Sgt. 1st Class Micah Lillegard, critical care flight paramedic with Detachment 1, Company D, 1st Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, hand signals to the flight team in a Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk during a medical-hoist training exercise at Kettle Moraine State Forest near New Prospect, Wis., March 27, 2026. Training in different locations and terrains prepares aviation crews to effectively respond in unique environments. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Soliday)
An AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter crew assigned to the 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, in flight during an aviation gunnery exercise on Fort Hood, Texas, March 31, 2026. The aviation gunnery exercise was held to test a new forward arming and refueling system, evaluating its efficiency as part of the 1st Cavalry Division’s Pegasus Charge initiative. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Julian A. Winston)
Story by Janet A. Aker
Before the U.S. Air Force was established in 1947, the U.S. Army owned the skies.
The ground and air personnel had various designations going back to 1918.
From 1926-1947, it was the U.S. Army Air Forces, which was preceded by the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War I. It was the Air Corps that had command and control of aerial combat. Brig. Gen. Theodore Lyster, a U.S. Army physician, pioneered aviation medicine and physical standards for pilots and crews in the run-up to and participation of America in World War I. He was selected to be the U.S. Army’s first flight surgeon and became known as the “Father of Aviation Medicine” for his work with pilots.
Lyster, the namesake of Lyster Army Health Clinic on Fort Rucker, Alabama, had a simple reason for keeping pilots and their air and flight line crews in top health and always medically ready for action.
“It is one thing to build machines and train men to fly them, but another to maintain these men and machines in the air by the constant supervision necessary,” Lyster said, according to the clinic’s history. “This is a far-reaching problem, which is imminently involved in the evolution of the Air Service and largely falls upon the medical service to keep these fliers at their greatest efficiency.”
Role in first aviator physical standards
After the start of WW I on July 28, 2014 — amid a growing sense the U.S. would be drawn into the conflict — the Army Surgeon General’s office decided to create appropriate physical standards for aviators, according to a 1935 article titled, “On the early history of aviation medicine” written by a Medical Reserve Corps officer, 1st Lt. William Wilmer, an ophthalmologist and colleague of Lyster’s. Flight was such a recent capability that little was known about the physical and psychological reactions pilots would face in wartime.
The U.S. entered the Great War on April 6, 1917. In May 1917, then-Col. Lyster was put in charge of all U.S. aviator physicals. Medical examiners used a short form (Form 609) of 34 standardized questions and sub-categories to look at every possible recruit for a whole-body analysis of their health. The exams included:
- Eyesight sharpness
- Field of vision (peripheral vision)
- Hearing tests
- Static balance tests
- Moving equilibrium tests that used a simple rotating chair, a precursor to the centrifuge still used by pilots today
“Efficiency and ultimate economy were the controlling influences, from a physical standpoint, in determining the selection of personnel for training for fliers,” according to a chapter written by Lyster in a 1923 government book on WW I medical care.
Four months later, Lyster was designated as the first chief surgeon, Aviation Section, Signal Corps, U.S. Army. On Oct. 18, 1917, Lyster established the Medical Research Board at Hazelhurst Field, Mineola, New York, to:
- Investigate conditions affecting pilot efficiency
- Conduct experiments to determine high-altitude effects
- Carry out tests to provide oxygen-delivery apparatus for pilots flying at high altitudes
- Act as a standing medical board for all matters relating to the physical fitness of pilots
According to the Wilmer article, Lyster realized the “importance of visual and vestibular function,” and “the appropriate psychological profile in the novice aviator.”
In late October 1917, Lyster and his team sailed to France on a medical fact-finding mission.
The doctors had long conversations with U.S. aviators at the front lines and immediately noticed they were losing weight and in poor physical and, often poor mental, condition. Their morale was low.
Accident rates were high, with three times as many pilots dying from accidents as from enemy action, according to retired Air Force Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Harry Armstrong, another pioneer of aviation medicine, in his 1952 book, “The Principles and Practices of Aerospace Medicine.” Armstrong was the U.S. Air Force Surgeon General in the early 1950’s. He also served as the 8th Air Force surgeon during World War II and the commandant of the School of Aviation Medicine at Randolph Field, Texas.
Medical officers underdiagnosed pilot health problems because they didn’t have the training to recognize them. And pilots had to clear all medical visits with their commanders.
