About this Unit
The 66th Aviation Brigade is a unit of the United States Army National Guard, headquartered in North Fort Worth, Texas. Established in 2008, the brigade provides command and control for aviation units, supporting both state and federal missions. It is comprised of several battalions equipped with rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, including UH-60 Black Hawks and CH-47 Chinooks. The 66th Aviation Brigade has participated in various domestic operations, such as disaster relief and homeland security, as well as overseas deployments in support of operations in the Middle East.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Formation: The 66th Aviation Brigade was originally constituted as a headquarters unit in the Army National Guard, reflecting the growing importance of aviation support for modern military operations.
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Texas National Guard Heritage: The brigade is part of the Texas Army National Guard, emphasizing its crucial role in both state and federal missions.
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Support for Hurricane Relief: The 66th Aviation Brigade has played a key role in disaster relief, especially during hurricanes such as Harvey and Katrina, providing vital aviation assets for search, rescue, and supply missions.
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Overseas Deployments: Elements of the brigade have been deployed overseas in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, showcasing their operational flexibility.
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Modern Aircraft: The brigade operates a variety of aircraft, including the UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, enabling both troop transport and logistical support missions.
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Training Excellence: The 66th Aviation Brigade is recognized for its high standards in aviation training, regularly participating in major exercises such as Warfighter and Joint Readiness Training Center rotations.
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Community Engagement: The brigade is active in community outreach, supporting public events, flyovers, and educational programs in Texas.
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Command Structure: The 66th Aviation Brigade commands and coordinates multiple subordinate aviation battalions and companies, showcasing complex command and control capabilities.
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Support for Border Security: The brigade has provided aviation support for border security missions in Texas, assisting state and federal agencies with surveillance and rapid response.
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Decorations and Honors: Over the years, the 66th Aviation Brigade and its subordinate units have earned multiple awards for their service, including Meritorious Unit Commendations and state-level honors.
