New Arctic Aviation Command in Alaska

The Army’s 11th Airborne Division is activating a new organization to improve coordination between commanders and two Alaska-based aviation units.

That is reported by Alaska Public Media.

The 11th Airborne’s new Arctic Aviation Command will provide an Alaska headquarters for the Fort Wainwright-based 1st Battalions of both the 25th and 52nd Aviation Regiments. The 1-25 flies Apache attack helicopters, while the 1-52 operates Chinook transport helicopters.

John Pennell, a division spokesperson, said most of the public won’t notice the change, but it’s an important step forward for 11th Airborne deployment readiness.

“It’s part of the continuing transition from U.S. Army Alaska to 11th Airborne Division,” he said. The Army reactivated the 11th Airborne two years ago and deactivated the previous organization, U.S. Army Alaska.