MCENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, S.C. - Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited the South Carolina National Guard March 12 to engage with leadership, recognize excellence and observe operations.
Accompanying him on the visit was Senior Enlisted Advisor, John T. Raines, SEA to the chief, National Guard Bureau.
Nordhaus and Raines were welcomed by Col. Shawn Bowes, commander of the 169th Fighter Wing, and Col. Sean Renbarger, deputy commander of the 169th Fighter Wing.
Nordhaus met with U.S. Army Maj Gen. Van McCarty, adjutant general for South Carolina, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Jones, deputy adjutant general, Brig. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell, director of the joint staff and Gov. Henry McMaster’s nominee for adjutant general, U.S. Army Col. Brian Pipkin, commander of 59th Aviation Troop Command, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Norris K. McCall, command sergeant major of South Carolina Army National Guard.
His visit focused on the 1st Battalion, 151st Attack Reconnaissance Regiment. The 1-151st ARB, a premier Apache helicopter attack battalion, plays a critical role in state and federal missions. South Carolina is one of two National Guard states with AH-64E Apache Version 6 (v6) models. The other state is North Carolina.
“The Apache helicopter has been a game-changer for our unit, and the AH-64E Version 6 model has taken our capabilities to the next level,” said Lt. Col. Steven P. Seigler, commander, 1-151st Attack Battalion. “As one of only two National Guard states with this advanced aircraft, we’re proud to be at the forefront of Army aviation and to be playing a critical role in supporting both state and federal missions.”
Nordhaus recognized outstanding Soldiers and Airmen by presenting coins of excellence. He also toured the flight facility and had an orientation flight in an AH-64E Apache helicopter.
Following his time at McEntire, Nordhaus traveled to Fort Jackson to meet with National Guard drill sergeants.