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History of 17th Aviation Group

The 17th Aviation Group was activated on 15 November 1965 at Fort Benning, Georgia, to provide command and control of aviation units during the Vietnam War. Deployed to Vietnam in 1966, the group played a critical role in supporting airmobile operations, troop transport, and aerial reconnaissance for U.S. Army forces. Throughout its service, the 17th Aviation Group participated in major campaigns, including the Tet Offensive and various counterinsurgency operations. After distinguished service, the group was inactivated on 15 January 1973 following the drawdown of U.S. forces in Southeast Asia.

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ABOUT 17th Aviation Group

  • Vietnam War Activation: The 17th Aviation Group was activated in 1966 in Vietnam, playing a critical role in providing aviation support during the height of the conflict.
  • Nickname "The Griffins": The group was known as "The Griffins," symbolizing strength and vigilance, and their insignia featured a griffin creature.
  • Operation Lam Son 719: In early 1971, the 17th Aviation Group participated in Operation Lam Son 719, supporting the South Vietnamese push into Laos, one of the largest helicopter operations of the war.
  • Large Helicopter Fleet: The group commanded several aviation battalions, operating hundreds of helicopters, including UH-1 Hueys, CH-47 Chinooks, and AH-1 Cobras.
  • Distinguished Unit Citations: Elements of the 17th Aviation Group earned numerous awards for valor and meritorious service, including the Valorous Unit Award and Meritorious Unit Commendation.
  • Night Operations Pioneers: The group was among the first to use night vision equipment and night-flying tactics extensively in Vietnam, pioneering modern Army aviation techniques.
  • Support for Special Forces: The 17th Aviation Group frequently supported MACV-SOG and other elite units on covert missions deep into enemy territory.
  • Evacuation Missions: The group played a vital role in medical evacuations ("Dustoff" missions), extracting thousands of wounded soldiers under fire.
  • Post-Vietnam Service: After Vietnam, the 17th Aviation Group was reorganized and continued service in the United States Army, providing aviation support and training.
  • Legacy and Lineage: The group’s lineage continues in various forms within modern Army aviation units, with its traditions of courage and innovation living on in current aviation brigades.

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