JOINT BASE LANGLEY EUSTIS, Va. –
With joint specializations involving aircraft, vessels, transportation, security, medical care and administration across two installations, some may find it difficult to understand how each field is connected in keeping the Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, missions running smoothly.
To better understand how the joint installation enables mission success and camaraderie, the U.S. Army Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment, 128th Aviation Brigade, also known as the Gunrunners, regularly opens its doors to national and international diplomats, distinguished visitors and foreign militaries as well as JBLE work centers.
Recently the Gunrunners had the U.S. Army Public Health Command, Fort Eustis, Virginia, branch for a tour, during which the health providers experienced how the aviation mechanics train Advanced Individual Training AH-64 D/E helicopter maintenance students. As the Gunrunners took the visitors through the helicopter hangar, the guests were exposed to what it takes to prepare for and enable support that provides ground commanders with the flexibility and maneuver space to accomplish the mission.
"This is a partnering opportunity with one of our adjacent units within JBLE to share understanding about what each of us brings to the fight," said Capt. Wayne E. Griffin Jr., Bravo Co., 1st Bn., 210th Av. Reg., 128th Av. Bde. commander. "By partnering with each other, we're giving each other an opportunity to see how we fit into the cog of the wheel that is JBLE. The title of our base itself as a joint base speaks to partnership, so why not use it as an opportunity to partner with a unit you may not have direct contact with on a daily basis."
During the tour, the public health team learned of the class work and practical training involved in teaching an aviation mechanic to not only learn the aircraft's capabilities, but what it takes to maintain and fly the machinery.
"The way they train is very informative and interactive, which is great for incoming soldiers because they get to learn through different methods," said Sgt. Keiarah Williams, U.S. Army Public Health Command Fort Eustis branch veterinary food inspection noncommissioned officer, of the training Bravo Co. provides to Soldiers.
For Capt. Griffin, transparency as to how the gunrunners train, and foster a resilient environment between coworkers and students is of the utmost importance.
"Understanding how we train over 1,300 students annually to maintain such a sophisticated aircraft in 15 weeks builds trust," said Griffin. "Trustworthiness is the fabric of our Army profession and integral in building the team. Who knows, there may be a future Apache maintainer amongst the group or even a potential aviator. If we're able to network with our brothers and sisters in arms to make the team stronger, the Gunrunners will do our part."
While this is the first time the Gunrunners have partnered with the public health team, Griffin said he hopes it will not be the last, and the hangar doors are open for other units to visit as well.
"Whether you're an infantry commander requesting an attack mission on an objective or a veterinarian requesting supplies to be airlifted to a forward operating base, Army Aviation's motto, 'Above the Best,' is not just a bumper sticker, but a mindset that we're extremely proud of," said Griffin.