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LATHAM--New York Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 5 James "Jimmy" McCauley (right) stands with Chief Warrant Officer 3 Christopher Hansen as Hansen presents a gift to McCauley who is retiring after 41 years of service from the New York Army National Guard on August 29, 2024 at the New York Army Aviation Support Facility in Latham, N.Y. McCauley's family, friends and co -workers came to watch his final flight that day.
Sep 04, 2024
FORT DRUM--New York Army National Guard Sgt. First Class Matt Cordaro a crew chief with the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade prepares the machine gun station on a UH-60M Blackhawk helicopter for flight at Fort Drum N.Y. onAug. 15 2024. Cordaro was preparing to conduct aerial gunnery training from the Blackhawk.
Aug 29, 2024
ALBANY-- New York National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 42nd Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, along with the family and friends of Chief Warrant Officers 2 John Grassia III and Casey Frankoski, fill the Empire State Convention Center in Albany during a unit memorial ceremony honoring the two pilots held on April 21, 2024. Grassia and Frankoski were killed when their UH-72 Lakota helicopter crashed during a March 8 mission along the Texas border. A Border Patrol officer on board the helicopter was also killed.
May 01, 2024
SARATOGA NATIONAL CEMETERY-New York Army National Guard Col. Jason Lefton, the commander of the 42nd Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade presents an American flag to the father and mother of Chief Warrant Officer 2 John M. Grassia III following military funeral services held at Gerald B. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, New York on March 26, 2024. Grassia, along with Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Frankoski, was killed in a March 8 helicopter crash outside Rio Grande City, Texas while patrolling the southwest border in support of the Border Patrol.
Mar 26, 2024
CAMP ROBINSON, ARKANSAS--U.S. Army Sergeants 1st Class Michael Trask and Robert Lamorte II, assigned to the New York Army National Guards 42nd Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade display the New York State flag during the Army Guards week-long Winston P. Wilson machine gun competition at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in North Little Rock Arkansas May 16-20. The two decided to compete at the last minute representing the state with just hours to go in the enrollment deadline.
Jul 11, 2022
GUILDERLAND --Spc Ilies Benaiche of Bravo Company 642nd Aviation Support Battalion fires a M-4 Carbine while participating in the 42nd Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades best warrior competition at Guilderland Range NY on 19 March. The competition was designed to evaluate the basic soldier skills of participants while under stressful situations.
Mar 21, 2022
ROCHESTER --Three New York Army National Guard pilots were killed on January 20, when a UH-60 medical evacuation helicopter crashed in the town of Mendon, New York on the night of January 20, 2021 during a training flight.Killed were (from Left): Chief Warrant Officer 5 Steven Skoda, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christian Koch and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Daniel Prial.Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General of New York, asked members of the New York National Guard to pray for Please pray for Skoda, Koch and Prial and their families and friends. "Their legacy of service will not be forgotten," Shields said in a message to the force.
Jan 22, 2021
LONG ISLAND--New York Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviation, speak with Col. Michael Charnley , the commander of the 42d Combat Aviation Brigade,during their annual training July 29 at state land on Long Island, New York. Soldiers were able to conduct training despite the challenges of dealing with the COVID 19 pandemic by wearing masks nd remaining socially distance when able.
Aug 04, 2020
RIVERHEAD--A New York Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter dips a Bambi bucket in a lake near Riverhead New York on June 12 2020. during water bucket training conducted by Soldiers based at Ronkonkoma. The New York Army National Guard conducts helicopter firefighting when local agencies request support through the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
Jun 15, 2020
LATHAM-- New York Army National Guard Col. Mark Slusar is greeted by his family-- his wife Sandra and daughters Abigail and Camryn-- following his final flight as an Army aviator at Aviation Support Facility 3 hanger on May 21 2020 in Latham New York. Slusar is retiring from the New York Army National Guard after 34 years of military service. His last job was as New York Army National Guard State Aviation Officer. ( U.S. Army National Guard photo by Eric Durr)
May 22, 2020
LOUDONVILLE--New York National Guard Soldiers of the 42nd Infantry Division stand in formation during the 42nd Infantry Division farewell ceremony held on January 11, 2020 at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y. The 42nd Infantry Division headquarters held farewell events in Loudonville, Staten Island and Rochester.
Jan 13, 2020
Col Jack James the commander of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade presents (from left ) Command Sgt. Major Joseph Marino Chief Warrant Officer 5 Marques Martins and Lt. Col. Christopher Spencer with the Order of Saint Michael medallion in recognition of their efforts and achievements to promote Army Aviation. The formal presentation occurred during the 42d CAB Dining Out at the Desmond in Latham NY on 6 April 2019.
Apr 22, 2019
A New York Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter transports search and rescue personnel and their all-terrain vehicles to St. Teresa, along the shoreline of the Florida panhandle October 12, 2018. The New York Army National Guard Soldiers deployed two Chinooks and two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters along with 25 crewmembers to Tallahassee, Florida to assist with response and recovery efforts for the Florida National Guard following the impact of Hurricane Michael. Courtesy photo.
Oct 14, 2018
A New York Army National Guard Soldier congratulates Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson at Army Aviation Support Facility #3 in Latham, N.Y. on Jan. 25, 2018 following Johnson's "Final Flight" as an Army Pilot. Johnson celebrated his final flight after 35 years of service.
Jan 29, 2018
LATHAM--U.S. Army Sgt. David Couture left a member of Alpha Company 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviation of the New York Army National Guard briefs members of the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps Mohawk Battalion-- comprised of college students from the Albany area-- on the proper way to board a UH-60 helicopter at Army Aviation Support Facility 1 in Latham N.Y. on March 30 2017. The Cadets were flying to Fort Ethan Allen Vt. for a training exercise on board three New York Army National Guard UH-60s. The flight provided the cadets with an opportunity to learn about Army aviation and the National Guard.
Mar 30, 2017
LATHAM-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade prepare their humvees for missions as a massive snow storm hits New York on March 14. The Soldiers are prepared to provide mobility support or traffic control help to local authorities. The Soldiers were among 2,000 Guard Soldiers and Airmen who Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo placed on state active duty or on standby to respond to the storm.
Mar 14, 2017
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP-- Army National Guard Director Lt. General Timothy J. Kadavy ( far right) visits members of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade during a Warfighter command post exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennyslvania on Wednesday, Nov. 16.
Nov 21, 2016
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA-- New York Army National Guard aviation Soldiers assigned to the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade ponder their next move over a map of the area of operations in their command post during a two-week Warfighter command post exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap on Thursday Nov. 10 2016. The exercise is testing the staff skills the Soldiers need to handle a variety of complex aviation missions.
Nov 16, 2016
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP--New York Army National Guard Col. Jack James commander of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (right) listens as a leader outlines his units actions during a rehearsal of concept briefing at Fort Indiantown Gap Pennsylvania on Monday, Nov. 7, 2016 conducted as part of a Warfighter command post exercise.
Nov 09, 2016
FORT INDIANTION GAP, PA--New York Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade set up their command post at Fort Indiantown Gap on Saturday, October 22 as the unit prepared for its Warfighter command post exercise which will be conducted in November.
Oct 31, 2016
ROCHESTER-- New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class John Bobeck, a flight engineer with B Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, takes in the view of Lake Ontario from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during his final flight as a member of the National Guard on Saturday, May 14, 2016. Bobeck is retiring after 27 years of service.
May 18, 2016
A New York Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk based in Latham, N.Y. hovers in place while doing swift load and drop water bucket training at Round Lake N.Y.on Thursday May 5, 2016. The National Guard conducts this training annually to practice flying with that much additional weight under the aircraft. The Soldiers are part of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade.
May 06, 2016
LATHAM, N.Y. -- Chief Warrant Officer 2 Franz Scott (right) poses with Chief Warrant Officer 5 Chuck Rodda at the National Guard flight facility here on March 25, 2016, after Scott's return from a mission on the Mexican border. Eleven Soldiers of the 224th Security and Support Battalion flew missions in support of the United States Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencies. The missions, which took place over the last six months, were designed to stop the smuggling of drugs and illegal immigrants across the border. Scott is from Queens, N.Y. and Rodda is from Pittstown, N.Y. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Raymond Drumsta/released)
Mar 28, 2016
ROCHESTER--Leaders of the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade join Major General Harry Miller in a toast during the brigade's Dining In at the Brook Lea Country Club here on Feb. 27, 2016.
Mar 02, 2016
FORT DRUM--New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Kevin Ferreira the operations officer for the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade conducts a simulated flight during training on June 17 2015 at Fort Drum N.Y. as part of a Multi-echelon Integrated Brigade Training exercise conducted during annual training. Soldiers of the 42nd Infantry Division headquarters executed mission command tasks as part of joint training with the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from the Vermont Army National Guard and the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from the Virginia Army National Guard.
Jun 30, 2015
LATHAM--Col. Jack James, center, the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade commander, leads Command Sgt. Maj. Jorge Vasquez, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Marino, right the outgoing and incoming 42nd CAB command sergeants major, respectively, in marching during a change of responsibility ceremony Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters in Latham, N.Y.
May 18, 2015
ELLENVILLE-- A UH-60 Blackhawk from the Army Aviation Support Facility in Latham heads out on a fire supression mission on Tuesday, May 5 while another UH-60 gets ready to go. Two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and crews assisted in fighting a forest fire in Shawangunk Ridge State Forest near Summitville in Ulster County.
