1-1Aviation Battalion, Fort Riley, Ks

• Origins: The 1st Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment (1-1 AVN), known as the "Gunfighters," traces its lineage back to the Vietnam era, originally constituted as part of the 1st Infantry Division's aviation assets. • Vietnam Service: Elements of the battalion's predecessors flew extensive combat missions during the Vietnam War, providing crucial air support, reconnaissance, and medevac operations. • Reactivation at Fort Riley: The battalion was reactivated at Fort Riley, Kansas, in the 1980s, becoming a vital aviation component of the 1st Infantry Division ("The Big Red One"). • Desert Storm: 1-1 AVN played a significant role during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, supporting ground forces with attack and utility helicopters in the liberation of Kuwait. • Modernization: The unit has operated a variety of aircraft over the years, including the UH-1 Huey, AH-1 Cobra, OH-58 Kiowa, and currently the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache helicopters. • Global Deployments: Soldiers from 1-1 AVN have deployed worldwide, including multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting air assault, reconnaissance, and medevac missions. • Distinguished Unit Citations: The battalion and its predecessor units have received numerous awards for valor, including Meritorious Unit Commendations and Valorous Unit Awards. • Community Engagement: 1-1 AVN is well-known at Fort Riley for supporting community events, such as air shows, flyovers, and school visits, fostering strong civil-military relations. • Training Excellence: The battalion is renowned for its rigorous aviation training programs, often serving as a model for other aviation units in the U.S. Army. • Unit Motto: The 1-1 Aviation Battalion’s motto is "Super Primus," which means "Always First"—reflecting the unit's commitment to leading from the front in all operations.