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters
- 8 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters
- 9 AH-64 Apache helicopters
4th Squadron is part of the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment and is located at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The units mission is to deploy on order a Regimental Aviation Squadron (RAS) to conduct reconnaissance, screen and air movement anywhere in the world; prepared to fight on arrival. On order, conduct joint armed reconnaissance in support of operation Prime Chance
The 4th Squadron is an Air Cavalry Squadron consisting of;
- 4 OH-58D(I) Kiowa Warrior Troops
- 1 UH-60 Air Troop
- 1 Maintenance Troop
- 1 Headquarters and Headquarters Troop
- 1 Chemical Company
The Headquarters and Headquarters Troop provides the field trains (combat service support) to the Squadron. The unit supplies the Squadron with all Classes of Supply, exp: food, clothing, fuel, barrier materials, ammunition, comfort gear, major components, medical supplies, building materials, and locally manufactured goods.
Nomad Troop, an armed reconnaissance air cavalry troop with the focus of being the eyes and ears of the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment. As a combined arms team, Nomad conducts reconnaissance and security operations day or night, anytime, and anywhere in the world. This is accomplished with seven armed OH-58D(I) Kiowa Warrior reconnaissance helicopters flown and maintained by some of the best and most dedicated soldiers in the Army. Troop training includes working closely with the Regimental Ground Cavalry assets to include air defense units, field artillery, and ground cavalry scouts. The mission of N troop is to rapidly deploy to a designated area of operations and occupy a tactical assembly area; conduct reconnaissance, security, and attack helicopter operations anywhere in the world; prepared to fight on arrival and win.
O Troop provides reconnaissance, target acquisition, and attack helicopter capability to the world renowned 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment (Light). It is equipped with the armed OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. The Air Cavalry Troop in a Light Regimental Aviation Squadron consists of three platoons. They are named 1st, 2nd, and HQ. The 1st and 2nd platoon have 8 OH-58D Kiowa Warriors each and are responsible for maintaining them and conducting missions in support of the Squadron and Regiment. The HQ platoon supports the line platoons with food, water, mail and anything else the members of the unit might need to perform their mission. The mission of O Troop is to rapidly deploy to a designated area of operations and occupy a tactical assembly area; conduct reconnaissance, security, and attack helicopter operations anywhere in the world; prepared to fight on arrival and win.
Palehorse Troop's primary focus is to be the eyes and ears for the Regimental Commander, through reconnaissance and security operations. The unit does this with eights armed reconnaissance helicopters. The unit's weapons of choice are the .50cal Machine Gun, and 2.75 inch Rockets.
The mission of Q Troop, 4/2 ACR, is to, on order, rapidly deploy to conduct reconnaissance, security, and attack operations anywhere in the world; and be prepared to fight upon arrival and win.
Renegade Troop is a dynamic force multiplier in the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment's Aviation Squadron. With its UH-60 Blackhawks, the Troop provides the Regiment with the capability to rapidly resupply, conduct airborne Command and Control, emplace minefields, and swiftly displace soldiers across the depth of the battlefield. The missiono of Renegade Troop, 4/2d Armored Cavalry Regiment is to rapidly deploy to conduct air movement operations and airborne C2 anywhere in the world, prepared to fight upon arrival and win.
S Troop is the Aviation Unit Maintenance (AVUM) Troop in 4th Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. The units provides maintenance and repair parts support to the Squadron's 32 OH58D(I) Kiowa Warrior and 15 UH60 Black Hawk helicopters. S troop consists of 120 soldiers in 16 separate Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) ranging from turbine engine mechanics to test pilots.
This team of over 500 Troopers (not including the 200 who departed) and 1,200 family members truly did its part in the nation's war on terrorism. They helped lay the foundation for the establishment of a safe, secure and democratic Iraq. More importantly, they made a difference in the defense of our homeland and in meeting the national security needs of our great nation abroad.