May 06, 2015
GUILDERLAND--New York Army National Guard Sgt. Andrew Mesick, left, of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, helps Master Sgt. Gregory Martin repair part of a Command Post Tent System during training event at the Guilderland Range Saturday, April 11, 2015.
Apr 13, 2015
LATHAM-- New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Jack James accepts the colors of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade from Major General Harry Miller, commander of the 42nd Infantry Division, during change-of-command ceremonies at the Army Aviation Support Facility here on Saturday, Nov. 15. james replaces Col. Al Ricci who is retiring.
Nov 18, 2014
LATHAM-- New York Army National Guard Col. Al Ricci greets his daughters following his final flight as a military pilot on Monday Oct. 27 at the Army Aviation Support Facility here. Ricci, a veteran of the Iraq War is retiring after 30 years. His final service was as the commander of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, which include a ten-month deployment to Kuwait.
Oct 28, 2014
LATHAM -- A New York Army National Guard UH-72 Lakota helicopter leaves Army Aviation Support Facility 3 here recently en route to Texas. Three aviators from the New York Army National Guard deployed in support of Operation Guardian Eye as part of the Southwest Border mission in support of the U.S. Border Patrol.
Oct 03, 2014
FORT HOOD, Texas -- More aviation Soldiers from New York's 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, headquartered in Latham, receive final demobilization briefings before getting their release from active duty. The 42nd CAB was deployed to Camp Buehring, Kuwait for about nine months along with aviation units from New York's 642nd Aviation Support Battalion and the 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion. The 42nd CAB provided aviation support for U.S. military forces deployed to Kuwait.
Aug 21, 2014
New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade conduct demobilization tasks at the Fort Hood Soldier Readiness Center. Approximately 250 New York Soldiers redeployed from their nine month mission to Kuwait Aug. 9. Another 150 are expected to return to Fort Hood from Kuwait Aug. 16. The aviation brigade task force comprised more than 1,200 Soldiers from aviation elements of the active Army and Army National Guard. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Wheeler, 1st Army Division West/released.
Aug 14, 2014
FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Army Pvt. Ethan Taylor and his search dog sit aboard a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter piloted by the New York National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment based in Ronkonkoma, N.Y. during some annual training exercises on July 23. Taylor, his dog and about 15 others are members of the 16th Military Police Brigade headquartered at Fort Bragg, N.C., an active duty unit temporarily stationed at Fort Drum for training purposes. There were five dog handlers introducing their dogs to boarding a helicopter while the aircraft was not operational. Later training would allow the dogs to ride aboard an actual flight. The 142nd was also performing annual training and assisting the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment and the 258th Field Artillery to conduct sling load and air assault training. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Steven Petibone, 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters.
Jul 24, 2014
Soldiers from U.S. Army Central Command Warrior Leadership Course conduct their final training lanes and evaluations during the night of July 11, 2014 in Camp Buehring, Kuwait. U.S. Army National Guard photo by New York Army National Guard Sgt. Harley Jelis, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade.
Jul 16, 2014
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait- Brand new New York Army National Guard sergeants Fabian Bishop and Jeffrey Houck, both members of Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigde, are congratulated by 42nd CAB Command Sgt. Major Jorge Vazquez during a promotion ceremony here on June 30.
Jul 02, 2014
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait--Chief Warrant Officer Louis Malizia, a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot with 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion (AHB), fires a 240B machine gun for the first phase of aerial gunnery on June 3, 2014, near Camp Buehring, Kuwait
Jun 20, 2014
ARABIAN GULF-- An AH-64 Apache operating under the command of the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade lands on the British naval auxiliary ship Royal Fleet Auxiliary Cardigan during joint training on June 9. The Apache pilots from the 3rd Battalion 159th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion trained on deck landings and functioned as scouts for the Cardigan Bay during Exercise Spartan Kopis an exchange between the Cardigan Bay and both the Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache elements of the 42nd CAB. Spartan Kopis was the first time American Apaches worked with a Royal Navy ship to function as its eyes and ears during an escalation of force exercise in conjunction with the U.S.S. Thunderbolt U.S. Navy.
Jun 16, 2014
SENECA ARMY DEPOT, N.Y. -- Soldiers of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry from Ithaca,trained with two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and their crews from Bravo Company, Det. 1, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation out of Rochester at Seneca Army Depot, on Saturday, June 7. The depot is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. Newly trained pathfinder and air assault Soldiers trained the company on how to sling load the Co. D uparmored and soft skinned Humvees. When the CH-47s arrived, the flight crews verified the loads and gave rehearsals for the loading and unloading the aircraft. Each of the trained hook up crews rotated through hooking the sling loads up and the Chinooks flew a short pattern with the 5,000 lbs and 12, 000 lbs Humvees. Each of the four assault platoons in Co. D were flown around Canandaigua and Keuka Lakes. While aboard the helicopter Company Commander Gary Clark was able to promote Spc. Joshua Meriwether to Sergeant.
Jun 12, 2014
ROUND LAKE, N.Y. -- A New York Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk based in Latham and a New York State Police Bell Huey II helicopter hover in place while doing swift load and drop water bucket training here, June 4. Both agencies trained their helicopter crews to prepare to fight wild fires at the same time and place. In addition, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers were on site to observe and help crews maneuver to water drop points, just as they would do during a forest fire. Both aircraft use a delivery system know as the Bambi Bucket. The State Police used a bucket that holds 750 pounds of water and the National Guard used a 560 gallon bucket that weighs two tons when full. Both agencies need to conduct this training annually because each bucket weighs more than two tons when loaded with water and it is necessary to practice flying with that much extra weight under the aircraft in order to fly safely in an actual emergency.
Jun 04, 2014
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait--Soldiers from HHC 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade stand for a group photo after a Joint Air Attack Team exercise on May 21, 2014, near near Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The 42nd CAB, comprised of Army National Guard units from New York, Michigan, and Delaware, and active duty units from the 12th CAB from Germany, is currently deployed to Kuwait and regularly conducts joint exchanges and exercises with forces across the region.
May 27, 2014
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait-- More than 6,800 luminaries glow in the Kuwaiti night here during a Memorial Day vigil held on May 26. New York Army National Guard Soldiers of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, who are currently deployed here, participated in the event as well as in a 5k run held on Memorial Day. Each light commemorated an American servicemember who died in Afghanistan or Iraq.
May 27, 2014
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait- New York Army National Guard Captain Capt. Noelle Helgeson presents a flower to Chief Warrant Officer 4 Renee Gaudio on Mothers Day, May 11. Moms assigned to the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade headquarters received carnations to mark the day and their seperation from their children.
May 13, 2014
CAMP BEUHRING, Kuwait-- Soldiers deployed to Kuwait, including New York Army National Guard Soldiers of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, take a physical fitness test while attending Camp Buehring's Warrior Leadership Course on May 3, 2014.
May 07, 2014
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait--New York Army National Guard Chaplain (Major) Doug Brock conducts an Easter Sunrise Service for Soldiers of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade on the flightline here on Sunday, April 20. There are 450 members of the New York Army National Guard currently deployed in Kuwait as part of the brigade.
Apr 22, 2014
TABUK, SAUDI ARABIA-- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade pose with members of the Saudi military and Soldiers from the Delaware Army National Guard and Active Army following an awards ceremony which concluded Exercise Iron Hawk which the unit participated in on April 14, 2014.
Apr 18, 2014
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait-- New York Army Natonal Guard Soldiers from the 42nd Combat Aviaton Brigade speak to Command Sgt. Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III during a visit to Kuwait. The Soldiers received his coin in recognition of their outstanding work.
Apr 17, 2014
TABUK, Saudi Arabia--NewYork Army National Guard Col. Albert J. Ricci Sr., commander of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), speaks to Royal Saudi Land Forces commanders after a practice air assault during Exercise Friendship and Iron Hawk 14 on April 10th, 2014, near Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Iron Hawk and Friendship 14 involved U.S. Army forces from the 42nd CAB, New York Army National Guard, and 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and Saudi Arabian ground and aviation forces. Over weeks of practice the two militaries focused on improving their joint operating capabilities, integrating infantry, armor, and aviation assets from both countries in the final event on April 13th, 2014. The 42nd CAB, composed of National Guardsmen from New York, Michigan, Delaware, Indiana, and Kentucky, and soldiers from 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, is currently deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and conducts joint partnerships and exchanges with nations from across the region.
Apr 17, 2014
KUWAIT-- AH-64 helicopters and a UH-60 under the command of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade rendezvous with the Coast Guard cutter Maui during joint training operations in the Persian Gulf earlier this month. The 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade has been deployed in Kuwait providing support to US forces in the region.
Apr 15, 2014
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait--New York Army National Guard Sgt. Anthony Lanham, an aviation operations specialist with the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), is awarded the personal coin of Gen. Frank J Grass, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, for exemplary service while Chief Master Sgt. Mitchell O. Brush, the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the National Guard Bureau, looks on on March 25th, 2014. The 42nd CAB, New York Army National Guard, is deployed to Kuwait to provide rotary wing assets to the region in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Apr 01, 2014
CAMP BEUHRING, KUWAIT-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade conduct their annual M-4 qualification on ranges here on March 26, 2014. The Soldiers are deployed in Kuwait providing Army aviation support to American forces in the region.
Apr 01, 2014
KUWAIT-- Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, meets with New York Army National Guard Soldiers deployed to Kuwait with the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade on February 8 during his visit to troops there.
