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Unit History 1-285th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion Task Force Desert Hawk The lineage of this Battalion starts with the formation of the 997th Assault Helicopter Company at Papago Army Airfield, Phoenix, Arizona in 1971. It was originally Delta Platoon and had the UH-1C/M gunships for aircraft. During October 1978, the platoon was redesignated Detachment 1, Delta Company, 149th Aviation Battalion, 49th Division (Mech). By October 1980, all the assets were transferred to Arizona and the unit was designated Delta Company, 149th Aviation Battalion, 49th Division. In 1980 and 1981, Delta Company was awarded the Goodrich Riding Trophy. This is in recognition for the best Reserve Component Attack Company in the United States. In August 1986, Delta Company was moved to new facilities at Silverbell Army Heliport in Marana, Arizona. In October 1986, Delta Company was designated the 551st Aviation Battalion (Attack). In December 1987 the designation became the 1st Battalion 285th Aviation Regiment as a result of combat Army Aviation units changing to the regimental system. This made the unit the only combat maneuver battalion in the Arizona Army National Guard. The Battalion deployed to Fort Bliss, Texas in 1989 and was the first Attack Battalion in the 6th Army area to successfully complete an external ARTEP that was given by active Army units (6th Cavalry Brigade (AC) and 3/6 Calvary Squadron). In June 1992, the Battalion’s organization changed making it an AH-64A Attack Helicopter Battalion, receiving its first Apache helicopter in June 1992. In July 1994, the Battalion deployed to Fort Hood, Texas, to undergo and successfully complete the Unit Training Program at the Combat Aviation Brigade. We are constantly making history so please check here often for updates.

Unit History
1-285th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion
Task Force Desert Hawk

The lineage of this Battalion starts with the formation of the 997th Assault Helicopter Company at Papago Army Airfield, Phoenix, Arizona in 1971. It was originally Delta Platoon and had the UH-1C/M gunships for aircraft.

During October 1978, the platoon was redesignated Detachment 1, Delta Company, 149th Aviation Battalion, 49th Division (Mech). By October 1980, all the assets were transferred to Arizona and the unit was designated Delta Company, 149th Aviation Battalion, 49th Division. In 1980 and 1981, Delta Company was awarded the Goodrich Riding Trophy. This is in recognition for the best Reserve Component Attack Company in the United States.

In August 1986, Delta Company was moved to new facilities at Silverbell Army Heliport in Marana, Arizona. In October 1986, Delta Company was designated the 551st Aviation Battalion (Attack).

In December 1987 the designation became the 1st Battalion 285th Aviation Regiment as a result of combat Army Aviation units changing to the regimental system. This made the unit the only combat maneuver battalion in the Arizona Army National Guard. The Battalion deployed to Fort Bliss, Texas in 1989 and was the first Attack Battalion in the 6th Army area to successfully complete an external ARTEP that was given by active Army units (6th Cavalry Brigade (AC) and 3/6 Calvary Squadron).

In June 1992, the Battalion’s organization changed making it an AH-64A Attack Helicopter Battalion, receiving its first Apache helicopter in June 1992. In July 1994, the Battalion deployed to Fort Hood, Texas, to undergo and successfully complete the Unit Training Program at the Combat Aviation Brigade.

We are constantly making history so please check here often for updates.