Role of the flight surgeon
To address these issues, Lyster created the flight surgeon, a doctor who had the sole duty of caring for pilots, according to his September 1918 article titled “The Aviation Service of the Medical Department of the Army.” This new type of medical officer had a team of college-recruited athletic physical trainers who coached pilots in everything from down time to diet.
Flight surgeons had to have extensive knowledge of the Lyster-team developed aviation physical examination, have post-graduate training in aviation medicine, be able to communicate authoritatively to the commanding officer, and “command the confidence of the pilots, so they would instinctively come to him with their difficulties,” Lyster wrote in the 1923 War Department history.
With the implementation of flight surgeons, the death rate went down even when the number of pilot flying hours increased, according to a 1920 U.S. government book titled “Aviation Medicine in the A.E.F.”
Fort Rucker’s aviation activities, Lyster services today
Fort Rucker is the primary flight training installation for the U.S. Army Aviation branch, established in 1983, and is the home of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence.
In 2023, Lyster ACH established the Aviation Medicine Clinic to provide medical care to aviators and their crews. By 2024, the clinic completed on average 3,500 student physicals and over 5,500 flight physicals per year. And in 2024, the clinic earned the Army Surgeon General’s Wolf Pack Award “for exceptional teamwork in improving clinical operations in primary care and establishing an Aviation Medicine Clinic.”
The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission with its Gold Seal of Approval for its quality health care management and safety. Lyster provides primary care, mental health care, pharmacy services, OB-GYN, pediatrics, and specialty services, including optometry, and physical therapy to around 17,500 direct, enrolled patients.
During a visit by Lyster’s great grandson in December 2025, Lt. Col. Leah Steder, Lyster commander said, “Maintaining the medical fitness of our aviators is complex, and we’re committed to upholding the standards of excellence that Brig. Gen. Lyster embodied, and ensuring our aviators are medically ready to fly. Our care keeps them in the air.”
Photo by Sgt. Scyrrus Corregidor
GRAFENWOEHR TRAINING AREA, Germany – U.S. Army AH‑64E Apache Guardian helicopter assigned to 2nd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, engages an unmanned aerial system during air‑to‑air training as part of Operation Skyfall at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 18, 2026. Operation Skyfall is a 12th CAB‑led training exercise designed to advance the Eastern Flank Defense Line concept by demonstrating the brigade’s counter‑unmanned aerial systems capabilities. Through modernization, experimentation, and refined C‑UAS tactics, 12th CAB strengthens its operational readiness and enhances the U.S. Army’s ability to deter aggression, counter emerging threats, and support regional security across the European theater. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Scyrrus Corregidor)
Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Merchak
U.S. Army soldiers assigned to Headquarter Support Company, Army Forces Battalion, attach cargo to a UH-60 Black Hawk assigned to the 1st Battalion 228th Aviation Regiment, Joint Task Force-Bravo, during sling load training at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, March 4, 2026. Sling loading allows Joint Task Force-Bravo aviation assets to move heavy equipment, supplies, and mission-essential cargo to locations where traditional transportation may not be possible, enabling rapid response to humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and contingency operations across Central America. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Merchak)
Photo by Pfc. Thomas Nguyen
Pvt. 1st Class Ty’Anthony Johnson, an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator assigned to 4th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, inquires about aircraft updates during Ivy Sting 5 on Fort Carson, Colorado, March 4, 2026. The capability supported Ivy Sting 5 by feeding persistent aerial surveillance into Next Generation Command and Control systems, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making across the battlefield. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Thomas Nguyen)
Our annual Army Aviation Warfighting Summit is almost upon us! From April 15 to 17, 2026 the entire Army Aviation community will gather in Nashville, TN at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.
The Summit is the one time each year when all elements of Army Aviation, from Sustainment to Acquisition; Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, Retired, members of industry and even cadets and ROTC students gather with our Army Leadership. It is another example of AAAA executing its mission of taking care of Army Aviation Soldiers and Families through our four pillars of Networking, Recognition, Voice and Support.
AAAA and Army Aviation remain in a period of continuous transformation as we prepare for the future, while remaining ready to fight tonight. The MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft, (FLRAA), drones, counter-drone, artificial intelligence (AI), and cyber are integral to this year’s event. We will also ensure that the backbone of our maneuver capability; Black Hawks, Chinooks, Apaches and their crews are modernized and recognized as the best in the world! And we will continue to recognize our legacy with our aviation pioneering veterans from the Vietnam War, Cold War, Desert Storm and Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).
