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1204th Aviation Support Battalion, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade

The 1204th Aviation Support Battalion Headquarters is located in Burlington, Kentucky. The wartime mission of the 1204th ASB is to provide aviation logistics support to the 29th Combat Infantry Brigade (CAB), 29th Infantry Division. Until mobilized, this Battalion is under the Administrative Control (ADCON) of the 63rd TAB based in Frankfort, KY and provides much needed manpower and logistics capability to the State of Kentucky during State emergencies and natural disasters. The combat mission of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion (ASB) is to deploy to a theatre of operations in order to provide Aviation Intermediate Maintenance (AVIM), Signal and Logistical support to the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB). The 1204th ASB is comprised of four companies from various states. Headquarters & Support Company (BN HQs, Support Operations, SASMO, Ground Maintenance, Food Service, and Medical and Religious Support) and Alpha Company (Supply, POL, and Transportation) are from Kentucky. Bravo Company (Aviation Maintenance) is from Alabama, Florida and South Carolina. Charlie Company (Network Communications Support) is from Maryland. In August 2011, the 1204th ASB mobilized 608 personnel on 400 day orders for Operation New Dawn in COS Taji and various other Iraq locations, and Operation Spartan Shield in various locations such as Kuwait, Afghanistan and Jordan. The 1204th ASB mission while serving under United States Forces-Iraq (USF-I) was to conduct full spectrum aviation support operations for the 29th CAB throughout the Iraq Joint Operations Area (IJOA). On order, reposition units in theater in order to maintain continuous support to aviation units during the repositioning of 29th CAB and redeploy the force from Iraq to Kuwait to posture for future operations. The 1204th ASB’s mission under USARCENT was to plan, manage and conduct sustainment operations within 72 hours of notification; provide logistics subject matter experts for military assistance teams and key leader engagements within the JSA Georgia in order to support Task Force Normandy efforts to enhance regional stability and reassure regional partnerships.

In August 2011, 608 personnel deployed to Fort Hood for post mobilization training for 53 days. After completing post mobilization training and validation, the 1204th ASB Soldiers deployed to execute operations in Iraq and Kuwait beginning with the Relief in Place and Transfer of Authority process with the 640th ASB. The 1204th ASB assumed the extraordinary responsibility of providing aviation logistics sustainment and support operations, while simultaneously planning for the withdrawal from Iraq of the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade. In addition to support operations in support of full spectrum aviation operations, the 1204th ASB conducted additional assigned duties such as Arrival and Departure Control Group (ADACG) and the Transportation Control (TCT). These duties included planning, coordinating and conducting material handling, palletizing, transportation and automated information operations for all movements in and out of COS Taji, Iraq which resulted in improved operational efficiencies for the entire installation. The 1204th ASB water purification section trained the Iraqi military on water treatment operations. In addition to the before mentioned tasks, the 1204th ASB was tasked by USF-I in clearing COS Taji of military equipment and personnel. The 1204th ASB Support Operation Section had the enormous responsibility of planning efforts to develop the logistics concept of support to 29th CAB maneuver elements in the areas of FARP operations, intra-theater movement of critical high usage CL V DODICs and CL IX, COS Taji base transition operations, requisitioning, receiving, and distributing CL IX Aviation parts to the supported customers within the 29th CAB, and maintaining aviation readiness reporting priorities for the CAB Commander. They were critical in synchronizing a common understanding to the 29th CAB aviation assets of FARP capabilities across the Iraq Joint Operations Area (IJOA). Over the final 45 days of operations in the IJOA, plans were developed to ensure uninterrupted support for FARP operations, CL IX parts distribution, and CL V resupply. The 1204th ASB SPO planned and coordinated a FAT COW refuel operation in support of the 160th Support Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) during an end of mission Designated Visitor (DV) ceremony where the Vice President of the United States was in attendance. The 1204th ASB overcame several logistics constraints that ensured the sustainment mission succeeded. As the Theater continued to drawdown, the logistics infrastructure within the IJOA collapsed, requiring the 1204th ASB to rely heavily on Intra-Theater velocity throughput distribution from Kuwait to 29th CAB units still conducting combat operations in Iraq. The 1204th ASB Supply Support Activity (SSA) Accountable Officer, oversaw the complete retrograde of the COS Taji SSA, consisting of approximately 2,670 lines of CL IX Authorized Stockage List valued at $26 million, to Kuwait over a period of 15 days. The retrograde triggered the 1204th ASB to rely upon the Kuwait SSAs for all resupply of critical parts. This monumental task was conducted so efficiently, it was completed 5 days ahead of schedule. Aviation Maintenance management excelled and was recognized by senior leaders at the USF-I J4 and DA G4 levels. The SPO Air section provided real time and precise aviation maintenance and reposture reporting lauded by General Officers. The Support Operations Aviation Maintenance Material Management section processed over 405 high-priority and Aircraft on Ground (AOG) requisitions valued at over $5.01 million. The section proved instrumental in developing LNO operations to facilitate the Intra-Theater transportation and distribution of AOG parts from multiple Kuwait SSAs into the IJOA.

The 1204th ASB accomplished tremendous benchmarks in the IJOA while performing sustainment operations and planning the complete withdrawal of Aviation forces. A/1204th ASB operated 2 vital Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARP), at Taji and Echo. The Taji FARP broke records by refueling 96 aircraft in a 24 hour period. In total, the Taji FARP refueled over 2,647 rotary wing aircraft and pumped over 366,440 gallons of fuel in less than 45 days. The Echo FARP refueled over 642 aircraft and pumped over 148,319 gallons of fuel. The Transportation Control Team (TCT) from A/1204th ASB manifested and managed the transportation of 3,401 personnel and loaded over 580 pallets of equipment. B/, 1204th ASB completed over 66 aviation maintenance work orders, completed seven phase maintenance inspections, and managed the reposture of contractor maintenance from Iraq to Kuwait, through the complete reposture of the 1204th ASB. With assistance from A/1204th ASB logistics specialists, B/1204th ASB shipped over 6,138 lines of Tech Supply worth $60 million to Kuwait. C/1204th ASB provided over 1100 hours of continuous network capability with less than 5 personnel, and provided 24/7 operations in support of all 29th CAB units, UAV, S2 topological services, COMSEC distribution, and Secure VTC. Furthermore, C.1204th ASB established High Capacity Line of Site from Taji to Baghdad. The HSC/1204th ASB Medical Platoon treated over 1040 patients in 5 weeks at COS Taji and trained 117 civilians on basic medical care. HSC/1204th Ground maintenance completed over 28 work orders with approximately 974 man-hours performed. They were instrumental in FARP operations by ensuring the FARP equipment and vehicles remained operational. The Support Operations Mortuary Affairs section endured the unenviable responsibility of evacuating a Third Country National from Theater. Additionally, they coordinated with the Summary Courts Martial Officer of the 2/325th AIR, 2nd AAB/82nd Airborne to inventory personal effects found in a devastated MRAP belonging to a 2/325th US Soldier KIA; the last US Soldier KIA during OIF/OND.

As the largest Brigade level element on COS Taji, USD-I tasked the 29th CAB with the responsibility of clearing all non-enduring equipment, buildings, and personnel on the base and ensured transportation to Kuwait. The mission was named the Taji Reposture Cell. The 1204th ASB was given the lead on this mission with only 3 short weeks until departure. The Taji Reposture Cell managed a daily convoy mission tracker for all COS Taji convoy missions utilized by the 25th ID for daily Division synchronization briefings and conducted numerous General Officer Briefs. The end result was $1.84 million worth of lost, frustrated or abandoned Army equipment was reintroduced into the Army Supply system, 11.5 tons of CL V issued within the CAB valued at over $1.4 million dollars, 380 buildings descoped and cleared of sensitive materials and equipment, personally identifiable information (PII) and protected health information (PHI). The 1204th ASB recovered over $156,000 worth of found on installation communication equipment. The 1204th ASB assisted with the movement of 470 pieces of rolling stock, break-bulk, and containers from COS Taji to Kuwait during the withdrawal of forces. The 1204th ASB also assisted OSC-I with accountability and movement of nearly 4,000 non-enduring military and civilian personnel; with off load, security, transport and transfer of 500 M2 Browning .50 caliber machine guns systems and 132 non tactical vehicles under Foreign Military Sales Program to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense; coordinated and assisted with the load-out of 22 military convoys, and inspected an additional 200 enduring facilities for classified, sensitive, PII and PHA documents and military equipment.

In the final days of Operation New Dawn, 1204th ASB participated in Operation Restful Sleep. During this operation the 1204th ASB personnel secured and moved over 400 beds and wall lockers to support Soldiers repositioning to Kuwait. This significantly enhanced the quality of life for Soldiers at Camp Buehring. Due to swift retrograde operations from Iraq, Camp Buehring, Kuwait was over capacity. Soldiers were sleeping 60 PAX in a tent on cots with no place to secure their personal effects and military equipment. Operation Restful Sleep improved the living arrangements and equipment accountability for hundreds of Soldiers throughout Camp Buehring.

The 1204th ASB had the vital task of planning and implementing the relocation of aviation maintenance operations as well as all support operations from COS Taji, Iraq to Camp Buehring, Kuwait during the final months of Operation New Dawn. The 1204th ASB Unit Movement Officer worked with company unit movement officers, the battle staff, and company movement officers to ensure successful retrograde and relocation operations. The professionalism and effective communication were indispensible skills which enabled safe and efficient operations in an ever changing and complex environment. The 1204th ASB displayed remarkable technical expertise, leadership skills and dedication to any mission assigned to them. These vital ingredients ensured that the 1204th ASB as well as all 29th CAB subordinate units successfully synchronized retrograde operations conducted in the Iraq Joint Operations Area (IJOA). This was the largest withdrawal of United States Forces since WW II.

After the 1204th ASB completed base transition and reposture operations from Operation New Dawn at COS Taji and Camp Echo, Iraq to Camp Buehring, Kuwait the 29th CAB became part of USARCENT and Operation Spartan Shield. The 1204th ASB planned, published and implemented the concept of support and provided logistical support for all operations that the 29th CAB has participated in. These operations include Non Combatant Evacuation (NEO) Operations, partnerships and training exercises within JSA Georgia which includes Kuwait, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Yemen, Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain. The 1204th ASB had provided logistics subject matter experts for military assistance teams and key leader engagements to support 29th CAB’s efforts to enhance regional stability, and reassure regional partnerships. During Operation Spartan Shield, the 1204th ASB set conditions for sustained DATF operations across the operational maneuver area, delayed culmination for logistical considerations, preserved freedom of maneuver for the CAB commander, and provided technical expertise to support exercises, teams and engagements. The 1204th ASB created conditions for 29th CAB success.

B/1204th ASB served in a meritorious manner during Operation New Dawn and Operations Spartan Shield. They provided significant aviation and logistical support to both the 40th and 29th CABs throughout their deployment enabling the brigades with the combat power and muscle to execute their combat missions. Upon arrival in theater, B/1204th quickly established its headquarters and home base of operations at Udari Army Airfield (UAAF) and a detachment at Camp Taji, Iraq. Utilizing the knowledge skills and abilities of their personnel, they were able to overcome significant logistical challenges of providing intermediate aviation maintenance support across two countries during the Iraq draw down. They were the first unit to establish major maintenance operations at UAAF and began conducting major maintenance within days of their arrival despite the lack of infrastructure, automation systems or resupply channels. Their creativity enabled the CAB and subordinate units to conduct combat operations throughout the movement south. With the rapid and constantly changing environment, B/1204th ASB managed many missions outside their normal METL to include taking over and managing a battalion of aircraft and running an air movement passenger terminal to facilitate the draw down. They successful prepared the aircraft for a smooth transition to the incoming unit and processed hundreds of passenger upon their arrival from Iraq. B/1204th coordinated the loading and transport of 320 connexs of equipment and repair parts to Kuwait and went through each connex to inventory, classify and catalogue over 22,000 lines of class IX repair parts worth over $40,000,000 which is over 4 times as many lines as the local SSA. B/1204th utilized these repair parts to streamline tech supply operations and provided the 29th CAB with the supplies needed to conduct operations with minimal downtime while waiting on supply. The local SSA was quickly overwhelmed by the incoming units but this had minimal effect on operations due to B/1204th ASB’s efforts. Their deft management of this process was applauded by the Assistant Director of Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) and millions of dollars of unaccounted for repair parts were returned to the supply system. B/1204th ASB provided the 40th CAB with the maintenance support needed to successfully move their aircraft through Kuwait to the SPOD for shipment home while continuing to provide support to the 29th CAB still conducting combat operations in Iraq. Upon the transition to operations in Kuwait, the aviation support company was a key planner in brigade level maintenance actions and completed over 50 aircraft phase maintenance inspections in 3 different airframes. Showcasing their extreme technical proficiency, they also provided limited depot level maintenance support saving the US Army hundreds of thousands of dollar in transportation cost for aircraft that would have otherwise had to be returned to CONUS for that level of repair. B Co also prepared 14 CH-47 Chinook Helicopters from B/1204th ASB, 1-111th GSAB for air transport all over the word in one of the largest air movements of CH-47s in recent memory. B/1204th ASB also provided back shops support to the 1108th TASM-G. The TASM-G saw such an increase in productivity that the National Maintenance Program quotas were increased providing better support to US Army Aviation. In total, the unit completed over 120,000 logged maintenance man hours on over 2,200 heavy maintenance work orders, not including the back shops support at the TASM-G. The efforts of B/1204th ASB enabled the 29th CAB to successfully accomplish its combat mission with a stellar maintenance record and significantly improved the footprint for future maintainers for years to come. A/1204th ASB continued to provide support to 29th CAB units during Operation Spartan Shield. They pumped 20,695 gallons of fuel and refueled 98 A/C since taking over the Arifjan FARP on 25 March 2012. They provide transportation operations for the 29th CAB subordinate units where they have logged in 18, 958 KM in 4 months (Jan-Apr). A/1204th ASB provides Material Handling Support for the entire brigade. The A/1204th ASB supply platoon has inventoried over 70,000 stockage lines estimated at over $85,000,000.

C/1204th ASB provided communication support for the 29th CAB throughout Operation Spartan Shield. In addition to their collective mission of providing tactical network connectivity to the brigade through the implementation of small command post node and satellite terminals, they provided brigade with uninterrupted access to fail safe communication networks in the event of strategic communication interruption. C/1204th ASB leveraged their extensive knowledge of router protocols and network infrastructure to provide critical assistance units throughout the brigade. C/1204th ASB provided a network extension team in support of 1-111th GSAB to provide a CPN/STT connectivity for the JODP mission. This led to success of the mission as they provided C4ISR link for the ground commander to be able to communicate from Jordan to Kuwait. C/1204th ASB was selected to support the creation and operations of ARCENT Task Force 3.1 Spartan Shield, a Division Headquarters unit tasked with protection and partnership development within AOR GEORGIA. C/1204th ASB established a G-6 section within Task Force 3.1, providing help desk support for Division Tactical Operations systems, ensuring Command Post of the Future, and VTC operations were maintained at 100% operational capability, to ensure weekly briefings to Deputy ARCENT Commander. The help desk successfully completed 237 trouble tickets, established new User account set up, standard user maintenance, created a phone directory, and completed IAVA updates, VLAN Swap, phone issues and Installed Printers / Scanners. The team, helped establish a Spartan Shield Net, allowing subordinate BDE the ability to communicate through the Division. This Netted Iridium Capability with geospatial map picture allowed the Task Force Chief of Staff the ability to track BDE movements on a common operating picture. The team also established a Task Force 3.1 Sharepoint portal; with the capability for incoming BDE’s to share information while at home station, easing the RIP process. C/1204th ASB has provided a second level IT service desk for Udari Army Air Field (UAAF), which seeks to resolve any and all information technology and telecommunication issues for the over 1300 users on the airfield. As part of this mission the company has resolved over 200 individual trouble tickets ensuring the availability of 24/7 communications for the tenant units of UAAF with a team of only 10 personnel. In addition, C/1204th ASB oversaw and managed the implementation and validation of all information assurance (IA) protocols for users and structures for UAAF. C/1204th ASB provided project oversight for the expansion of enduring communications infrastructure installation on UAAF, by providing a project officer and NCO to plan, oversee and manage the installation of fiber optic and copper cable links to 54 buildings. Due directly to this effort, UAAF will be prepared to provide continued communications support to future users IAW facilities security requirements and the operational needs of future aviators and war fighters.

HSC/1204th ASB provided maintenance, medical, and food service support in support of Kuwait operations. The HSC ground maintenance section had the highest Operational Readiness rate in the brigade consistently maintaining 93% or above. They completed a total of 800 work orders and 58,850 man hours. The HSC Food service section conducted split-based operations at the Camp Virginia and Camp Buehring Dining Facilities (DFACs). The Camp Virginia DFAC provided over 500,000 meals with 15 Personnel working 24 hour operations. The Camp Buehring DFAC served over 2.5 million. The HSC medical section provided Level 2 medical treatment for over 7302 patients at the Camp Buehring Troop Medical Clinic in addition to conducting flight physicals for personnel on flight status.

On 9 August 2012 the 1204th ASB transferred authority to the 935th ASB, 35th CAB. The 1204th ASB cased its colors signifying 12 months of successful combat aviation sustainment operations in support of United States Forces-Iraq (Operation New Dawn) and United States Army Central (Operation Spartan Shield). The 1204th ASB redeployed forces to Camp Atterbury Joint Movement Training Center (CAJMTC), Indiana for reintegration training and out-processing and arrived back to home station on 23 August 2012. The 1204th ASB equipment redeployed to Fort Hood, Texas and was recovered in October 2012. The 1204th ASB deployed personnel participated in Re-Blue and Yellow Ribbon activities 2-9 December 2012. On 9 December 2012 the 1204th ASB conducted a change of command ceremony with LTC G. Tom Roach as the outgoing commander relinquishing command to incoming commander MAJ Phillip D. Robinson