About this Unit
A Company, 3rd Aviation Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, has a distinguished history of supporting the division’s operations with aviation assets. Activated during the Cold War, the unit provided reconnaissance, air assault, and logistical support to ground forces in both training and combat deployments. The company played a vital role in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, offering critical aviation support during the division’s rapid advance into Iraq. Over the years, A Company has continued to serve with distinction in peacekeeping missions and in Operation Iraqi Freedom, upholding the proud traditions of the 3rd Infantry Division.
Historical Facts
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Distinctive Unit: A Company, 3rd Aviation Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division (“A Co, 3rd Avn Bn, 3rd Inf Div”) has a proud legacy as part of the Army’s storied “Rock of the Marne” division, dating back to World War I.
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Vietnam War Service: The 3rd Aviation Battalion traces its roots to aviation companies that served in Vietnam, providing crucial helicopter support for infantry operations.
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Modernization: Through the 1980s and 1990s, A Co, 3rd Avn Bn played a key role in integrating new rotary-wing aircraft like the UH-60 Black Hawk into Army operations.
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Operation Desert Storm: Elements of the 3rd Aviation Battalion, including A Company, deployed to Southwest Asia in 1990-1991, providing air assault, medevac, and reconnaissance support during the liberation of Kuwait.
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Balkans Deployment: The unit has supported peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Kosovo, using its aviation assets to transport personnel, deliver humanitarian aid, and monitor ceasefires.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: A Company, 3rd Avn Bn, supported the 3rd Infantry Division’s historic “Thunder Run” into Baghdad in 2003, with helicopters providing critical command and control, medevac, and combat support.
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Distinguished Aviators: Several aviators from A Company have been recognized for valor and heroism, including pilots who conducted daring rescue missions under fire.
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Emblem and Motto: The 3rd Aviation Battalion’s emblem features a winged Marne patch, symbolizing the unit’s airborne mobility and connection to the 3rd Infantry Division.
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Community Outreach: Soldiers from A Company have participated in numerous community and school outreach programs, fostering strong ties between the military and local populations at their home station.
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Current Role: Today, A Company, 3rd Avn Bn continues to provide aviation support for training, rapid deployment, and contingency missions as part of the Army’s Global Response Force.