Feb 27, 2014
CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT--Major Gen. Patrick Murphy the Adjutant General of New York shakes hands with Col. Albert Ricci Sr. commander of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) during his visit of the brigade on Feb. 7 2014 on Camp Buehring Kuwait.The 42nd CAB is currently deployed to Kuwait to operate rotary winged aircraft in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Feb 07, 2014
CAMP Buehring, Kuwait-- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviation take a break with United States Air Force dog handlers during training here on Jan. 10. The Air Force dog handlers were familiarizing their animals with the process of getting on and off a helicopter. The 3-142nd Aviation Soldiers are deployed as part of a task force lead by the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade.
Jan 15, 2014
KUWAIT--UH-60 Blackhawks from A Co. 3-142nd Assault Helicopter Company 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade air drop soldiers from A Co. 1-67th Infantry (Heavy) 2-4th Infantry Division during a training exercise on Dec. 28th 2013 outside of Camp Buehring Kuwait.The 42nd CAB New York Army National Guard is currently deployed overseas to operate rotary winged aircraft in suport of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Dec 30, 2013
ARABIAN GULF (December 8th, 2013) -- A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter operated by Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) takes off from the U.S.S. Ponce in the Arabian Gulf. The CAB is replacing a Texas Army National Guard unit in Kuwait and will conduct several joint exercises with nations in the region while maintaining an American presence there.
Dec 19, 2013
FORT RUCKER, Alabama-- Leaders of the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade mull over a tactical problem during their Aviation Training Exercise here the week of Nov. 17-23. The exercise was the final major step in the unit's preparation for a deployment to Kuwait before the end of 2013.
Nov 25, 2013
COLONIE, NY -- New York Army National Guard Soldier 1st Lt. Andrew Shaw (left), a member of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), presents a certificate of appreciation from the unit to Shaker High School here Nov. 20. The school hosted a farewell ceremony for unit members who left for training in Texas before deploying to Kuwait. Accepting the certificate are (middle right to far right) Senior Allyson Crowley-Duncan, Principal Richard Murphy and North Colonie School District Superintendent D. Joseph Corr.
Nov 20, 2013
New York Army National Guard Pvt. Nicole Woodard (right), a human resources specialist with Headquarters Company of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, tightens down the straps of a Sked litter for a Combat Lifesaver course given by the brigade's medics during mobilization training on Oct. 27, 2013.The 42nd CAB will be deploying to Kuwait this winter to conduct joint training exercises with multiple nations in the region and maintain the security of American assets. (NY Army National Guard photo by Spc. Harley Jelis)
Oct 31, 2013
COLONIE-- Members of Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade board a charter aircraft at Albany International Airport here on Friday, Oct. 4 as they head to Fort Hood, Texas for post-mobilization training. The Soldiers will train at Fort Hood until November when they will deploy to Kuwait.
Oct 04, 2013
LATHAM-- Members of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade's Headquarters Company stand in formation Friday morning, Oct. 4, during promotion ceremonies as they prepare to deploy for post mobilization training at Fort Hood, Texas. The Soldiers will train there for about 45 days before deploying to Kuwait.
Oct 04, 2013
WATERVLIET- WNYT-TV newsman Dan Bazile interviews New York Army National Guard Lt. Christopher Stockton, a Ballston Lake resident and a member of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, during the brigade's farewell ceremony at Shaker High School here on Saturday Sept. 7. The brigade along with members of Company A 3-142nd Aviation and the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion will deploy to Kuwait.
Sep 09, 2013
LATHAM, N.Y. - New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Martin, medical noncommissioned officer of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, prepares for his third deployment with his wife, Donna Mare. The brigade headquarters held its deployment ceremony for more than 150 Soldiers and their families at the Shaker HIgh School here September 7. "We are trained and ready to go to Kuwait," Martin said. "About 70% of the Soldiers have not deployed, so any lessons I have learned I'll have to impart on my soldiers." Army National Guard photo by Spc. J.p. Lawrence, 42nd Infantry Division, New York Army National Guard (RELEASED).
Sep 09, 2013
FORT DRUM, NY-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade conduct dismounted combat training here on August 21 while preparing for their upcoming deployment to Kuwait. The 42nd CAB will hold a mobilization ceremony at Shaker High School in Watervliet on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Sep 04, 2013
FORT DRUM, NY-- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade and 642nd Aviation Support Battalion set up a checkpoint during mounted combat exercises here in August. The units conducted pre-moibilization training to prepare for a deployment to Kuwait later this year.
Aug 28, 2013
FORT DRUM-- A 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade Soldier draws a bead on his target during marksmenship training at Fort Drum on August 10. The Soldiers of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion and Company A 3-142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion are training at Fort Drum to prepare for a deployment to Kuwait later this year.
Aug 21, 2013
FORT DRUM, N.Y.-- Major General Harry Miller, the Commanding General of the 42d Infantry Division, speaks with Soldiers of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade and the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion during Pre-Mobilization training being here on Sunday, August 18. Miller visited the soldiers at the various stations such as first aid, Commo, Land Nav and other Warrior Tasks as part of the PMT. The Soldiers are preparing for a deployment to Kuwait later this year.
Aug 19, 2013
GUILDERLAND--Staff Sgt. Carlos Perez and Sgt. Daniel Tucker, forward observers in the HHC 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, NY Army National Guard, call in an indirect fire report during an exercise while.Sgt First Class Charles Crouchman and Staff Sgt. Curtis Brand, drill instructors in Co. F, 2/417th Regiment, 4th Bde., 98th Division, Army Reserve, observe and give advice, on March 10, 2013, at Guilderland Range, Guilderland, NY. The 42nd CAB is preparing for a deloyment later this year, and coordinated with the Army Reserve to bring drill instructors to run the unit in exercises ranging from identifying and responding to IEDs, reacting to indirect fire, and room clearing.
Mar 15, 2013
LATHAM-- New York Army National Guard Col. Albert Ricci accepts the colors of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade from Major General Steven Wickstrom, the commander of the 42nd Infantry Division, during change-of-command ceremonies at the Army Aviation Support Facility here on Saturday, Oct. 20. Ricci took over command of the brigade from Col. Mark Stryker who is retiring after 31 years of service.
Oct 22, 2012
DOUBLE EAGLE, N.M. - Pilots and crewmembers of Detachment 1, Company B, 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation practice a pinacle landing above a mesa rise northwest of Albuquerque near Double Eagle Airport. Detacnment 1, from Rochester, is currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas where they linked up with the 126th Battalion headquarters from Edgewood, Md. to train up for their second deployment to Afghanistan in late August in support of Operation Endurinng Freedom.
Aug 02, 2012
FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Two Soldiers give the pilot of a New York Blackhawk the thumbs up after they completed hooking their 105 mm howitzer to the bottom of the aircraft. The Soldiers are members of Battery B, 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery who were at Fort Drum for Air Assault training where they train to sling-load their howitzers to helicopters and move to a pre-determined area to barrage the enemy with surprise artillery strikes
Jul 24, 2012
1SG Hansen from F Company 1-169th General Support Aviation Battalion instructs the procedures of a Medevac to members of the Army Reserve’s 401st Civil Affairs Battalion, Maynard Volunteer Fire Department, and Stittville Volunteer Fire Department. F Company 1-169th flew two UH-60 Blackhawks configured for Medevac to Marcy, NY to assist in a joint training exercise between the Army Reserve and local fire departments. Members from the fire departments would later work with soldiers from the 401st CA to call in 9 line Medevac requests to the waiting helicopters.
Jul 13, 2012
LATHAM, N.Y. - Mr. Jim King, Director of Business Development for National Guard and Reserve Forces hands New York State Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Patrick Murphy the keys to two Latkotas that arrived on June 29 to the Latham-based Army Aviation Support Facility. The ceremony took place Monday, July 2, to welcome the UH-72A Light Utility Helicopters to the fleet of rotary wing aircraft operated by Detachment 1, Company A, 1-224th Aviation Service and Support Battalion. The new helicopters were purchased specifically to be used in domestic operations in aid of law enforcement or during state emergencies.
Jul 03, 2012
LATHAM, N.Y. -- The New York Army National Guard welcomed two UH-72 Light Utility Helicopters to the fleet of rotary wing aircraft operated by its Army aviation units here June 29. The new helicopters were purchased specifically to be used in domestic operations in aid of law enforcement or during state emergencies. The UH-72A Lakota is the newest helicopter to enter service with the U.S. Army. It is a variant of the Eurocopter EC-145 and is manufactured in Columbus, Miss. The Lakota performs light utility and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions for the Army and Army National Guard (ARNG) in areas outside a combat zone. Seating capacity of the Lakota is for two pilots and six passengers. Two stretchers can be installed for MEDEVAC missions with a crew of four: pilot, co-pilot and two medics. The helicopter’s large cockpit and cabin windows provide excellent visibility through all quadrants.
Jun 29, 2012
RONKONKOMA -- The leadership of Company B, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion held a change of command ceremony on Apr. 15 at Army Aviation Support Facility located in Ronkonkoma. During the ceremony, 642nd commander Lt. Col. Jack James, who recently took command of the 642nd, was on hand to pass the Co. B colors between out-going commander Maj. Jason Lefton (at left) and in-coming commander, Maj. Shawn Hatch. 1st Sgt. Michael Burrow (at right) received the colors for safe keeping at the end of the ceremony. The 642nd is the aviation support unit for the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade.
