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N.C. Guard battalion gets new Apache

The North Carolina National Guard received the first of its 24 AH-64D Longbow attack helicopters, becoming the second operational reserve aviation unit to rise to a level of capability on par with active units.

The Arizona National Guard’s 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, received its allotment of 24 AH-64D Apaches two years ago and is in the process of redeploying from Afghanistan.

By the end of 2009, four National Guard battalions will have received 96 of the modernized aircraft, giving National Guard aviators the opportunity to train with the attack helicopter’s latest technology and become a force multiplier for the active-duty Army.

“We all recognize that you have got to equip the [National Guard] the way you equip the active component. It’s an operational force and you can’t say ‘I’ll give you old stuff’ and then say you’re part of the operational force,” Army aviation chief Brig. Gen. Stephen Mundt told Army Times at an aviation symposium of the Association of the U.S. Army.

Aviators with the Arizona National Guard logged 16,000 flight hours in the AH-64D Apache in Afghanistan under Task Force 82, commanded by the headquarters of the 82nd Airborne Division.

“I think it’s being very well received because this is a replacement of a legacy airframe, the original A-model Apaches,” said Lt. Col. Garrett Jensen, National Guard Bureau division chief for aviation and safety. “It’s an upgrade in equipment for the Guard and allows them to keep par with the regular Army.”

The North Carolina National Guard, which has mobilization orders for spring 2009, will receive another 12 AH-64D Apaches by the end of 2008.

The training program for aviators transitioning to the modernized D model is taking place at Fort Hood, Texas.

“Our aviators began training on this vehicle months ago and are incredibly thrilled with the Longbow’s capabilities. Most of our Apache aviators piloted the AH-64A in combat and are impressed with the increased capabilities, most notably the fire control radar system,” said Capt. Chris Joyner, spokesman for 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 130th Aviation Regiment, which unveiled its AH-64D Apaches at a ceremony in Morrisville, N.C., on Jan. 6.

Next to receive its new Apache helicopters will be 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment, of the South Carolina National Guard, followed by the Utah National Guard’s 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment.