HHC 11 AVN BN

• Origins: The Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 11th Aviation Battalion traces its roots to the Vietnam War era, where it played a pivotal role in Army aviation history. • Nickname: The 11th Aviation Battalion is often referred to as the “Thunderbirds,” reflecting both their speed and impact on the battlefield. • Presidential Support: In the 1970s, elements of the 11th Aviation Battalion were assigned as the aviation unit supporting the President of the United States, earning the moniker “Presidential Support Battalion.” • Vietnam Service: The battalion served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1973, providing air assault, resupply, and medevac missions under extremely hazardous conditions. • Unit Emblem: The unit’s distinctive insignia features a golden winged sword, symbolizing both aviation and military readiness. • Operation Desert Storm: HHC 11th Aviation Battalion participated in Operation Desert Storm, contributing to coalition victory and earning campaign streamers. • Notable Aircraft: Over its history, the battalion has operated several types of helicopters, including the UH-1 Huey, UH-60 Black Hawk, and OH-58 Kiowa. • Humanitarian Missions: The unit has supported domestic emergency and humanitarian operations, including disaster relief efforts in the United States. • Legacy at Fort Belvoir: The 11th Aviation Battalion was long stationed at Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, serving as a key aviation asset for the National Capital Region. • Deactivation and Legacy: In 2005, the battalion was officially inactivated, but its legacy continues through the many Army aviation units and personnel it helped train and support over the decades.