Apr 23, 2012
TROY, N.Y. -- Aviators from Army Aviation Flight Facility 3 based in Latham spent the morning of Apr. 10 conducting water-bucket training along the Hudson River. Water-bucket training is mandatory for each of the three flight facilities based in New York. Each facility uses a Bambi-bucket that is deployed on the ground near a water source before being immersed and can hold approximately 660 gallons of water.
Apr 10, 2012
LATHAM - Thirteen Soldiers participated in this years Soldier/Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year board at the State headquarters in Latham on Feb. 11-12. The Soldiers represented various units within the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade. Back row: Sgt. Matthew Flower from 69th Infantry, Sgt. James Brogile from 642nd Aviation Support Battalion (ASB), Spc. Harley Jelis from 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), Spc. Michael Domingos from 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion (AHB) and Spc. Nathan Archer from 101st Cavalry. Middle Row: Spc. Joshua Lord from 69th Inf., Sgt. Brian Davis from 101st Cav., Sgt. 1st Class Armando Torres-Bonilla from 69th Inf. and Staff Sgt. Edward Rose from 142nd AHB. Front row: Sgt. Susan Carrier from 642nd ASB, Pfc. Steven Smith from 42nd Inf. Div. and Sgt. Michelle Early from 42nd CAB. Not in photo: Spc. Joshua Rosenthal from 42nd CAB. Winners in each of three categories were: Rose-NCO of the Year, Torres-Bonilla-Active Guard and Reserve Soldier of the Year and Jelis-Soldier of the Year. Each winner will receive an Army Commendation medal from the 42 CAB. The winners will participate against more New York Army National Guard Soldiers in the State-level Soldier/NCO of the Year board next month. To view more than 100 photos of this event, go to the 42nd CAB Facebook.
Feb 16, 2012
LATHAM - 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade commander, Col. Mark Stryker, conducts the Headquarters and Headquarters Company change of command ceremony between out going commander Capt. Michael Squires (not shown) and 1st Lt. Brandon Reynolds (at left) on Feb. 11 at the CAB’s headquarters in Latham. Squires had commanded HHC for more than two years. To view all photos of this event, go to the 42nd CAB Facebook.
Feb 11, 2012
LATHAM - Chief Warrant Officer Aaron Teichner, an OH-58 pilot with Detachment 1, Company A, 1-224th Aviation Service and Support Battalion and a full-time technician at Army Aviation Support Facility 3 in Latham gets promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 4 on Feb. 27. The ceremony was attended by the Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Patrick Murphy and Teichner’s mother, Joan Teichner, who did the pinning.
Jan 30, 2012
LATHAM - Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade undertake guidance in combative maneuvers from 2nd Lt. Dawn Hersey on Jan. 8 at the Latham headquarters. The course was instructed by Sgt. 1st Class Luis Barsallo (not shown). To view all photos of this training, go to the 42nd CAB Facebook.
Jan 09, 2012
LATHAM - Aviation Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade pose after completing the first phase of competition for Soldier of the Year-2012. The Soldiers are from left: Sgt. Nicodeme Esmel, Sgt. Joshua Rosenthal, Spc. Harley Jelis, Staff Sgt. Matthew Sailer, Spc. Alex Dukharan, Sgt. Michelle Early and Spc. Devin Felton. Sailer, Jelis and Early were selected as primary choices to advance to the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade’s Soldier board that will pit them against aviation Soldiers from within the brigade.
Jan 08, 2012
FORT DRUM, N.Y. - Spc. David Acevedo, a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade is instructed on how to set up his head gear for use in the Virtual Route Clearing Trainer while other 42nd CAB Soldiers look on. The virtual trainer uses animated battle scenarios to train Soldiers to make life-saving decisions and take action while convoying on roads in Iraq and Afghanistan. For more photos, go to the 42nd CAB’s Facebook photo section.
Dec 19, 2011
LEADVILLE, Colo. - Capt. Eric Fritz, commander of Detachment 1,Company B, 3-126th ’The Kongs’ General Support Aviation Battalion promotes Spc. Andy Macgregor to Sgt. in Leadville on Dec. 5. On Dec. 5, two CH-47s left Rochester, N.Y. for Gypsum, Colo. While in route to the training site, they stopped a Lake County Airport, Leadville, the highest airport in the United States with an elevation of 9,927 feet, to promote Macgregor. The 126th is preparing for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan and the high altitude of Colorado provides an excellent training site. Over the next few months the unit will be rotating its pilots through the course in order to make the unit mission ready.
Dec 15, 2011
ROCHESTER - Col. Mark Stryker (right) presents the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion colors to in-coming commander Lt. Col. Jack James during a change of command ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility 2 on Nov. 5 as out-going 642nd commander Lt. Col. Scott Norcutt relinquishes command. Norcutt, who took command in 2008, is an Iraq War veteran and former Deputy Director of Aviation and Safety for Joint Force Headquarters-NY. James is a West Point graduate who has held leadership roles in the 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion and 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade. He started his aviation career as a pilot with the 25th Infantry Division.
Nov 07, 2011
LATHAM - Spc. Alex Dukharan, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, takes a crack at collapsing the Standard Integrated Command Post System (SICPS) tent that the 42nd CAB pulled out of storage on Oct. 15 to allow Soldiers to gain more experience assembling and disassembling. The 42nd CAB received the SICPS equipment during a new equipment fielding exercise last July at Fort Drum. For 29 more photos of this training event, go to CAB Facebook photos under MORE SICPS.
Oct 15, 2011
FORT DRUM, N.Y. - New York Army National Guard Sgt. Mark Keisecker, a premobilization trainer from the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, explains how to search a suspect vehicle to Soldiers of Company A, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Assault Battalion during premobilization training for elements of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade here September 14, 2011. The training encompasses a number of traffic control point techniques Soldiers might utliize during deployments overseas. Photo by Master Sgt. Peter Towse, 42nd Infantry Division.
Sep 15, 2011
NICHOLS--New York Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Charles Rodda helps residents of Nichols unload supplies for an evacuation shelter from a UH-60 on Thursday night. The Town of Nichols was cut off by flood waters preventing vehicular traffic from reaching its inhabitants. The Guard helicopters airlifted in 11,000 pounds of food, water, and blankets for residents.
Sep 09, 2011
BINGHAMTON--The result of rising waters in the Susquehanna River on the City of Binghamton is clearly evident from a New York Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter as aviators moved into position to provide assistance to local officials and residents on Thursday, Sept. 8.
Sep 09, 2011
LATHAM - Before the start of a busy drill day on Friday, Aug. 12, Master Sgt. Jon Schubert, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, was promoted to Sgt. Maj. by his daughter Amanda, son Christian and wife Kathleen. Company commander Daniel Gordon, Bde. Command Sergeant Major John Houck and 1st Sgt. Joseph Marino look on. for this and other August drill photos check the 42nd CAB Facebook page.
Aug 12, 2011
FORT DRUM - Staff Sgt. Eduardo Ortiz, transportation sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Avaition Brigade, tightens a tall pallete of bike track flooring in preparation for returning to home station on July 28. The 42nd recently validated on the Army’s latest command post of the future which comprises high tech communications that allow a commander full view of the battlefield. To view more than 100 photos of this event, click on the 42nd CAB Facebook.
Jul 28, 2011
FORT DRUM - Pfc. Timothy White, a member of Headquarters and headquarters Company of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, keeps an eye on the giant air bladder that is used to raise the main command tent so that the huge tent can be collapsed slowly and with minimal personnel on July 28 as the unit prepares to return to home station. The main command tent is the anchor for half a dozen medium tents that connect other 42nd staff sections. The 42nd recently validated on the Army’s latest command post of the future which comprises high tech communications that allow a commander full view of the battlefield. To view more than 100 photos of this event, click on the 42nd CAB Facebook.
Jul 28, 2011
FORT DRUM - Members of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade labor in hot temperatures to get the main tent of the Standardized Integrated Command Post System (SICPS) set up at Fort Drum on Wednesday, July 13. The 42nd CAB is receiving the new equipment in anticipation of a future deployment. Civilian contractors are on hand to guide the Soldiers through the set up and functions of the massive system.
Jul 15, 2011
SCHYULERVILLE-- A New York Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter lifts a Bambi Bucket filled with 660 gallons of water out of the Hudson River during fire bucket training on June 28. Two Blackhawks based at Army Aviation Support Facility #3 took part in the annual training exercise that prepares aircrews to battle wildfires and forest fires in support of other state agencies during the summer months.
Jun 28, 2011
LATHAM - Chief Warrant Officer Steven Derry,the last Vietnam era helicopter pilot in the New York Army National Guard, is congratulated by friends and co-workers following his last official flight as an Army aviation pilot on June 14. Derry, a Corinth, N.Y. resident and member of 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion started training as a pilot in 1969 and served in Veitnam in 1970-71.
Jun 14, 2011
LATHAM - Retiring Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Rentz, Command Sergeant Major for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade passes the unit colors to Col. Mark Stryker, 42nd commander, so that command will be transferred to the incoming Command Sergeant Major, John Houck on June 12. After the exchange of colors, Rentz retired from the New York Army National Guard after serving as a Sergeant Major for 13 years.
