An Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, based in Pendleton, Oregon, lands at Sandy River Airport in Sandy, Oregon, on June 5, 2026, during a joint training exercise with the Clackamas Fire Department and other first responders. The Water Rescue Team Air Mobility Exercise simulated a flood scene in Clackamas County, Oregon, with combined teams executing waterborne operations and hoisting simulated victims along the Sandy River. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

U.S. Army air traffic control operators assigned to Task Force Saber, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, pose for a photo alongside Philippine Army Sgt. Jennifer Guevarra, an air traffic control operator assigned to the Air Traffic Service Platoon,in the air traffic control tower during Exercise Salaknib 2026 at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 23, 2026. Exercise Salaknib highlights the enduring U.S.-Philippine alliance, enhancing interoperability and readiness through combined-arms operations, multi-domain integration, and humanitarian assistance efforts to support regional stability. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Olivia Cowart)

SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina – For U.S. Army 1st Lt. Dustin Haubner, a recent deployment to Bosnia was about more than moving aircraft and patients. As a Kentucky Army National Guard aeromedical evacuation officer, his mission was to build bridges—between nations, services, and the Service members who depend on his team to save lives.

Haubner deployed with his unit, Detachment 1, Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment (MEDEVAC), in support of NATO operations in Southeastern Europe. Once in theater, his unit integrated into the larger Task Force Aviation, where they became a critical link between medical providers and the personnel in the region who needed them.

Working alongside the mission’s medical element, Task Force Medical (TF MED), Haubner’s team transported personnel and equipment between Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, and Camp Butmir, Bosnia.

“Our role wasn’t just transport,” said Haubner. “We worked with Bosnian and Romanian forces to share knowledge, demonstrate hoist operations, and build a foundation for future joint missions.”

This collaboration was put into practice during a live hoist demonstration with Romanian and Bosnian medical teams. They participated in training modules covering everything from aircrew familiarization to real-time patient extraction scenarios, giving them firsthand experience with U.S. procedures and equipment.

“The most valuable outcome was building relationships face-to-face with our NATO counterparts,” Haubner said. “Understanding each other’s capabilities ensures that when a real-world mission happens, we’re ready. These joint events are opportunities to strengthen interoperability, deepen trust, and enhance our joint-allied capabilities, which is the very foundation of what makes us a force multiplier across the region.”

Under Haubner’s leadership, what began as a logistical challenge, became a strategic success. The MEDEVAC team supported TF MED in delivering direct healthcare services to those stationed at Camp Butmir—eliminating the need for lengthy travel to Kosovo and creating a framework for improving emergency response and future medical support in the region.

“Our goal is long-term sustainment,” said U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Piazza, the senior medical NCO with TF MED who worked with Haubner. “Medical support at Camp Butmir is now a proven asset, and we want to ensure continuity for the units that come after us.”

Through his leadership, Haubner and his team not only brought healthcare closer to Soldiers in Bosnia but also reinforced NATO’s ability to respond together, proving that the Kentucky National Guard plays a vital role on the international stage.

This mission is now seen as a critical first step in a committed effort, establishing a framework for future rotations to sustain care and strengthen interoperability among NATO partners.

Tennessee Army National Guard Soldiers with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), and Colorado Army National Guard Soldiers with Company A, 2-135th Aviation Regiment pose for a photo with students from Dositej Obradović High School during a Public Safety Day event at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, April 17, 2026. The event, hosted by KFOR Regional Command-East, allowed students to learn about emergency response procedures and interact with first responders while reinforcing KFOR’s mission to ensure a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people in Kosovo. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Azavyon McFarland)

Photo by Patrick Bray

First-grade students from Humphreys West Elementary School learn about a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at the 3rd Battalion, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion on Desiderio Army Airfield, Camp Humphreys, April 15.

Through this STEM initiative – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – students received a hands-on orientation to flight operations and aviation missions ranging from air assault to medical evacuation. (U.S. Army photo by Patrick Bray/Released)

Photo by Spc. Jonathan Reyes

An AH-64 Apache attack helicopter assigned to 4th Attack Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, taxis on the flight line during Ivy Mass, May 12, 2026, at Fort Carson, Colorado. The training exercise enhanced coordination between aviation units and battlefield command systems during simulated combat operations. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jonathan Reyes)

Hard as it is to believe, it’s already been almost a year since our past president, MG Walt Davis, transferred the controls of AAAA to me last May. A lot has happened since then. Drone warfare, counter-drones, MV-75 Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, (FLRAA), Artificial Intelligence, cyber, reorganization of our Army Aviation formations including the elimination of our Cavalry Squadrons, Syria, Venezuela, Iran and, of course, Ukraine are all shaping our Branch and the Army itself.

