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Congressman Lamborn Welcomes Apache Battalion to Fort Carson

June 29, 2009

Washington D.C.-, Nov 17, 2008 -

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today welcomed the Army’s announcement to relocate 500 soldiers and 24 Apache helicopters to Fort Carson, Colorado. The 1-2 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion (ARB) and associated Aviation Intermediate Maintenance (AVIM) will relocate from the Republic of Korea to Colorado Springs in March 2009.


The Army says the plan to move the 1-2 ARB, the "Gunfighters," to Fort Carson is both operationally and family focused. This new location will allow the unit to stabilize its soldiers and family members, who are currently scattered all over the country. The battalion will train with ground forces at Fort Carson from March through the fall of 2009 when it is scheduled to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.


"I extend a warm welcome to the Gunfighters and their families. Fort Carson is one of the most family-friendly posts in the Army. I am certain the soldiers will love the quality of life in Southern Colorado.


"Additionally, the dynamic economy of Colorado Springs will greatly benefit from the additional troops. I look forward to working with the Army to assist in the transition." - Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05)


This relocation is independent of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. Army officials said the driving factor in choosing to relocate to Fort Carson was the ability to do more integrated air and ground training.

The Gunfighters’ history dates back to September 16, 1982 when the battalion was constituted into the Regular Army as Company D, 501st Aviation Battalion, 1st Armored Division in Ansbach, Germany. Over the years, the Gunfighters have been stationed and deployed around the world. Most recently, they have been at Camp Eagle in Wonju, Korea. The Gunfighters, the most forward-deployed Apache battalion in the United States Army, have trained relentlessly to maintain combat readiness, and they are always ready to "ATTACK!"

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