Jun 13, 2011
LATHAM - New York Army National Guard Spc. Christina Sammons and Staff Sgt. Eduardo Ortiz, from Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade get some hints from Daniel Aldrich, a field system engineer for General Dynamics on the best way to use the Army Command Post of the Future (CPOF)system. The use of 3-D mapping gives the user the ability to operate the CPOF in a tactical operations center environment by creating and displaying and playing out different battlefield scenarios. According to Aldrich, the 3-D mapping benefits aviation to a large extent because of the availability of 3-D aerial graphics. See more photos on the 42nd CAB Facebook
Apr 12, 2011
LATHAM - The Army Physical Fitness Test came a little early this year as Aviation Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, conducted their annual test at the Siena College field house on Saturday, April 2. Taking the test is Master Sgt. Ramon Granados, motor pool supervisor. Holding his feet during the sit-up event is Chief Warrant Officer Lawrence Langley, personnel technician. Counting each sit-up is Staff Sgt. David Dargan, fires section.
Apr 02, 2011
CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. - A medical evacuation air crew from Company F, 1st Battalion, 169th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) conduct a live training event during Operation Vibrant Response, which included an individual being cosmetically made up to represent external bleeding injuries during CBRNE Consequence Management Reponse Force training at Camp Atterbury on March 17. Extrating the injured from the aircraft are Airmen from the U.S. Air Force’s ground medical reponse teams. Exercise Operation Vibrant Response is a joint-military exercise combining Army, Air Force, Navy and the Marines. Assisting the litter extraction is Sgt. Barbara Morgan and Staff Sgt. Steve Tschiderer from the 169th.
Mar 17, 2011
CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. - Two medavac Soldiers remove a litter from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter carrying a manikin "patient" that was airlifted from a nearby airfield by Detachment 1, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion during aviation support for CBRNE Consequent Management Response Forces (CCMRF) field training exercises at Camp Atterbury on March 16. Each manikin received is tagged with a card listing the injuries so that medics on the ground can apply medical attention. Assisting the medical Soldiers is Sgt. Chris Warr, crew member, 126th GSAB. Other New York Aviation units included in this joint force exercise include 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion and Company F, 169th Medical Company (Air Ambulance).
Mar 16, 2011
GUILDERLAND - Sgt. Daniel Tucker tactically leads two squads of 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade Soldiers as they perform room clearing techniques during urban operations at the Guilderland Rifle Range on Saturday, March 12. To see more photos of this training weekend go to the 42nd CAB Facebook.
Mar 13, 2011
LATHAM - The 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade conducted its annual Soldier/NCO of the Year Board at their Latham headquarters on Sunday, Feb. 13. Selected Soldiers came from all associated Army Aviation units throughout New York. Pictured are: Front Row (L-R) Sgt. Yi Jin Huang, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Spc. Harley Jelis, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Sgt. Christina Lennon, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, Spc. Stephen Wrobel, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion. Back Row (L-R) Spc. Christopher Smalls, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Spc. Andrew Mehmel, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, Sgt. James Broglie, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion and Spc. Mike Gondek, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion
Feb 13, 2011
LATHAM - Members of 42nd Combat Aviation Brigades Headquarters and Headquarters Company received training on how to properly extinguish a Class A fire using the PASS method (Pull the pin; Aim the nozzle; Squeeze the handle and Sweep from side to side) during drill on Feb. 12 behind Army Aviation Support Facility 3 in Latham. Operating the fire extinguisher is Sgt. Christopher Grieco as Sgt. Daniel Tucker and Spc. Amelia Dingman look on. Fireman from the Albany Airport were on hand to give the training.
Feb 12, 2011
LATHAM - An annual check on combat gear is always essential to unit readiness. Pictured here, Spc. Matt Whalen (left), performs a fit test on Pfc. George Wade’s M-40 Protective Mask using the Protection Assessment Test Instrument on Sunday, Jan. 9 on the drill shed floor at the Latham headquarters. A typical fit test checks the air seal of an individuals mask through a series of head movements.
Jan 14, 2011
LATHAM - In anticipation of going to the firing range during warmer weather, members of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade were busy familiarizing themselves with one of their crew-served weapons, the MK19-40mm Grenade Machine Gun during drill on Jan. 9 at the Latham Headquarters. Pictured are (from left) Sgt. 1st Class Melchiorre Chiarenza, 1st Sgt. Joseph Marino, Pfc. Jeffery Hicks and Staff Sgt. David Dargan.
Jan 09, 2011
CAMP SHELBY, Miss. -- Specialist Jeremy Southcott, Pfc. Timothy Strong and Sgt. Glen Follett check and refill oil in a "Shadow" aircraft during routine maintenance. The Soldiers are New York Army National Guard members of Detachment 1 (Unmanned Aerial Surveillance), Company B (Military Intelligence), 27th Special Troops Battalion. The UAS Detachment was organized in 2009 and was at Camp Shelby for the past two months to train on and acquire the new surviallance aircraft. Currently, Det. 1 is at more than 75 percent trained and ready to take on a war fighter mission according to Chief Warrant Officer Ronny Blatchford.
Dec 07, 2010
LATHAM -- Sergeant Major David Bimber, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade retired after 42 long and faithful years of service to the New York Army National Guard on Sunday, Dec. 5 at the state headquarters in Latham. His retirement acknowledgment preceded the CAB’s annual holiday party held on the drill shed floor. For these and other holiday party photos, go to the CAB’s Facebook photo section.
Dec 05, 2010
ROCHESTER--Kentucky National Guard members, Capt. Cliff Flanagan, 63rd Theatre Aviation Brigade, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gustavo Grande, of Bravo Company 2 Battalion, 147 Aviation Regiment, pre-flight a New York National Guard CH-47D Chinook during training conducted in Rochester, N.Y., Nov. 18, 2010.
Dec 03, 2010
WAKELY MOUNTAIN, N.Y. -- Two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from Army Aviation Support Facility 3 based in Latham airlift pre-constructed platforms for the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on Nov. 29 at this remote area of the Adirondack Mountains. The airlifted platforms will allow the DEC to eventually construct a heli-pad as well as a repeater radio station on top of the mountain that will be used by the DEC and other state agencies. Each platform section weighed more than 2000 pounds and were constructed in Colorado and flatbed delivered to the Adirondacks.
Nov 29, 2010
FORT RUCKER, Ala. - Warrant Officers John Hermanson and Chris Seeger represented the New York Army National Guard with distinction on Nov. 9, both receiving the distinguished honor graduate certificate for the Initial Entry Rotary Wing course. They attended flight school for the past 12-16 months and have put countless hours of hard work and sacrifice into this accomplishment. The class consisted of 34 officers, both commissioned and warrant and only four officers were awarded distinguished honor graduate. Hermanson is assigned to Detachment 1, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment (Kongs) and will be flying a CH-47D (Chinook). Seeger is assigned to Co. F, 1st Bn., 169th Air Ambulance and will be flying a UH-6 (Blackhawk). Also in this graduating class was 1st Lt. James M. Hasan who is assigned to Co. B, 3rd Bn., 142nd Assualt Helicopter Battalion and will also be flying a UH-60.
Nov 18, 2010
ROCHESTER -New York Army National Guard Capt, Eric Fritz took command of New York’s heavy lift helicopter from Capt. Christopher Gagliardo on Saturday Nov. 6 during a Change of Command Ceremony at the Patriot Way Armory here. Gagliardo led Detachment 1 Company B of the 3rd Battalion 126th Aviation Regiment for the past four years, which included a deployment to Afghanistan. The unit also won the Army Aviation Association of America Unit of the Year award for the 126th’s success during Operation Enduring Freedom 07-09. Gagliardo led an inexperience unit to Afghanistan, flying CH-47’s in the most demanding conditions in the world and returning all Soldiers home safely. The regiment is headquartered in Maryland.
Nov 10, 2010
NEW YORK - The Wounded Warrior Project has have been fortunate enough to be contacted by the New York Mets. They have asked the New York National Guard to help them with their amazing program," Welcome Back Veterans". The Mets would like to honor Soldiers and their family members that have served in the United States Military. Pictured are Sgt. Donald Leinfelder, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, his wife Megan and children Patrick(7) and Joseph(3).
Oct 29, 2010
CAPE TOWN, South Africa--New York Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan Noble an aviator with Det 1 A Co 1-224 Aviation Security and Support Battalion flies an OH-58 Kiowa during a demonstration flight here on Sunday, Sept 19. The Army National Guard is participating with other Military forces throughout the world at Air Force Base Ysterplaat, South Africa at the Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD) 2010 exhibition. The New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing has an HH-60 Pavehawk rescue helicopter on display at the event.
Sep 21, 2010
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA--New York Army National Guard Soldiers from Detachment 1, Alpha Co, 1-224 Aviation Security and Support Battalion, unload an OH-58 Kiowa from a C-5a operated by the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing on Friday Sept.17 at Air Force Base Ysterplaat here. The crew, based at Army Aviation Support Facility #3 in Latham is participating in the African Aerospace Defence Exposition 2010. Seventy members of the New York Air and Army National Guard are participating in the exposition,which kicked off on Sept. 21. The New York National Guard is paired with South Africa through the National Guard’s State Partnership Program
Sep 20, 2010
LATHAM -- Aviators from Army Aviation Support Facilities (AASF) 1, Ronkonkoma and 3, Latham conduct joint AASF rescue hoist operation training in an effort to qualify aircrews on aerial hoist operations to increase avaition facility response to domestic response needs that require a rescue hoist. Training was conducted by members from AASF 2, Rochester. The initial training was with a dummy load, and live loads being conducted in the afternoon and later that night using Night Vision Goggles.
