About this Unit
Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment (HHT 2/17th CAV) traces its lineage to the 17th Cavalry, originally constituted in the Regular Army in July 1916. Reactivated and reorganized multiple times throughout the 20th century, the 2nd Squadron has served with distinction in major conflicts, including Vietnam, where it provided vital reconnaissance and air cavalry support. In more recent decades, HHT 2/17th CAV has supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), delivering critical command, control, and logistical support to the squadron. The unit remains an integral element of Army aviation, embodying the cavalry’s tradition of adaptability and courage.
Historical Facts
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Origins: HHT (Headquarters and Headquarters Troop), 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment traces its lineage to the 17th Cavalry, constituted in 1916, and has a storied history in US Army operations.
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Vietnam War Service: The 2/17th Cavalry played a pivotal role as an air cavalry unit during the Vietnam War, conducting reconnaissance, security, and assault missions, often flying AH-1 Cobras, OH-6 Cayuse, and UH-1 Huey helicopters.
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Decorations: The unit earned numerous awards for valor in Vietnam, including Presidential Unit Citations and Valorous Unit Awards, reflecting its distinguished combat performance.
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"Out Front" Motto: The squadron’s motto, "Out Front," highlights its reconnaissance and security missions, often being the first to make contact with the enemy.
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Gulf War Deployments: 2/17th CAV deployed as part of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during Operation Desert Storm, providing aerial reconnaissance and security in the liberation of Kuwait.
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Modernization: In the post-Cold War era, HHT 2/17th CAV adapted to new technologies, transitioning from Vietnam-era helicopters to advanced platforms like the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and later the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache.
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Global War on Terror: The squadron, including HHT, has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting reconnaissance, security, and attack missions in support of coalition operations.
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Unit Structure: As the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, HHT provides command, control, intelligence, and logistics support to the squadron, ensuring its combat readiness.
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Air Assault Integration: Based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, 2/17th CAV is integral to the 101st Airborne Division’s air assault capabilities, supporting rapid deployment and maneuver operations.
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Legacy and Traditions: Veterans and current soldiers of HHT 2/17th CAV maintain strong traditions of camaraderie, holding reunions and preserving the unit’s history through associations and published memoirs.
