Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division

Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division
Unit name	Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division
Dates	2005 – present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Combat aviation brigade
Role	Airmobile and Aeroscout operations
Size	Brigade
Command structure	2nd Infantry Division, Eighth Army
Garrison	Camp Humphreys
Battles	War in Afghanistan, Iraq War

Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. The Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division is a United States Army aviation unit permanently forward-deployed on the Korean Peninsula. As a core element of the 2nd Infantry Division and under the operational control of Eighth Army, the brigade provides critical aerial reconnaissance, air assault, and medical evacuation capabilities in support of the United States Forces Korea mission. Its headquarters is located at Camp Humphreys near Pyeongtaek, South Korea.

History

The brigade was activated in 2005 at Camp Eagle in Wonju, South Korea, as part of the United States Army's transformation to the modular force structure. This reorganization consolidated various aviation assets under a single command to enhance readiness on the Korean Peninsula. In 2017, the brigade relocated its headquarters to the newly expanded Camp Humphreys as part of the Yongsan Relocation Plan and United States Forces Korea consolidation. Its history is deeply intertwined with the 2nd Infantry Division's long-standing mission to deter aggression and defend the Republic of Korea.

Organization

The brigade is composed of multiple battalions, each with specialized roles. The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment serves as the assault battalion, while the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment provides heavy-lift capability with its CH-47 Chinook helicopters. The 4th Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment operates AH-64 Apache attack helicopters for armed reconnaissance and close combat attack. Aviation support functions are managed by the 602nd Aviation Support Battalion. This structure is designed for rapid response and integration with Eighth Army and Republic of Korea Armed Forces units.

Aircraft

The brigade operates a diverse fleet of rotary-wing aircraft. Its primary attack platform is the AH-64E Apache Guardian, used for precision strikes and armed reconnaissance. The UH-60M Black Hawk serves in multiple roles, including air assault, medical evacuation, and utility missions. Heavy-lift operations are conducted by the CH-47F Chinook. The brigade also fields the HH-60M for dedicated medical evacuation under the callsign "Dustoff." This fleet is maintained at a high state of readiness to meet the demands of the Korean Theater of Operations.

Operations and deployments

While its primary mission is the defense of South Korea, the brigade has deployed elements in support of global operations. Personnel and units have seen combat in both the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War, providing critical aviation support to International Security Assistance Force and Operation Iraqi Freedom missions. The brigade regularly participates in major bilateral exercises such as Key Resolve, Foal Eagle, and Ulchi-Freedom Guardian alongside the Republic of Korea Army to maintain interoperability and demonstrate the United States commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Republic of Korea.

Commanders

Command of the brigade is held by an Army Aviator in the rank of Colonel. Past commanders have included notable officers who have later served in key positions within United States Army Pacific and the Department of the Army. The brigade commander reports directly to the commanding general of the 2nd Infantry Division and works in close coordination with the Eighth Army Aviation Office.

Heraldry and insignia

The brigade's unit insignia and heraldic devices derive from the lineage and symbols of the 2nd Infantry Division, notably incorporating the division's distinctive "Indianhead" patch. Its separate distinctive unit insignia and shoulder sleeve insignia are approved by the United States Army Institute of Heraldry. The brigade's units often carry on the histories and battle honors of historic United States Army Aviation Branch regiments, including campaigns from World War II and the Vietnam War.

Category:Aviation brigades of the United States Army Category:2nd Infantry Division (United States) Category:United States Army units and formations in South Korea