4th Squadron, 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment, call sign "Sabre", as it exists today, has a shared lineage. Sabre Squadron traces its history along two distinguished paths. The first is the heritage of the Squadron as traced from what was then called Aviation Company of the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment, activated on 23 May, 1960 at Nuremberg, Germany. Aviation Company consisted of O-1 Bird Dog fixed wing aircraft, O-13 Light Observation Helicopters, and a few radio-controlled drones. The second path is that traced from October 1991 and belongs to the then 4th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, then located at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Together, these converging histories form the unique and eminent story of some of the finest cavalrymen to ever grace the saddle.
In December 1966 the 52nd Colonel of the Regiment, James P. Cahill, officially re-designated Aviation Company as Air Troop, 2d ACR, and the following year moved the unit to Feucht Army Airfield. From Feucht, Air Troop supported the Regiment's border surveillance mission. In July 1971 Air Troop again changed its designation to "Air Cavalry Troop, 2d ACR".
In January of 1976, Air Cavalry Troop fielded the new AH-1Q TOW armed Cobra helicopter, adding a third dimension to the Regiment's ability to engage threat armored vehicles. It is also noteworthy that in May of 1976 the first border surveillance was conducted by an Air Cavalry Troop aircraft using Night Vision Goggles. A flight of two successfully flew the border trace using AN-PVS-5 NVG's.
Throughout the late 1970's and early 1980's the Regiment's Air Cavalry Troop continued growth and modernization. Because of this growth the Troop was divided in two in late 1976, forming Support Troop, and Air Cavalry Troop. Both Troops were responsible for surveillance along the Czechoslovakian border. On 16 October 1984 the Aviation Troops were again reorganized, this time as a Combat Aviation Squadron consisting of seven troops, three Air Cavalry, two Attack, one Combat Aviation (Utility Helicopter), and an HHT. The eighth troop, AVUM, was added on 11 July 1985.
In June of 1987 the Combat Aviation Squadron was re-designated as the 4th Squadron, 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment, "Redcatchers". The Squadron's troops were officially designated as HHT, N,O,P,Q,R,S, and AVUM troops, and in 1988 fielded UH-60 Blackhawks in S Troop. By November, 1989, the 4th Squadron was no longer guarding against invading armies from the East, but was observing thousands who fled daily across the former Warsaw Pact border in search of freedom in the West.
In December of 1990 the Squadron deployed to Saudi Arabia with the Regiment. The Squadron led the Regiment across the Iraqi border on 23 February 1991 and culminated its operations there screening along the Euphrates River until withdrawal in the second week of April. The Squadron redeployed to Nuremberg with the Regiment and began preparations for deployment back to CONUS with the Regiment. However, as part of the Post Cold War "drawdown" Army wide and especially in Europe, the 4th Squadron was deactivated in 1992. The Regiment was moved for a brief period to Fort Lewis, Washington, and then on to it's present home at Fort Polk, Louisiana.
During and after the 1990-91 Gulf War the National Command Authorities identified a requirement to protect United States Naval and other maritime vital interests against "unconventional" naval threats. Task Force 118, later designated as 4th Squadron, 17th Cavalry, was formed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina to accomplish the "Prime Chance" mission.
The unit was the first to have armed OH-58D aircraft, later officially accepted into the Army inventory as the Kiowa Warrior, and was specially trained to conduct over-water reconnaissance and attack missions in support of vital National Interests. The then experimental aircraft were armed with "strap on" rocket pods, machine guns, and the deadly Hellfire missile system. The aircraft and the crews who flew them eventually logged over 6500 night vision goggle hours, escorted 500 ships, and operated from the decks of 47 naval combatants in the North Arabian Gulf. Upon redeployment of 4-17th Cavalry to Fort Bragg, the Squadron continued to train and stand ready to perform it's Prime Chance mission. The Squadron received the first OH-58D Kiowa Warrior aircraft produced from the Bell Helicopter factory as replacements for it's makeshift Prime Chance aircraft, and was then organized with three "Little Bird" Troops, one Assault Troop, and an HHT.
The unit was re-designated as the 4th Squadron, 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment on January 16th 1994, and promptly deployed to Haiti in support of Operation Uphold Democracy. The Squadron conducted the first reconnaissance in country and supported JTF 180 operations. Three years later, in May of 1997, the Squadron moved to Fort Polk, finally reuniting with the Regiment of Dragoons, and once again deploying, this time for Operation Joint Guard in Bosnia. The Squadron returned to Fort Polk in June of 1998.