Sep 16, 2010
LATHAM--New York Army National Guard Sgt. Kevin Ressler steadies the tail of an OH-58 Kiowa assigned to Detachment 1, Co. A, 1st Battalion 224 Security and Support Aviation on Monday, Sept. 13 as he and other maintainers prepare the aircraft for a flight to Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh. Ressler, and four other members of the detachment, will accompany the aircraft to the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa. The helicopter was flown to Stewart ANGB on Tuesday, Sept. 14, to be loaded on board a giant C-5A Galaxy belonging to the 105th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard. That aircraft is due to depart for South Africa on Wednesday, Sept. 15. An HH-60 Pavehawk helicopter and members of the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard is also participating in the air show, as are vehicles provided by the 53rd Troop Command. About 75 New York Soldiers and Airmen are participating.
Sep 13, 2010
LATHAM -- Kacie Ost, daughter of Staff Sgt. George Ost and Landon Saunders, son of Spc. Stepanie Saunders (shown), get behind the controls of an OH-58A Kiowa helicopter at Army Aviation Support Facility 3 in Latham on Sunday, Sept. 12. during a tour of the facility. The 42nd CAB was enjoying a Family Day event sponsored by the CAB’s Family Readiness Group, which included a barbecue at Watervliet Arsenal. To view photos of family day, please click on the 42nd CAB Facebook.
Sep 13, 2010
CAMP NATURAL BRIDGE, West Point -- Sergeant Daniel Dukin, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, spent a hot day knocking down targets from the kneeling position at one of West Points Qualification ranges on Saturday, Aug. 28. along with most of the Brigade. For all photos taken of this training event, please click on the Facebook icon and see folder West Point Qualification Range.
Aug 30, 2010
ROCHESTER -- Sergeant First Class John Bobeck, Detachment 1, Company B, 126th Aviation talks to local media about his and the 126th’s experiences when they were sent to Louisiana to respond to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on the 5th anniversary date of the catastrophic event. Bobeck is one of three remaining members of the 126th which also includes Chief Warrant Officer Jim Hall from the 169th Aviation and Staff Sgt. Daniel Krebs from the 126th. "We saw the devastation first hand and it was like a giant hand had swept everything away." Hall said.
Aug 26, 2010
LATHAM--Chief Warrant Officer 5 Charles Rodda speaks to members of the Albany press corps about his experiences providing relief to the victims of Hurricane Katrina during a Thursday, June 26 pres briefing at Army Aviation Support Facility 3 here. New York Army National Guard aviators, along with members of the 109th Airlift Wing, talked about their experiences as the fifth anniversary of the hurricane approaches. Other Army National Guard aviators did the same thing at press events in Rochester and Ronkonkoma.
Aug 26, 2010
FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Brigadier General Steven Wickstrom, commander, 42nd Infantry Division paid a visit to Fort Drum on July 21, where New York Army National Guard Aviation Soldiers are training for CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force(CCMRF) missions starting Oct. 1, should they be called to active duty. Soldiers at the Virtual Training Center on Fort Drum are demonstrating how to escape from a rolled Humvee using the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer. Wickstrom also visited Soldiers conducting Nuclear, Biological and Chemical training at Range 3A, later in the afternoon.
Jul 21, 2010
FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Specialist Beth Britton, Company F, 1st Battalion, 169th Medical Evacuation engages pop-up targets with her 9mm pistol at Fort Drum’s Range 41A on July 19 during individual weapons qualification in preparation for the 169th’s roll in the CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force (CCMRF) missions. Company F is training in preparation for CCMRF missions on active duty if needed in the event of natural or man-made disasters beginning October 1, 2010.
Jul 19, 2010
FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Specialist Joshua C. Smith, Company D, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion makes a hasty exit from the Humvee rollover trainer inside the Virtual Training Facility building on July 16. Company D is training in preparation for CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force missions on active duty if needed in the event of natural or man-made disasters beginning October 1, 2010.
Jul 16, 2010
FORT DRUM, NY -- Soldiers from both Detachment 1, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment and Co. D, 3rd Battalion, 142n.d Assault Helicopter Battalion spent a hot July afternoon getting re-familiarization training on the effectiveness of their M40 Protective Mask at the gas chamber at Range 3A on July 15. Both of these units are training in preparation for CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force missions on active duty if needed in the event of natural or man-made disasters beginning October 1, 2010.
Jul 15, 2010
FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Throughout the sweltering days of July, Soldiers of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade’s (CAB) supply section ensure that Soldiers keep properly hydrated by adding bags of ice to a "water buffalo" beside the barracks building #473 on the morning of July 14. Loading the water buffalo with ice is Spc. Stephanie Saunders, Pfc. Jeffery Hicks and Staff Sgt. Brian Hudspath. The 42nd CAB is assisting in training other aviation units for CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force missions on active duty if needed in the event of natural or man-made disasters beginning October 1, 2010.
Jul 14, 2010
FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Two Soldiers from Detachment 1, Company B, 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment from Rochester assist each other escaping from a 90-degree simulated roll-over at Fort Drum’s Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer Center on July 13. The 126th is training in preparation for CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force missions on active duty if needed in the event of natural or man-made disasters beginning October 1, 2010.
Jul 13, 2010
FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Private First Class Harley Jelis (left) and Pfc. Holden Davenport, Headquarters and Headquarters, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade use a fake wound and lots of field dressings to demonstrate to Soldiers of Company B, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion the importance of first aid in a field environment on July 11. The 642nd is training in preparation for CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force missions on active duty if needed in the event of natural or man-made disasters.
Jul 11, 2010
FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Soldiers from Company B, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion move quickly away from the gas chamber located at Training Area 3A on July 10. The 642nd is training to perform CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force missions starting October 1, 2010 if activated for natural and man-made disasters.
Jul 10, 2010
LATHAM - Private First Class Harley Jellis spent Sunday morning’s drill testing the M-43 Protective Mask on the FIT Analyzer which tests the mask for air leaks. Sitting opposite Jellis and getting his mask tested is 1st Lt. Bryon Bullock. Both Soldiers are part of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade. The FIT testing was part HHC’s annual maintenance checks on their mask inventory.
Jun 30, 2010
LATHAM -- Specialist Stephanie Saunders, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade tries her hand at acquiring a target on the "Beam-Hit" computerized/laser pop-up target simulator set up on the drill shed floor on Saturday, June 12.
Jun 17, 2010
COLONIE - 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Headquarters and Headquarters Company commander Capt. Michael Squires runs the last leg of the Army Physical Fitness Test with Staff Sgt. Jerry Swain to motivate him to get across the finish line at the Colonie Town Park Bike Trail on June 12.
Jun 12, 2010
GUILDERLAND - Sergeant Ally Andolina, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade finds and plots each given point on a topograpghical map of the Guilderland Rifle Range area on May 15 while conducting squad tatics training.
Jun 01, 2010
CAMP SMITH -- Specialist Paul Vanbuskirk (center) and Staff Sgt. James Clark, Company E, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion wait to take their turn in the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer rollover simulator located in the training center building during May drill weekend. The simulator is used to prepare troops to escape from their vehicle under full tactical conditions. Members of the 142nd were at Camp Smith validating their yearly training requirements.
May 24, 2010
GUILDERLAND - Private First Class Harley Jellis (center), Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, learns how to call in a 9-line notification to Explosive Ordinance Disposal after identifying a roadside bomb while conducting squad tatics at Guilderland Rifle Range, May 16. Mentoring Jellis are Sgt.'s Daniel Dukin (left) and Ceth Morocco (right). Overseeing the training is 1st Sgt. Joseph Marino.
May 16, 2010
LATHAM - Sergeants Ceth Morocco (left) and Daniel Dukin, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), knock-out as many elevated pushups as they can on the drill shed floor during a rigorous physical training workout Sunday morning, April 11. CAB Soldiers conducted "round-robin" station training where pairs of Soldiers perform a timed event , jump up and run around in a circle of chairs until they advance through all ten stations
Apr 19, 2010
LATHAM - Lieutenant Colonel Mark Slusar (left) transfers the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Battalion's colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Jorge Vasquez, the incoming Command Sergeant Major for the 142nd in a change of command ceremony on Sunday morning, April 11 on the drill shed floor in Latham. Vasquez replaced the long-time battalion Command Sergeant Major Christopher Imbarrato, who deployed with the 142nd in 2008-09.
Apr 14, 2010
LATHAM - The 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade participated in a Medical Readiness Weekend on Friday, April 9 at the brigade headquarter's here in Latham. Specialist Robert Nowatchik (seated) watches anxiously as Sgt. Michaelangleo Calvarido of MEDCOM prepares to draw blood for lab work as part of a comprehensive medical review that included eye and dental exams.
Apr 10, 2010
LATHAM - It was time to drop the gloves at drill on Saturday, Mar 13 at the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) headquarters in Latham during a block of instruction in combatative training. Specialist Amelia Dingman (left), a member of the CAB and certified assistant instructor in combatatives, monitors Specialists Christina Sammons and Stephanie Saunders as they practice a move where the defender on the bottom can control the attacker by drawing her closer to minimize movement.
