JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Flight Detachment deactivated Sept. 8, 2015, at Fort Eustis, Virginia, in accordance with the U.S. Army's Aviation Restructure Initiative.
While the detachment has provided 43 years of professional service to the U.S. Army, the ARI deemed the detachment's resources were needed elsewhere.
"Furling up a guidon kind of hurts," said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Lynwood T. Saville, TFD commander. "The ARI is moving forward ... and I'm glad that our Army won't be left behind in modernization or training for the next contingency, but I'm sad the TFD was [chosen.]"
The detachment, which activated in 1972 and was originally stationed at Langley Air Force Base, moved to Fort Eustis in 1982 as part of the aviation division of Felker Army Airfield. It has been equipped with various helicopters ranging from the UH-1 Huey to the UH-72 Lakota with a primary mission of transporting the TRADOC commander and leadership to and from Washington D.C. as well as other general officers throughout the eastern United States.
"Starting with the first TRADOC commander, the detachment has been instrumental in moving key leaders and players that shape the future of our Army," said Gen. David G. Perkins, TRADOC commander. "I think very few organizations can look back at their lineage and see how they personally and professionally have impacted the Army in such a large manner."
According to Perkins, the detachment played a vital function, especially during contingency operations and most notably when TRADOC was establishing new training concepts during the Vietnam Conflict.
"It would be hard to think of what our Army would look like coming out of the Vietnam conflict, had we not had TRADOC or the ability to develop our concept of doctrine and organization and methods of training that have built the best Army in the world today," said Perkins. "A lot of that began with the ability of leaders to move around ... to get them to where they needed to be, no matter what to make those decisions that have shaped our Army since 1972."
While conducting general officer flights, throughout its 43 year-history, the detachment also supported aviation students, parachute-drops, sling-loads, damage assessments, search and rescue missions, photo missions and aviation flight hours.
"I can think of no better standard than the dedication that these folks have because they know what a critical role they play," said Perkins. "On behalf of myself and the other TRADOC chiefs and leaders, thanks for your commitment and being an integral part of the team, and for doing what you do so well."
With the unit deactivated and members moving to new units within the Army, Perkins said he knows they will take with them the professionalism and standards TRADOC embodies.
"Now the good news is that the Army doesn't lose you," said Perkins. "As you take off that TRADOC patch, remember that TRADOC is charged with the pursuit of excellence and standardization ... I can think of no better group of Soldiers to go forward and say this is what the standard is not just for pilots or members of the crew, but for a professional Soldier."