I know many of you are already tracking that our Branch Chief, MG Clair Gill, is now also the Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Maneuver Air. This restructuring of the acquisition process promises vastly accelerated fielding of our new systems. Recent press reports indicate that the MV-75 FLRAA will undergo an accelerated acquisition path in concert with the Chief of Staff Army (CSA) and Secretary of War’s intent to cut through bureaucracy and get equipment in the hands of our Soldiers as rapidly as possible.
I recently returned from a visit to the AAAA Badger Chapter at their annual ball held at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, WI on 10 January 2026. It was an exciting and inspirational event as the state’s Army National Guard Aviation Soldiers and Spouses gathered for an evening of recognition, entertainment and networking. I was honored to assist in the presentation of four Bronze Orders of St. Michael (OSM). I was also excited to see the recently selected Wisconsin Adjutant General (TAG), MG Matthew Straub and his wife Tina, at the ball. MG Straub is the first Army TAG in over 25 years in Wisconsin and was proudly wearing his AAAA Gold OSM. My sincere thanks to the chapter officers for their hospitality and the invitation to attend the Badger Ball – COL Dan Allen, President; LTC Nils Henderson, Sr. VP; CPT Patrick Peterson, Treasurer; CPT Meredith Porter, VP Awards; 1LT Austin Smith, Secretary; CW4 Craig Hatfield, VP Scholarship; and MAJ Joshua Felber, VP Industrial Affairs.
Finally, by the time you read this, we will have completed the Army’s very first Best Drone Warfighter Competition at the University of Alabama Huntsville Drone Range in Huntsville, AL. The amount of hard work, attention to detail and detailed coordination between the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCOE) at Ft. Benning, Georgia and the Army Aviation Center of Excellence (AVCOE), Ft. Rucker, Alabama has been remarkable. There will be a full report in the next issue, but I want you all to know that AAAA is fully engaged in Army Aviation’s Continuous Transformation, supporting the Branch and the Army in developing this emerging capability.
If you aren’t registered already, make sure you register now for our annual Summit in April. You won’t want to miss it!
Above the Best!
MG Wally Golden, U.S. Army Retired
37th President, AAAA
walter.golden@quad-a.org
Story by Capt. Andrew Lightsey IV
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – 1-101 Attack Battalion (1-101st AB) “No Mercy” reached a milestone in Army Aviation Transformation by successfully transferring the first two AH-64E Apache Version 4 (v4). Helicopters to the 1-149th Attack Battalion (1-149th AB) of the Texas and Mississippi Army National Guards on Feb. 3, 2026.
“It was a great experience watching the maintainers in our company work alongside our teammates in the National Guard,” said 1st Lt. Kamrin Rosling, a platoon leader in 1-101 AB. “The process went smoothly as Soldiers from the supply and maintenance sections came together to get the transfer done.”
The transfer aligns with the Army’s goal of ensuring that Guard component is equipped with modern aircraft to meet its mission demands. 1-149th AB headquarters is located at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, Texas but has companies in Mississippi. The acquisition of the two helicopters immediately upgraded the 1-149th AB capabilities by providing more lethal and interoperable platforms.
“The 1-149th Attack Battalion retired the last AH-64A in 2012 and is now poised for the next transformation with the acceptance of our first two AH-64E helicopters from the 101st” said Lt. Col. Cody Anfinson, 1-149th AB commander. “It is an honor to collaborate with No Mercy, the National Guard Bureau, and Apache Project Management to ensure Texas and Mississippi are prepared to enhance our readiness with the AH-64E Guardian.”
The handover was a significant step in creating more hangar space for 1-101st AB, of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade (101st CAB), to receive a battalion’s worth of upgraded AH-64E Apache Version 6 (v6.) Helicopters. According to Boeing, the AH-64E v6. features improved main rotor and tail rotor systems, an upgraded fuselage with a larger fuel capacity, and an advanced crew station with a large pilot display.
“This transfer reflects the hard work and professionalism of our No Mercy Soldiers,” said Lt. Col. Merritt Thomas, 1-101 AB commander. “By giving AH-64E v4. Apaches to the Texas and Mississippi National Guards, we helped boost their ability to provide responsive homeland security. It also enabled us to receive the upgraded Version 6 fleet to continue sharpening our readiness and project combat power. It was a win for all units involved.”
