16th CAB

• Origins in World War II: The lineage of the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) traces back to the 16th Aviation Battalion, activated in Vietnam in 1968. • Vietnam Service: The original 16th Aviation Group earned distinction for its support of ground operations, flying assault, resupply, and medevac missions during the Vietnam War. • Reactivation at Joint Base Lewis-McChord: The current 16th CAB was activated on 7 March 2009 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington, consolidating Army aviation assets in the Pacific Northwest. • Support to I Corps: The 16th CAB is the dedicated aviation brigade for I Corps, providing robust helicopter support for both training and contingency operations. • Multi-Aircraft Fleet: The brigade operates a diverse fleet, including AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, UH-60M Black Hawks, and CH-47F Chinooks. • Operation Enduring Freedom Deployments: Units from the 16th CAB have deployed multiple times to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting combat, resupply, and MEDEVAC missions. • Disaster Response: The brigade has assisted in multiple domestic emergencies, including wildfire fighting in Washington State and earthquake relief in Nepal. • “Forged in Fire” Motto: The brigade’s motto, “Forged in Fire,” reflects its Vietnam War heritage and continued emphasis on readiness and resilience. • Alaska Detachment: The 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment, part of the 16th CAB, is stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, supporting Arctic operations. • Training and Innovation: The brigade regularly participates in large-scale exercises such as Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) rotations and Pacific Pathways to maintain cutting-edge combat aviation capabilities.