What has not changed is AAAA’s commitment to each and every one of you, our members, to make sure we best support you and your families through our leadership, advocacy, and determination. From our charter membership in the 6.5 million member The Military Coalition (TMC) which has achieved a significant recent victory on Veterans benefit sustainment, to sponsoring the Army’s first Drone Warfighter Competition in February at the University of Huntsville’s Drone Range,  the just finished Army Aviation Congressional Caucus meeting sponsored by AAAA in March, and even the  AAAA retired 3- and 4-star non-aviator volunteer advocacy group known as the Senior Executive Associates, held back in March chaired by retired GEN J.D. Thurman, we are working every  day  for you.

Through the four pillars of AAAA that actualize our support; specifically…Networking, Recognition, Voice, and Support, we make sure that AAAA is perceived to be relevant, effective, and truly representative of you and your families.

This Annual Summit encompasses each of those four pillars. The Chief of Staff, GEN Randy George will be helping present the national awards to include, Soldier of the Year, Aviator of the Year, Crew Chief of the Year, Active, and ARNG and USAR Units of the Year as well.  Former Army Aviator and current Under Secretary of the Army, The Honorable Mr. Mike Obadal, will be our second day keynote speaker.

Leading-edge professional development discussions will take place nonstop through our workshops, while “networking” will continue during follow-up conversations in the hallways.

The Hall of Fame inductions on Thursday evening will again be an amazing event with two Medal of Honor recipients among the Class of 2026. And of course, we will wind it all up with the Friday night informal Soldier Appreciation Concert with Dylan Scott.

I could not be prouder to help represent all of you as your AAAA President. I look forward to seeing many of you among our over 10,000 attendees in Nashville.

Above the Best!

MG Wally Golden, U.S. Army Retired
37th President, AAAA
walter.golden@quad-a.org

Story by Pfc. Emerson Sneary

The Georgia Department of Defense (DoD) is assisting the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and other state and local authorities with wildfire suppression in South Georgia.

On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, following Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s declaration of a state of emergency, up to 150 Georgia National Guardsmen were authorized for state active duty. The Georgia DoD has mobilized to support Georgians as part of a whole-of-government response, with GEMA/HS serving as the lead agency.

“This is probably the closest thing that we come to for a real-world mission that is similar to combat in the sense that we have to coordinate with many other agencies,” said U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sean Brigham, Battalion Aviation Survivability Officer for 1st General Support Aviation Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, 78th Aviation Troop Command, Georgia Army National Guard. “We have to continually talk to multiple players in the airspace while doing our flying and mission jobs.”

The Georgia National Guard has provided three CH-47 Chinook helicopters and five UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters piloted and manned by soldiers of the 78th Aviation Troop Command. Using helicopter water buckets, the helicopter crews are drawing water from reservoirs in Echols and Brantley County, Georgia and are continuing to conduct water drops over affected areas. The Georgia National Guard has dropped approximately 350,000 gallons of water on fires in the area as of the evening of April 26.

“The communication has been superb with the Forestry Service; both Georgia and the National Forestry Service,” said Brigham.

Clay Chatham, the Air Operations Chief with the Georgia Forestry Commission is coordinating the response effort for the Pineland wildfire with the Georgia National Guard at Waycross-Ware County Airport in Waycross, Georgia.

“We have typically done (biennial) training with (the Georgia National Guard) to keep them informed on firefighting tactics and techniques,” said Chatham. “They’ve been a real force multiplier with this fire.”

The Georgia DoD has a long history of partnering with federal, state and local agencies, both here in Georgia and in other states, to ensure the safety and security of our communities, our state and our nation.

In March 2011, the Georgia National Guard conducted wildfire suppression operations in South Georgia near Savannah and Okefenokee, and have supported the South Carolina with wildfire suppression in 2017 and 2025. Today, the Georgia National Guard still responds in force with wisdom of the past and eagerness to apply new skills and technology to serve their communities.

Several local volunteers have noticed the efforts of the personnel on the ground and in the air and have brought water and food to the airport in support of the ongoing effort.

“We know that there’s lots of resources in place from the different groups that are here,” said Wayne Gilmore, the general manager of a business near the airport. “Y’all are here taking care of us, it’s only right for us to help take care of y’all.”

With 15,000 employees, the Ga. DoD is engaged in Wildfire Suppression Operations, while simultaneously supporting operations in five of the six combatant commands.

