Department of Defense

CH-47D Chinooks join Hawaii Army National Guard arsenal

By Gaye S. Sakamoto

The Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) opened a new chapter in its aviation history as it welcomed its first three CH4 7D Chinook helicopters, Nov. 17. The Chinooks arrived at Hickam Air Force Base aboard an Air Force C5 Galaxy aircraft, to become part of the Guard’s new Company C, 193rd Aviation, at Wheeler Army Air Field.

Company C will have 16 Boeing International Chinook helicopters and 201 personnel by the end of Fiscal Year 1996. It will replace the 1st Battalion, 193rd Aviation (Attack) and its AH-1S Cobra gunships, OH-58 Kiowa observation helicopters and UH-lH Iroquois (Huey) utility helicopters.

The Kiowas are going to a New York Guard unit.

The addition of the Chinooks will enable the Guard to increase field training at present sites on the neighbor islands, according to Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, state adjutant general.

“The transition from attack aircraft to cargo transport aircraft is part of an effort to reshape and expand the role of the Hawaii National Guard,” he said.

The Chinook is an allweather medium lift helicopter that can touch down on land or water, day or night. It seats up to 33 combat-equipped troops and lifts an internal or external load of 26,000pounds. It can also carry 24 litters to help transport mass casualties in medevac operations.

The helicopters provide air transportation of personnel and cargo for combat, combat support and combat service support operations.

“The Chinooks also allow us to become a greater asset in times of hurricanes, floods or other natural or human caused disasters,” Richardson added. “It enables us to play a more versatile role, serving the community during peace time and supporting troops during war.”

Company C will have the capability to support the fire department’s fire-fighting efforts by transporting 2,000-gallon buckets of water.

Two more Chinooks arrived on Dec. 16 and another three are expected in mid-January.

Company C, 193rd Aviation, will host an official dedication ceremony in March.

– 1993 November – December Pūpūkahi pp. 1

The Army Guard also received the first of sixteen CH-47 Chinook helicopters for a new medium lift company on Oahu and prepared for the arrival of four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters for an aeromedical detachment on the Big Island.

– 1994 Annual Report pp. 1

Major mission shifts occurred because of the conversion of the 1st Battalion, 193rd Aviation, from an attack helicopter unit to a medium lift company with 16 CH-4 7D ( Chinook) helicopters and 210 soldiers. At the close of the reporting period, the unit had received seven of its authorized 16 helicopters. The remaining aircraft were scheduled to arrive during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1995 and in fiscal year 1996. The unit, designated as Company C, 193rd (Medium Lift), will be stationed at Wheeler Army Airfield.

The CH-47D improved the HIARNG’s ability to support relief efforts during state emergencies. Each Chinook can carry a 2,000-gallon water bucket for use in fire suppression. This is the largest capacity of any helicopter based in Hawaii. Also, the CH-47s can move large amounts of supplies and equipment. These loads can be carried internally or by external slingload. This capability makes the Chinooks invaluable assets in natural disaster relief efforts throughout the island chain.

– 1994 Annual Report pp. 10-11

Chinooks and C-26 dedicated

A dedication ceremony for the Hawaii Army National Guard’s CH-47D Chinook helicopters and C-26 Metroliner fixed-wing aircraft was held at Wheeler Army Airfield, June 4.

The Chinooks are part of the Guard’s Company C, 193rd Aviation.

U.S. Sen. Daniel K Akaka, Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson and Maj. Gen. John F. Cowings joined the Hawaii National Guard family to welcome the new aircraft.

Lt. Col. Eugene H.B. Young, Hawaii Guard state aviation officer and program master of ceremonies, was assisted by the 111th Army Band and 193rd Aviation color guard.

In a letter to the Guard, Gov. John Waihee extended his greetings and aloha to everyone gathered at the dedication and blessing ceremony. The governor noted that the aircraft will be a welcome addition to the Hawaii Guard’s capabilities. He also congratulated the Guard on its world speed record award for twin turboprop aircraft. (The record was set as the C-26 was flown to Hawaii from the mainland.)

Richardson, state adjutant general, read a message from U.S. Senator Daniel K Inouye, who was instrumental in helping the Guard obtain the Chinook helicopters.

“I was pleased to support your effort in obtaining these valuable resources. The dedication of these additional aircraft represents the beginning of a new era in which the Hawaii National Guard services to the local communities of this state will be vastly expanded,” stated Inouye.

In his speech, Richardson stressed, “The next decade will be one of great change and great opportunity for the National Guard in Hawaii. Aviation will be a major factor in this change. Many people here today have been instrumental in making these changes happen. I want to thank each of you for your efforts, not only for those of us who are in the Guard today, but also on behalf of those who will serve during the next two decades. Those soldiers and airman will benefit, our state will benefit, and our nation will benefit”

U.S. Senator Daniel K Akaka marked the event saying, “The addition ofCH-47s significantly strengthens the Guard’s capacity as a multi-faceted resource in Hawaii, providing a wide range of impressive capabilities from transporting troops and materiel to Pohakuloa Training Area, to crisis response during emergencies, to fire suppression. The CH-47 will be an invaluable asset on which we can depend.”

Company C will have 16 Chinook helicopters and 201 personnel by the end of fiscal year It replaces the 1st Battalion, 193rd Aviation (Attack) and its AH-1S Cobra gunships, OH58 Kiowa observation helicopters and UH-lH Iroquois(Huey) utility helicopters.

The Boeing International Chinook will enable the HIARNG to play a more versatile role, serving the community during peace and supporting troops during war. The Chinook is an all-weather medium lift helicopter that can touch down on land or water, day or night. It seats up to 33 combat-equipped troops, and lifts an internal or external load of 26,000 pounds. The helicopters can transport personnel and cargo for combat, combat support and combat service support operations. It can also carry 24 litters to help transport mass casualties in medevac operations.

Company C will have the capability to support the fire department in fire fighting by transporting 2,000 gallon buckets of water.

Company C receives maintenance support for its helicopters from Company B, 193rd Aviation Intermediate Maintenance (AVIM). Company B will also provide: backup aviation maintenance support to division and corps assigned aircraft; aviation repair parts; supply support to corps aviation units, including aircraft armament and avionics; and direct exchange support for selected repair parts for divisional AVIM parts.

Company Bis the first Army Guard unit in the country to have a support role to units in the Pacific.

– 1994 June – July Pūpūkahi pp. 1 & 5