2006 WVNG Annual Report PDF - West Virginia Army National Guard

West Virginia National Guard Annual Report 2006Det B, 1/134th S&S Aviation Battalion is supportedby one detachment and was known formerlyas the RAID Detachment. This unit is designed tosupport homeland defense initiatives and is 100 percent operational at all times. Unit members supportthe state's emergency needs and federal law enforcementagencies in counterdrug operations, alongwith search and rescue operations.Army Aviation Flight Support Facilities (AASF#1and #2) support these units. Support includes maintenanceon the unit's aircraft, training of aviation crewmembers, monitoring of the commander's flying hour program, and assisting the commandersin the management of other critical flying operations programs and certifications.The 772d is a unique headquarters that other states have tried to emulate. This organizationtrains and operates as a GSAB HQ and is prepared to become a battalion headquartersif the opportunity arises. The Battalion's structure allows maximum utilization of aviationassets ito support the state of West Virginia in emergencies, as well as deployments in supportof the Global War on Terrorism. The Battalion is currently at 146 percent of its authorizedforce structure.Fixed Wing Army National Guard Aviation Training Site (FWAATS)The Fixed Wing Army Aviation Training Site located in Bridgeport offers army aviatorsinstruction in three types of airplanes. FWAATS is the only Army schoolhouse providing fixedwing training. This includes the C-12, C-23 and C-26. FWAATS trains active duty, reserveand National Guard aviators. Over the past 14 years, FWAATS has trained over 1,500 aviatorsfrom all states and territories. FWAATSgraduated 125 students in training year 2006.FWAATS provides the basics in fixedwing doctrine in the Army. FWAATS continuouslyprovides paradrop and tactical training.FWAATS developed the first fixed wing nightvision goggles (NVG) training program.The role of the C-23 in Operation IraqiFreedom has increased over the past threeyears. National Guard Bureau has taskedFWAATS to double the number of C-23 student seats annually. Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)has validated the need for an Army medium lift fixed wing aircraft in support of the warfight.FWAATS will play a fundamental role in training the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) crews. The AirForce will also purchase the JCA. FWAATS, along with the Air Guard C-26 flight training unit,are the only joint aviation training programs in the WVARNG.42