CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – Washington Army National Guard aviators expanded the state’s emergency response capability while supporting real-world wildfire and counterdrug missions during one of C Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment’s busiest annual training cycles June 6-20.
The training, held at the Army Aviation Support Facility 2, Pangborn Airfield in Wenatchee, Washington, was packed with opportunities to train, build partnerships and recognize the Soldiers in the unit.
“Annual training was a chance for us to get back to the basics while still supporting real-world missions across Washington,” said Capt. Taylor Payne, commander of C Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment. “Our Soldiers focused on individual warrior tasks while balancing aviation training, domestic operations support and community engagement."
C Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment operates the LUH-72 Lakota helicopters providing crucial security, counter-drug and support to local law enforcement agencies as well as the Drug Enforcement Agency, Customs and Border Patrol and Department of Natural Resources.
One of their biggest accomplishments during training was qualifying two full hoist crews on the LUH-72B Lakota. Those crews will directly support future domestic operations, giving the state additional capability when responding to emergencies. This achievement was accomplished while simultaneously supporting firefighting operations at the Yakima Training Center during three separate fires and providing coverage for adjacent units.
Throughout sustained training, the unit also provided qualified air crews who assisted local law enforcement agencies with a multitude of counterdrug operations and attended several community events.
"Every mission we flew reinforced why we train," Payne said. "Whether it was supporting local communities through air mission requests, assisting law enforcement with counterdrug operations or helping firefighters contain wildfires at Yakima Training Center, our Soldiers demonstrated they're ready to respond whenever they're needed."
During a unique opportunity through the foreign exchange program, 1LT Riskko Joeots of the Estonian Defense League integrated with the unit for a full day.
“I had the opportunity to fly aboard a Lakota for my first time in any type of helicopter with members of the Guard. It was an exciting experience,” Joeots said. “While I had no doubt the Soldiers would conduct the mission safely, it was impressive to see their professionalism and mission preparation firsthand. Captain Payne and his crew were exceptional, and I would gladly fly with them again.”
The day also included a special visit from Veterans of Foreign Wars, or VFW, Commander-in-Chief Carol L. Whitmore, Washington Department Commander Andrew J. James and Wenatchee Valley Commander Bradley T. Pieratt. During their visit, they welcomed six Washington National Guard Soldiers into the VFW before taking a flight to see the local area and mission from the air.
"I'm incredibly proud of our Soldiers," Payne said. "They proved they can transition seamlessly from training to supporting real-world operations, all while representing the Washington Army National Guard with professionalism wherever they go."