Story by John Drew Hamilton

FORT RUCKER, Ala.– The headquarters for the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command’s (AMCOM) Aviation Combined Logistics Command (ACLC), building 1116, was officially dedicated in honor of Joseph P. Cribbins, a legendary figure in Army aviation logistics whose career spanned more than four decades.

Cribbins began his military career in 1940 as an enlisted cavalryman and was commissioned in 1942. His service included assignments in the Southwest Pacific during World War II, where he managed intra-theater air transportation for Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s headquarters, and later in Korea and Japan.

After retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1966, Cribbins continued as a senior civil servant specializing in aviation logistics. He retired again in 1986 from the dual position of Special Assistant to the U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics and the Chief of the Aviation Logistics Office.

His impact was recognized with numerous honors, including two Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Awards, the Presidential Rank of Distinguished Executive presented by President Ronald Reagan, and induction into the Army Aviation Association of America Hall of Fame in 1980.

The building that now bears his name is the headquarters for the ACLC, a command with a critical and far-reaching mission. What began as a pilot program in 2002 now delivers essential materiel readiness and logistics support to five key Army installations: Fort Rucker, Fort Huachuca, Fort Benning, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, and Fort Sill.

“While this building may only be 6,800 square feet, its reach and influence is felt far beyond the boundaries of Fort Rucker,” said Robert Doerer, Fort Rucker’s deputy to the commanding general.

Doerer emphasized the importance of the work done at the ACLC.

“This is about so much more than a building,” he said. “The men and women who work inside these walls carry out a mission that Mr. Cribbins would be incredibly proud of.”

According to Doerer, the ACLC “ensures quality aircraft maintenance for the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, providing logistics support and quality oversight across a more than 200,000-hour flying program with over 500 aircraft. They work around the clock making sure our aviation Soldiers fly safe and reliable aircraft.”

Doerer, who met Cribbins earlier in his career, also shared a personal reflection.

“He was a lover of people as well as aviation,” Doerer recalled. “He didn’t talk about himself; he wanted to know about me.”
As Doerer put it, dedicating the building to Cribbins is a fitting tribute, ensuring his name will forever be linked to the people-focused, safety-oriented mission he championed throughout his life.

Story by Capt. Andrew Lightsey IV

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The U.S. Army officially named its Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLARAA) the MV-75 Cheyenne II on April 15. The announcement was made during the 2026 Army Aviation Warfighting Summit hosted by the Army Aviation Association of America.

“With the MV-75 we honor a legacy, forged by conflict, proven in battle, originally known to the U.S. Army as some of the most formidable and disciplined adversaries on the battlefield,” said the HON Mike Obadal, 36th Under Secretary of the Army, to a crowd that included members of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe. “The relationship evolved through warfare to mutual respect and finally into an unbroken legacy of patriotic service, with members serving in every major American conflict. The United States Army is proud to honor this history and pace the expectations of this warrior spirit on our aviators who operate the MV-75 Cheyenne.”

The designation continues a 79-year tradition, once mandated in Army Regulation 70-28, of Army aircraft be named after Native American tribes. According to the MV-75 Nominee Project Office, Cheyenne was chosen based on the tribes’ historical displays of the aircraft’s key attributes. Officials stated the Army considered more than 500 tribes and solicited feedback from organizations responsible for the aircraft’s development and delivery. While many tribes were researched, the Office found that the aircraft characteristics of speed, range, adaptability, and self-deplorability – mirrored the historical strengths of the Cheyenne tribes.

“The Cheyenne tribes represent a resilient warrior culture and embodies the key attributes of the MV-75,” said the HON Brent Ingraham, Army Acquisition Executive. “I am honored to be part of this historic occasion as we officially name our multi-mission tiltrotor aircraft.”

The Army official designation of MV-75 also symbolizes a new chapter in Aviation. Bell Textron Inc., the helicopters manufacturer, explained the “MV” stands for Multi-Mission Vertical Takeoff while “75” pays homage to the service’s founding in 1775.

The MV-75 Cheyenne II is the Army’s first conventional tilt-rotor aircraft. The aircraft was designed to reach speeds over 300 mph, transport 14 Soldiers, and carry an external load up to 10,000 lbs. While it was crafted for operations in the Indo-Pacific theatre, the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. was chosen as the first unit to field the helicopter, with an expected arrival in 2027.

“To be the first to field the MV-75 Cheyenne II is an honor for the ‘Wings of Destiny’ Brigade,” said Col. Tyler Partridge, commander of the 101st CAB. “Our legacy is built on flying complex air assaults, and this aircraft represents the future of that mission. The speed and range of the MV-75 Cheyenne II will fundamentally change how we conduct air assaults, giving us a decisive advantage and ensuring our ground forces can strike farther and faster than any adversary.”