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Texas Thunder Apaches by Brandon Thetford
The tranquil whisper of the Texas Piney Woods is interrupted by the thunder of rotor blades as menacing Apache attack helicopters depart from their base in Conroe, TX. Conroe, approximately 40 miles north of Houston, is home to the 1st Battalion - 158th Aviation Regiment, flying the AH-64A Apache. The unit is based out of Lone Star Executive Airport, also home to numerous business and general aviation aircraft.
One of only two US Army Reserve units flying the Apache, the 1-158th Aviation Regiment (1-158th) falls under the control of the 11th Aviation Command in Fort Knox, Kentucky. A total of 24 AH-64s are normally assigned to the Battalion.
Because it is a Reserve unit, many of the 1-158th’s pilots and soldiers have jobs outside of the Army. Some fly helicopters for oil companies along the Texas Coast, while others have jobs ranging from firefighters and paramedics to lawyers and financial advisors. A total of 570 personnel are assigned to the unit, 35 of them active-duty soldiers. There are 48 Reserve pilots, and many of the active-duty personnel are also aviators. Many of the Reserve pilots train during the week after leaving their jobs, which is important to maintain proficiency in the aircraft.
Maintenance on-site at Lone Start airport is handled by contract Department of Defense workers on weekdays and by Reservists on weekends, although some Reservist are available during the week to perform light maintenance and clean aircraft. These Reservists wear civilian clothes, but during drill weekends they wear Army uniforms and perform duties as a regular soldier would. The Reservists perform all maintenance on the helicopters during deployments.
Unit History
Prior to its recent re-designation to the 1-158th Aviation Regiment, the unit was known as the 7th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment (7/6th). Originally activated in Conroe in 1988, the "Fast Guns" flew the AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter, UH-60A Blackhawk, and OH-58 Kiowa before transitioning to the AH-64A Apache in 1992. The 7/6th Cavalry traces is heritage back to the Union Army during the Civil War. It also participated in campaigns such as the Indian Wars during the late 1800s, the Spanish-American War, and World War I.
The 1-158th, as the unit would become, has a decorated past as part of the 101st Airborne Division, having served in nine campaigns during the Vietnam War. In Vietnam the 1-158th earned two Presidential Unit Citations, two Valorous Unit Awards, and four Republic of Vietnam Medals.
The unit originally shared space in Conroe with the 273rd Medical Detachment, who flew the UH-1V Iroquois. The 273rd flew medical evacuation missions during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, supporting the 1st Cavalry and other coalition troops in Iraq and Kuwait. Many of the Huey pilots moved to the Apache after their unit was deactivated in the early 1990s. These combat-seasoned pilots, as well as others from the regular army, were integral in establishing the 7/6th Cavalry as one of the first Army Reserve Apache units. One pilot, who joined the unit from active duty, fired the first shot during Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989 when he launched a Hellfire missile from his AH-64A.
In more recent history, the 7/6th deployed to Kuwait in 2002 for Operation Desert Spring. In 2004 a group of 140 soldiers from the 7/6th joined the 8th Battalion - 229th Aviation Regiment supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Several members of the unit deployed with the Idaho Army National Guard’s Apache unit to Afghanistan in February, 2006. This summer, more than 20 volunteers from the 1-158th will be heading to Iraq.
Transition to the Longbow
On June 16, 2008, the 7/6th Cavalry formally became the 1st Battalion - 158th Aviation Regiment, "Texas Thunder". The purpose behind the re-designation was to better focus the mission role of Apache units. Now designated as an Attack Reconnaissance Battalion (ARB), the 1-158th will begin fielding the AH-64D Longbow Apache during the summer of 2009. The Longbow has far enhanced the capabilities of Apache units. Instead of the analog gauges found in the "Alpha" model Apache, the "Delta" model features multi-function displays, a moving map system, and upgraded communications and weapons. The most noticeable change with the AH-64D, though, is the fire control radar (FCR) mounted on top of the main rotor mast.
As of February, 2009, the 1-158th has turned in all but nine of its AH-64As. Some of these airframes will be distributed to other units while some will be stripped down and converted into Longbow Apaches. By summer's end, the unit should have 24 AH-64D Longbow Apaches, some of which will be arriving from the 101st Airborne Division. Around two-thirds of the pilots are already qualified in the AH-64D; however, the soldiers and aviators will begin a lengthy training program to become proficient and prepare for deployment after the training period ends.
Community Involvement
The Battalion Commander of the 1-158th, Lt. Col. Andrew Doehring, believes strongly in the community involvement of the unit. The 1-158th is heavily involved with area schools and community events, providing static displays and flyovers of aircraft. Because of this, their recruiting numbers are high compared to other Army Reserve units. The unit also participates in the National Junior Achievement Program, which provides mentors to troubled youth in the community.
The 1-158th also assists during natural disasters. After Hurricane Rita in 2005, the unit distributed fuel, food, and water to Conroe-area residents. In 2008, when Hurricane Ike made landfall, the 1-158th supported the Texas Department of Public Safety with facilities and food. They also provided generator power to the water treatment plant in the town of Willis, TX.
Opportunities to Serve
The 1st Battalion - 158th Aviation Regiment is looking for people to serve in the Army Reserve as Apache mechanics and armament/avionics technicians. These are challenging positions and are some of the most difficult to fill. If you, or someone you know, might be interested in serving in these roles, contact Lt. Col. Doehring via e-mail.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Lt. Col. Doehring for his time and help with this article. I would also like to recognize CW4 Bobby R. Deiss for providing much of the historical information on the unit. Additionally, I would like to thank Capt. Brian Halsell of the 1-158th and 1st Lt. Mike Garcia of 11th Aviation Command Public Affairs for helping to arrange my visit.
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