Since 4th Squadron's return they have deployed to the NTC for Rotation 99-10 and again for rotation 02-04. Both rotations proved 4th Squadron to be a highly trained and lethal combat unit. Between these two rotations the Squadron deployed twice to Fort Huachuca, AZ and twice to Fort Hunter Ligget, CA for JTF-6 Counter-drug mission support. In September 2001 through April 2002 the Squadron deployed Palehorse, Quickstrike Troops and a detachment of Stetson Troop to Bosnia in support of SFOR-10. They played a key role in maintaining the peace in the Balkans and performed anti-terrorist missions following the 11 September terrorist attacks.
With the return of Palehorse and Quickstrike, the reunited Squadron deployed into our own backyard for Joint Readiness Training Center rotation 02-09. Although, the rotation again showed the strength of the Air Cavalry, it was made bitter by the loss of two fine Warrant Officers to an aircraft accident.
Among some of our many accomplishments during the year of deployment were: the Chem. Dawgs of 87th being the first from the Regiment to attack into Iraq in March 2003 at the forefront of Army and Marine Corps spearheads, Outlaw moving out next as part of Task Force Cougar in early April with the rest of the Squadron following that same month. Together, they had flown over 16,000 combat hours in support of the Regimental Combat Team, the 1st Armored Division (1AD) and the 3d Infantry Division (1AD). Nomad, Outlaw and Palehorse had Air Cavalry brand-name recognition in Baghdad for armed reconnaissance and area security support. Renegade set the standard for a UH60L Troop in Iraq. They moved over 7,000 passengers and hauled thousands of tons of cargo while conducting countless command and control missions in support of the Regiment. We contributed to the death or capture of hundreds of terrorists that will no longer threaten Iraq or our loved ones in the United States. They also assisted in the seizure of thousands of small arms, hundreds of heavy caliber weapons, tons of munitions, all the while making the streets of Iraq safe for her citizens one day at a time. They simultaneously pumped over one million gallons of jet fuel and drove over 100,000 ground convoy miles with Task Force Hammer in the heart of Baghdad. Workhorse and Stetson were truly the heavy lifters when it came to Force Protection and meeting the complex ground and air coordination and maintenance needs of this Squadron. Success in combat and at home was spelled t-e-a-m.
August was busy month for the Sabre Squadron. Sabre Squadron has sustained an operational tempo uncontested by any other aviation unit within our area of responsibility, to date never canceling a mission. They continued to improve our living areas everyday. We started this month with a Change of Responsibility of the Command Sergeant Majors. On a somber note, Sabre Squadron suffered a loss this month with the unexpected death of Spc. Colunga. Sabre Squadron continues to meet every demand and improve quality of life and life support daily. Sabre Squadron continues to surpass all expectations with our OPTEMPO by averaging 1400 hrs a month for flight hours flown with a total of 5000 in country. We continue to support all units within the Baghdad AOR. The OH-58Ds continue to perform zone and area reconnaissance missions, route reconnaissance, and area security missions in support of, or in preparation for ground operations. Most recently the OH-58Ds provided area security for the United Nation's compound after the bombing. The UH-60s continue to stay busy supporting the Regiment and other units within the AOR. They conducted a multiship air movement in support 2/37 Armor and sling loads with RSS. Living areas continue to improve every day. The swimming pool has opened and providing hundreds of soldiers a day a welcome escape from the heat. All of Sabre Squadron's living areas have air conditioning now. 4th Squadron's weight room AKA Jim's Gym continues to improve everyday with incoming equipment. The Cantina continues to improve with the addition of an Internet Café which should open the 1st week of September.
