Aviation Brigade - 42nd Infantry Division (Mechanized)

Brigade Aviation responsibilities in Iraq encompass a full spectrum of combat, combat support and combat service support operations for the division. From transporting the Commanding General, Soldiers and supplies to reconnaissance and security missions, as well as direct combat operations with attack helicopters. The Rainbow Aviation Brigade began their individual Army certification training at Fort Dix, NJ in June 2004 and moved on to the Aviation training exercise at Fort Rucker, Alabama. One of the aircraft the aviation brigade has in it's arsenal is the AH-64A Apache Helicopter which provides day, night and all-weather attack helicopter capabilities. The Apache is the Army's primary attack helicopter. It is a quick-reacting, airborne weapon system that can fight close and deep to destroy, disrupt or delay enemy forces.