Following the transfer,101st CAB will continue restructuring efforts and become the service’s largest conventional aviation unit. In addition to its fleet of AH-64E (v6) Helicopters, the brigade will be the first to receive the MV-75 Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), and host two Assault Helicopter Battalions with Chinooks.
“The 101st CAB remains at the forefront of transformation initiatives.” said Col. Tyler Partridge, 101st CAB commander. “As we reorganize to continue fielding next-generation aviation capabilities, we are ensuring the brigade is ready to help the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) prepare for ground combat and win the fight of tomorrow.”
Story by Kathleen “Kat” Pettaway-Clarke
Corpus Christi Army Depot, Texas–The enduring fleet of the Army’s Blackhawk helicopter ensures a continuous workload for the Corpus Christi Army Depot in South Texas, particularly in the remanufacture of legacy platforms. In response to this sustained demand, CCAD has launched the first organic composite repair program for helicopter blades in the United States.
Corpus Christi Army Depot Commander COL Kevin Considine said, “Composite blades aren’t going anywhere. CCAD is a very important part of the industrial mix, and the depot takes pride in our products.”
This initiative is a critical component of the depot’s product verification audit. In Army Aviation, a Depot Product Verification Audit is a specialized quality assurance inspection conducted by a higher echelon, such as the Aviation and Missile Command or the Defense Logistics Agency. Its primary purpose is to verify that the parts being manufactured or overhauled at the depot meet the exact engineering and safety specifications before they are sent back to the fleet.
In conjunction with the launch of its organic composite repair program, CCAD hosted a visit from Jennifer Martone, the Program Director for Black Hawk Sustainment and International Helicopter at Sikorsky. Sikorsky is a key partner.
Deputy and Chief Operations Officer Roderick Benson said, “The Sikorsky name is trusted to execute some of the most demanding military missions. That trust is earned through decades of excellence, and it continues to set the standard for rotary wing aviation.”
This was Martone’s first visit to the depot and is responsible for overseeing strategies related to spares and repairs. Specialized capabilities at CCAD, such as non-destructive testing, make the depot an attractive partner for industry leaders like Sikorsky. Non-destructive testing allows inspectors to identify defects such as cracks, corrosion, or heat damage within a component without requiring disassembly.
“What stands out about our work with Corpus Christi Army Depot is our shared focus on the warfighter,” said Martone. “Our visit to CCAD reinforced how our combined expertise keeps Army Aviation mission-ready whenever it’s called.”
The collaboration between Sikorsky and CCAD is vital, as evidenced by the Direct Sales Partnership Agreement signed in 2018. Following this agreement, both entities began working on the implementation of the M-model blades program.
According to DSPA Program Manager Lyndon Smiling, “The process took several years and was delayed through a series of setbacks such as COVID, supply chain, and tooling issues, and now the depot has received three M-model blades.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to support Sikorsky as a partner, and we take pride in contributing to a legacy that serves those who serve,” said Benson
The depot categorizes rotary blade repairs into three levels: full overhaul, Category 2, and Category 3. A full overhaul involves stripping the blade to its core, which includes removing all finishes, inspecting the internal structure, replacing leading-edge strips, and re-balancing the blade to industry specifications. Category 2 repairs address significant but non-structural damage, such as skin delamination, larger composite punctures, or eroded components that exceed field-level repair limits. The final category, Category 3, involves complex structural reinforcements or the use of specialized tooling to bond materials. Non-Destructive Testing is part of those processes.
A potential halt in the production line due to the phasing out of LEAP minutes could lead to a parts deficiency, ultimately increasing maintenance bottlenecks. This situation, however, presents an opportunity for CCAD to expand its role as a depot product verification auditor. By acting as a gatekeeper, the depot would ensure that all aircraft parts are airworthy.
The Continuous Transformation framework has three concurrently executed time horizons: Transforming in Contact (near-term efforts), Deliberate Transformation (mid-term efforts) and Concept-Driven Transformation (long-term efforts). This ongoing transformation allows us to adapt and evolve how we organize, equip, train and fight, and provides the Joint Force with lethal, adaptable and flexible forces.
U.S. Air Force pilots assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing fly an MC-130J Commando II during a joint helicopter air-to-air refueling exercise above the Southeastern United States, Jan. 23, 2026. HAAR serves to familiarize special operations for endurance flight missions that require a lethal, agile and forward-deployable force ready to defend the Nation at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isabel Tanner)
Army Aviation Magazine is the Official Journal of the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA)
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