Mar 15, 2010
LATHAM -- Six aviation Soldiers and two 42nd Infantry Division Soldiers competed for top honors to be selected as the 2010 Soldier of the Year, the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year and the Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) Soldier of the Year at the brigade level, Feb. 20 at the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigades headquarters in Latham. This years selectees were Spc. David Murray, Soldier of the Year, Sgt. Lance Allen, NCO of the Year and Staff Sgt. Leanne Delaney, AGR Soldier of the Year. Following the brigade level of competition, the selected Soldiers will advance and compete at the New York State level at Camp Smith next month. Front row from left are: Spc. Raya Clement, 42nd Special Troops Bn, Spc. Stephanie Saunders, 42nd Combat Avn. Bde., Sgt. Lance Allen, 142nd Assault Helicopter Bn. and Staff Sgt. Leanne Delaney, 42nd Special Troops Bn. Back row from left are: Staff Sgt. Eric Swartzenberg, 642nd Avn. Support Bn., Spc. David Murray, 142nd Assault Helicopter Bn., Staff Sgt. David Dargan, 42nd Combat Avn. Bde., and Spc. Russell Duquette, 642nd Avn. Support Bn.
Feb 21, 2010
GUILDERLAND, N.Y. - Braving afternoon temperatures near zero degrees, Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade spent the day conducting cold weather weapons familiarization training at Guilderland Rifle Range, Jan. 9. Soldiers also focused on "zeroing" their individual weapons in unfavorable conditions.
Jan 20, 2010
LATHAM - Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, prepare to do some cold weather weapons familiarization at nearby Guilderland rifle range by using the 'Beam-Hit' system set up on the drill shed floor. The system simulates a timed target acquisition with small pop-up targets that register a hit when the beam strikes the bulls-eye.
Jan 15, 2010
LATHAM -- Sergeant First Class Robert Ravert, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade gets some time behind the wheel of a Humvee for familiarization training using night vision goggles to maneuver around the State National Guard Headquarters parking lots after hours on Jan. 8.
Jan 10, 2010
RONKONOMA, Long Island- Lieutenant Colonel Mark Slusar hands off the battalion colors of the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion to Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Imbarrato for safekeeping. Slusar replaced Lt. Col. Albert Ricci as the new commander for the 142nd on Dec. 5 at the Army Aviation Support Facility 1 at McArthur airport in Long Island. However, Slusar once commanded an aviation detachment from the 142nd while serving on peacekeeping duties in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Dec 05, 2009
TONAWANDA - During Vigilant Guard in early November, the 249th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) practiced using a hoist mounted aboard their UH-60 Blackhawk to rescue simulated victims in the aftermath of an earthquake scenario in the Buffalo, N.Y. suburb. Here, 1st Sgt. Mark Hansen, a medic with the 249th rides the hoist to “safety” with Spc. Christopher Smalls, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade
Nov 17, 2009
LATHAM - The 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) based in Latham said good bye to a long-time aviation officer, Col. Michael Bobeck (at left), who took command of the 42nd CAB on Sept. 13, 2008. He relinquished command to take an army tour at National Guard Bureau where he will over see operations of the National Guards fleet of fixed-wing aircraft. Batavia, N.Y. area native, Col. Mark Stryker, who formerly commanded the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, assumes command of the 42nd CAB. At far right, Stryker conveys the Brigade colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Rentz, 42nd CAB Command Sergeant Major for safe keeping. The reviewing general officer was Brig. Gen. Steven Wickstrom, commander, 42nd Infantry Division (middle).
Nov 07, 2009
LATHAM--Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade observe a moment of silence on Friday, Nov. 6 to honor the 12 Soldiers and one civilian killed in a shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, on Nov. 5. At the Direction of the Secretary of the Army, Soldiers around the world and on U.S. Army vessels observed a moment of silence at 1:34 p.m. Central Time in order to remember their comrades killed in the shooting, which is still under investigation. The 42nd CAB Soldiers were practicing for a Change-of-Command Ceremony that is to take place Saturday, Nov. 7.
Nov 06, 2009
NIAGARA FALLS RESERVE AIR FORCE BASE, Niagara Falls, NY – General Craig R. McKinley, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, accompanied by Maj. Gen. Joseph Taluto, New York State Adjutant General, greets Col. Michael Bobeck, commander, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, during a visit to the Soldiers of the 42nd CAB on Nov. 4 during the Vigilant Guard exercise. The 42nd CAB tested newly acquired field equipment such as a BASEX tent while conducting routine field operations.
Nov 04, 2009
FIREMANS PARK Tonawanda, NY -- Sergeant. Wunders and Sgt. Harris, medics from the 53rd Troop Command transfer one of four simulated wounded personnel from a ground evacuation vehicle to a UH-60 Air Ambulance Helicopter flown by the 249th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) at Fireman’s Park on Nov. 3 as part of the Vigilant Guard exercise. The wounded personnel evacuated were found at a simulated “rubble pile” nearby as a result of a collapsed hospital caused a simulated earthquake near the Buffalo area.
Nov 03, 2009
NIAGARA FALLS RESERVE AIR FORCE BASE, North Tonawanda – Denise O’Donnell, Deputy Secretary of Public Safety (left) listens to Col. Michael Bobeck, commander, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade as he briefs her on aviation operations during Vigilant Guard on Nov. 2 inside the 42nd CAB’s tactical operations center located on the Niagara Falls Air Force Base. The exercise involves New York Air and Army National Guardsmen as well as local first response teams to include fire departments and police agencies. The exercise runs Nov. 1-5.
Nov 02, 2009
WESTHAMPTON BEACH - Crew members from Army Aviation Support Facility-1 in Ronkonkoma do some innovative readiness training on Oct. 6 by airlifting abandoned vehicles out of the Pine Barren area. They worked in association with the Pine Barrens Law Enforcement Council. New York Aviators have been assisting the Pine Barren Council for a number of years to remove abandoned vehicles in order to beautify and clear areas for walking and bike trails.
Oct 30, 2009
ROCHESTER -- Canadian Corporal Pres Lavier, 408th Tactical Helicopter Squadron, watches as one of Detachment 1, Company B, 126th Aviation’s CH-47 “Chinook” helicopters departs Genesee County Airport after successfully making a two-wheel pinnacle landing on Sept. 20. A detachment of Canadian pilots and crewmembers are getting transition training with Chinooks at Army Aviation Support Facility 2 prior to their deployment to Afghanistan. Canadian aviation forces currently have all of their Chinook aircraft deployed to Afghanistan and travel to various American facilities to get transition training.
Oct 20, 2009
LATHAM -- First Lieutenant Michael Squires (left) takes the Headquarters and Headquarters Company guide on from Col. Michael Bobeck, commander, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade in a change of command ceremony at the opening formation of the units drill on Oct. 16. Squires, who recently returned from Iraq with the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, took command of HHC from 1st Lieutenant Joshua Heimroth (right). In a follow on ceremony, HHC 1st Sgt. Joseph Marino took over as the new 1st Sgt. for Sgt. 1st Class Robert Ravert.
Oct 16, 2009
SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Capital District of New York Chapter, Association of the United States Army (AUSA) held its annual dinner at the Saratoga Hilton, Sept. 19. This year's dinner theme was Year of the NCO and in recognition of that theme, this years winners of the Soldier and NCO of the Year were recognized for their achievements. Among those were Staff Sgt. Tiffany Streit, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade training NCO. She was recognized for her selection as the Active Guard and Reserve Soldier of the year for NY. Also, recognized for their outstanding achievemnts were two Traditional Guardsmen, Staff Sgt. Morgan Cady, 104th Military Police Battalion and Spc. Sebastian McClendon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry. Presenting Streit with a plaque, coin and hat from AUSA are (from left), NY State Sgt. Maj. Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Van Pelt, Maj.(Ret.) Ed Keyrouze, President CD-NY Chapter and Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Robert Rose, Vice President, Region 1 AUSA.
Sep 28, 2009
LATHAM – Colonel Michael Bobeck, commander, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade greets Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice-President Joseph Biden outside of Army Aviation Support Facility 3 on Sept. 21. Dr. Biden spent the afternoon of Sept. 21 visiting New York National Guard Headquarters to learn more about the New York Army National Guard Yellow Ribbon Program. She was in the Capital Region to accompany President Barak Obama to Hudson Valley Community College for a speech there. After her visit she and some staff members was transported to Andrews Air Force Base, Md. aboard the New York National Guard’s C-12 aircraft flown by Col. Bobeck and Chief Warrant Officer Dave Lewis.
Sep 22, 2009
RONKONKOMA, N.Y. - Soldiers from Headquarters Company, 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment file past Brig. Gen. Steven R. Wickstrom, commander of the 42nd Infantry Division (far left) and Col. Michael Bobeck, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade commander at the conclusion of their Freedom Salute on the campus of St. Joseph’s College, Sept. 13. The 142nd deployed in 2008 for nearly a year and took command and control of 27 additional UH-60 Blackhawks and nearly 600 Soldiers shortly after arriving in Iraq.
Sep 16, 2009
SIENNA COLLEGE, Loudonville, N.Y. - Chief Warrant Officer Chris Panarese and his family members come together at the conclusion of the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion?s Freedom Salute. The 3-142nd returned from a year-long deployment to Iraq in May, 2009. Company?s A, D, and E gathered at Marcelle Athletic Complex on the Sienna campus to receive praise from their senior officer chain-of-command for conducting battle operations in Iraq at a very high operation tempo.
