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Volume 11, Number 11 1VCMJTIFEJOUIFJOUFSFTUPGUIF/BUJPOBM5SBJOJOH$FOUFSBOE'PSU*SXJODPNNVOJUZtwww.irwin.army.mil November 6, 2015

FlyingTigers deploy to support Operation Freedom’s Sentinel

Soldiers of B Company “Flying Tigers,” 229th Aviation Regiment, 2916th Aviation Battalion, 916th Support Brigade, salute during a deployment ceremony here, Oct. 5. The unit has
deployed to Afghanistan.

Story and photos by Gustavo Bahena other installation and unit leadership, Soldiers, families and deliver that precision strike. It’s an awesome game-changing
community members. weapon and I’m very happy that the Flying Tigers are on
Public Affairs Office our team.”
The traditional ceremony included the casing of the unit
The “Flying Tigers” company from this installation de- guidon and remarks by Lt. Col. William Garber, commander Poler praised his Soldiers, non-commissioned and com-
ployed in mid-October to Afghanistan in support of Opera- of 2916th AVN BN, and Flying Tigers Commander Capt. missioned officers for accomplishing their tasks in the past
tion Freedom’s Sentinel. Andrew Poler. year, even when challenged with insufficient time, resources
and people. He also appreciated the families for their sup-
The unit – B Company, 229th Aviation Regiment, Garber said B Company Soldiers are prepared to deploy port of the unit.
2916th Aviation Battalion, 916th Support Brigade – oper- “knowing freedom is not free and stand ready to defend it
ates MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft systems and was at all costs.” “These Soldiers can’t do the great things they do without
activated here October 2014. The mission of the Soldiers in you,” Poler said. “This deployment will be as much a burden
the company is to provide dedicated, mission-configured, “The Flying Tigers stand ready – they’re trained, they’re for you as it will be for those you send forward. But, know
UAS support to division combat aviation, fires and battlefield outfitted with the latest technology and the equipment to that not a minute will go by when we don’t think of you
surveillance brigades, brigade combat team and other Army bring the fight to the enemy,” Garber said. “The MQ-1C Gray and thank you for your dedication … dedication very few
and Joint Force units. Eagle will provide a tremendous capability to the ground American families can understand.”
force commander. Its ability to provide that vast distance of
The Soldiers were honored in a deployment ceremony, penetration – to go where no manned aircraft can possibly Spouses Shanajya Brooks and Valerie Vasquez expressed
Oct. 5, which was attended by National Training Center and go and to provide that unblinking eye and when necessary,
Fort Irwin Commander Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin, along with See FLYING TIGERS, page 11