September was a busy month for the Sabre Squadron. Sabre Squadron continues to sustain an operational tempo uncontested by any other aviation unit within our area of responsibility, to date never canceling a mission. They continue to improve our living areas everyday. Sabre Squadron continues to meet every demand and improve quality of life and life support daily. Sabre Squadron continues to surpass all expectations with our OPTEMPO by averaging 1500 hrs a month and 6800 total flight hours to date. They continue to support all units within the Baghdad AOR. The OH-58Ds continue to perform zone and area reconnaissance missions, route reconnaissance, and area security missions in support of, or in preparation for ground operations. The UH-60s continue to stay busy supporting the Regiment and other units within the AOR. They continue to conduct multiship air movements and sling loads. In addition they have ongoing missions of personnel movement to BIAP, Balad, Combat Support Hospital, and Doha, Kuwait. Both the OH-58Ds and the UH-60s provided continuous support Operation Fly Trap. In addition, both were preparing for Aerial Gunnery in October. Our living areas continue to improve every day. The Cantina continues to improve with the addition of an Internet Café, big screen TVs with satellite, pool tables, and foosball tables. Many soldiers got to enjoy the Drew Carey show at BIAP. Renegade Troop supported that by shuttling 44 soldiers there and back. 4th Squadron also has conducted 2 trips to Babylon for guided tours of the ancient ruins. The Squadron will continue to take soldiers to Babylon from the Regiment twice a month. We have also started to send soldiers home on Environmental Leave in September. The Squadron held an awards ceremony on 28 September 03, there were a total of 48 awards given out. Immediately following the awards ceremony the squadron held a grudge match flag football game between the Drivers and the Flyers.
October marked the sixth month that 4th Squadron has been deployed. The weather has started to cool down which was a welcome relief from the summer heat. The Squadron conducted aerial gunnery this month at Butler range. They also held a Spur Ride as well as a Spur dinner. The first soldiers returned from their well-deserved environmental leave. Despite all of this going on 4th Squadron has continued to conduct combat operations 24 hours a day 7 days a week in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. October brought with it cooler temperatures. With the cooler temperatures the Mosquitoes have decided to revisit us as well. Many of the troops are taking advantage of this cool weather by conducting their Army Physical Fitness Test. Aerial Gunnery went extremely well. The Squadron demonstrated its ability to successfully conduct two missions at once. While continuing our normal mission support the squadron conducted aerial gunnery without missing a beat. The OH-58D crews qualified tables III, IV, VII, and VIII.. The UH-60's conducted door gunnery. LTC Beckinger and the CSM Marin both participated in the UH-60 door gunnery. The Spur ride went extremely well. The day began at 0630 for the first Squadron run in country. At 0930 we held an awards ceremony where the first Air Medals were awarded. Immediately following the awards ceremony the Spur Ride began. More than 150 soldiers participated in the Spur Ride. The day ended with a Spur Dinner, 250 soldiers were at the spur dinner.
November 2003 marked the seventh month that 4th Squadron has been deployed. The weather has started to cool down which was a welcome relief from the summer heat. Soldiers continue to take advantage of Environmental Leave. Despite everything going on 4th Squadron has continued to conduct combat operations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. November has brought with it cooler temperatures. All living areas have outfitted with heaters now as well. It does get very chilly at night. However the days are very pleasant. We have had our fair share of rain. It is very muddy around the base camp. The Squadron conducted a convoy live fire exercise that went extremely well. The Live Fire exercise was conducted at Butler Range Complex. Forty soldiers participated in the exercise. This experience will increase the combat readiness of Fourth Squadron. The Squadron also conducted close quarters combat training and approximately forty soldiers participated in this training as well. Both exercises were great opportunities for the soldiers to do some invaluable training.
The Squadron was able to take brief, well-deserved breaks from daily combat operations: they also redeployed 118 short of the "365 days boots on the ground" policy and received 88 replacements. They had 205 go on environmental or emergency leave (fully 73% of the eligible), 57 went on pass to Qatar and over 100 attended the Babylon cultural awareness day trip. In forms of tangible accomplishments over 20 children were born while they were away, 12 wedding engagements announced, they presented 22 Bronze Stars, 307 air medals and 348 army commendation medals to deserving troopers. At home, the Rear Detachment and Family Readiness Group hosted a variety of team building events ranging from monthly Video Tele Conferences (over 160 participating), recurring festive holiday gatherings and, of course, the spectacular homecoming.