Sep 12, 2009
KINGSTON, R.I. - Aviators from Detachment 1, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation, were once more called upon to provide aerial support for the 27th Annual International Military Parachute Competition “Leap Fest” that is hosted by the Rhode Island Army National Guard. Leap Fest is an exercise which develops the command and control of Army Aviation to deliver a maneuver force on the tactical objective with precision and in a timely manner to conduct combat operations. There is a competitive aspect to the exercise as well, which builds camaraderie and esprit de corps among the U.S. and International Community. Teams are from all over the world, including Canada, Germany, El Salvador, Britain, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Peru, and others. Teams consist of 4 jumpers and 1 alternate. The competition is for the jumpers to land as close to the big orange X in the middle of the drop zone. Judges time them from when they leave the aircraft to when they reach the X. Winners are based on the fastest individual time and the team with the best time combined. For more about this event, go to:www.leapfest.com
Sep 03, 2009
TARRYTOWN - Former New York Giant offensive lineman, Bart Steven Oates autographs a miniature National Guard football for Staff Sgt. Charles Garretto, a member of the 142nd Attack Helicopter Battalion during the units 60-day Reintegration event at the Tarrytown Westchester Marriot on 15 Aug. Another former Giant, defensemen George Martin, also attended the event. Both former athletes praised members of the 142nd for their service and recent return from Iraq during the two-day event.
Aug 16, 2009
ROCHESTER - Pilots and crew members of Detachment 1, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation accommodated the "Black Knight" Parachute Jump Team from West Point Military Academy with a little high-altitude training, July 30 over Geneseo Airport, near Rochester. The Black Knights, wearing black jump suits, annually train new jump team members by doing single and tandem parachute jumps for familiarization and skill enhancement from as high as 12,500 feet.
Jul 30, 2009
VOLK FIELD, Wis. - Flight engineers from the Rochester-based 249th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) prepare for an incentive flight on a UH-60 Blackhawk during Patriot Exercise 2009 at Volk Field, Wis. on July 17. Patriot 2009 is a large scale exercise integrating U.S. Army and Air National Guard and as many as five coalition forces from as far away as The Netherlands in a joint-training environment. Patriot is unique because participating units plan their scenarios and events to meet their training requirements. In 2009, Patriot will again go the extra mile to maximize training for all participants, incorporating combat operations and homeland defense scenarios. Pilots and crew members from the 249th participated in the Patriot Exercise to provide an opportunity for joint force training in medical evacuation and helicopter operations.
Jul 22, 2009
FORT DRUM - Heavy lifting is a specialty for Detachment 1, Company B, 126th Aviation as Staff Sgt. Mickey LaBelle connects a sling to one of their CH-47D Chinook helicopters at U.S. Air Force Range 48, at Fort Drum, June 22. The 126th sling-loaded and moved the conex's to recreate an airfield on the range so that aircraft can simulate an air assault on an airfield while doing aerial gunnery.
Jul 08, 2009
ROCHESTER - Rejean Tremblay, a contract videographer for Oblique FX Film Production Company from Montreal, Canada takes painstakingly accurate laser scans of one of Detachment 1, Company B, 126th Aviation's CH-47D Chinook helicopters. The film crew was in Rochester to get 3D imagery of a Chinook to be used in an upcoming IMAX film entitled Search and Rescue to be shown later this year.
Jul 07, 2009
NASHVILLE - Recognition was given to Soldiers of Detachment 1, Company B, 126th Aviation by Army Aviation Association of America magazine for the Army National Guard Aviation Unit of the Year for 2008. Company B is comprised of Soldiers from the Rochester Army Aviation Support Facility #2 in Rochester and Soldiers from Edgewood, Md. The award was presented to members representing both states. Accepting the award in the photo from left are: Capt. Eric Fritz, (NY), Capt. Christopher Gagliardo, (NY), Chief Warrant Officer Keith Hughes, (NY), Maj. Craig Hummer (MD) and 1St Sgt. Greg Kecken (MD).
Jun 18, 2009
FORT DRUM - Aviation Soldiers from Detachment 1, Company B, 126th Aviation Regiment conduct night door gunnery familiarization aboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, June 9 at Range 48 here. They also conducted day door gunnery and water bucket training using a Bambi bucket.
Jun 10, 2009
LATHAM - 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Headquarters and Headquarters Company Soldiers relax during family day June 7 as they spent their Sunday drill attending a Tricare medical benefits briefing and then toured the Army Aviation Flight Support facility #3 with their children. The 42nd CAB Soldiers concluded their Sunday drill with a barbeque at a nearby park.
Jun 08, 2009
LATHAM - Staff Sergeant Edward Rivette, a mechanic at Army Aviation Support Facility #3 in Latham conducts a pre-check of a video transfer station that recieves video transmissions via a video camera attached to the underside of one of New Yorks's OH-58A helicopters. The OH-58A will be used during an upcoming Vigilant Guard exercise that will incorporate civil authority support alongside National Guard assets.
Jun 04, 2009
LATHAM, N.Y. - New York Army National Guard Sgt. Robert Benson of Rotterdam, is greeted by his wife Donya, 16 year old daughter Danya and 13 year old son Dylan, as he returned home to the Army Aviation Support Facility, May 30, after completing one-year of active duty for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Benson, and more than 160 members of the New York Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion served in Iraq for nine months, returning to the United States last weekend and completing their demobilization tasks. The Capital District welcomed home more than 35 of these Soldiers this weekend. The battalion, headquartered near Long Island's Islip MacArthur Airport at the New York Army National Guard's Ronkonkoma Army Aviation Support Facility, also has a flight company near Albany International Airport in Latham, N.Y. Known in Iraq as Task Force Jester, the aircrews and Soldiers of the 3-142nd conducted aviation operations throughout central and southern Iraq to support coalition and Iraqi forces movements of troops and supplies. The battalion of more than 320 Soldiers conducted split based operations with a company located in Basra and the remainder of the battalion at Baghdad International Airport. By May of 2009, Task Force Jester had oversight of 62 aircraft(55 UH-60 Blackhawks and seven AH-64 Apaches), more than double the unit's normal complement of helicopters without additional staffing. Over the course of the deployment, the aircrews from the task force flew more than 15,000 flight hours, moving more than 50,000 personnel and 1,000,000 lbs. of cargo. This event marks the homecoming for the remainder of the battalion's troops. The unit will come back together in approximately one month to begin their Yellow Ribbon reintegration program to offer Soldiers and their families information and services prior to returning to a regular National Guard drill status.
May 30, 2009
FORT DIX, N.J. - Major Jason Lefton is greeted by Brig. Gen. Steven Wickstrom, commander of the 42nd Infantry Division as he arrives here on Sunday, May 25 after redeploying from Iraq. Lefton and about 145 aviation Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment were in the second wave of New York Army National Guardsmen to return over the Memorial Day weekend.
May 26, 2009
FORT DIX, N.J. - About 130 aviation Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment got back on home soil here on May 17 after a year in Iraq. On hand to greet Soldiers as they got off their charterd flight were 42nd Infantry Division commander, Brig. Gen. Steven Wickstrom and 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade commander, Col.Michael Bobeck. The 142nd will spend about a week at Fort Dix conducting their demobilization process.
May 17, 2009
MACHIAS, N.Y. - Sergeant Michael Aquilina, standing to the left of the CH-47D 'Chinook' helicopter, watches as Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) Soldiers board the aircraft in preparation for an orientation flight from a farmers field in Machias. The 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade initiated the program in 2008 encouraging incoming New York aviation units to expose Soldiers to a working knowledge of aviation missions and capabilities.
May 12, 2009
CAMP SMITH - Prior to the 42nd Infantry Division's change of command ceremony on Saturday, May 2, Col. Michael Bobeck, the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade commander, conducted a change of command ceremony for the Combat Aviation Brigade Command Sergeant Majors. Command Sergeant Major Justin Cappon (right) will retire after 40 years of military service and the new brigade Command Sergeant Major will be Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Rentz. During the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Cappon received high praise from Col. Bobeck, in which he thanked Command Sgt. Maj. Cappon for his 40 years of military service to his country, the Army, and in particular, the aviation community. Colonel Bobeck noted some of the 42nd Combat Avn Bde's accomplishments and the role that a command sergeant major plays in ensuring that Soldiers are properly prepared and trained for the challenges they face throughout the world. As Command Sgt. Maj. Cappon returned the brigade colors to the commander, he thanked Col. Bobeck for the opportunity to serve the Soldiers of the Combat Aviation Brigade. Command Sergeant Major Cappon indicated that his last mission prior to his retirement will be to welcome home the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation from Iraq, saying “I sent them to war; I want to welcome them home and thank them for their honorable service."
May 11, 2009
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Four UH-1 "Huey" helicopters from the 249th Medical Evacuation Company (Air Ambulance) get airborne, bound for a cross-country trip to Temple, Texas from the Rochester-based Army Aviation Support Facility #2 on April 27. The 249th is replacing the "work-horse" helicopters with the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and will turn in their 'Huey' aircraft upon arrival in Texas.
Apr 27, 2009
LATHAM, N.Y. - Colonel Michael Bobeck, State Aviation Officer, delivers a farewell address to ten Soldiers of Detachment 20, Operational Support Airlift Command, on Friday, March 13, before they boarded a military C-26 aircraft bound for Fort Benning, Ga. for some pre-mobilization training. Detachment 20 will be conducting aerial reconnaissance in Afghanistan, detecting the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices and assisting Soldiers on the ground using unmanned aircraft.
Mar 13, 2009
LATHAM, NY - 42nd Infantry Division commander Brig. Gen. Paul Genereux passes the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade colors to incoming commander Col. Michael Bobeck inside Army Aviation Support Facility #3 on Sept. 13. Standing at far left is out-going 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade commander Col. Mark Burke and Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Justin Cappon awaiting to receive the colors for safe-keeping.
Sep 13, 2008