April 4th, 2022
The UH-60 Blackhawk provided a static display for the beginning of Ranger Day activities on Friday, March 25th.
It launched from the Alabama Army National Guard (ALARNG) flight facility at Hope Hull, AL, covering the roughly seventy miles in twenty two minutes. The aircraft is assigned to A Co, 1-131 Helicopter Assault Battalion of the ALARNG. The crew for the visit, LTC Jeremy Chiglo, pilot, and CPT Ryan Barefield, co-pilot, landed the Blackhawk on the parade field. They spent time answering a multitude of questions, first from Aviation Cadets before lunch, during lunch in the DFAC with the Cadet Battalion leadership, then the entire Corps immediately following second mess.
LTC Chiglo and CPT Barefield spoke on a number subjects, including helicopter flight, maintenance, US Army flight school, 15 Tango crew positions, college benefits through the National Guard, and fuel consumption.
The Cadets were able to board the Blackhawk, checking out the cockpit, engines, and other crew areas. The visit ended with a flyover of Ranger Field as the Blue and Gold teams gathered for follow-on Ranger Day activities.
