JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. (AP) — The first 10 Apache helicopters from a squadron moving from Fort Hood, Texas, are scheduled to land Friday at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Capt. Jesse Paulsboe says the 1st Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment is being relocated as part of a consolidation. The rest of the squadron of two-dozen helicopters will arrive by mid-August, adding about 500 soldiers to the base that has 43,000 military personnel and more than 100 copters.
Paulsboe says the Apache helicopters are a first at JBLM, where they will help with training. Apaches have greater weapons, longer range and offer more support for troops on the ground than Kiowa helicopters.
The 1st Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment is part of the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade.
About 10 more Blackhawk helicopters also are arriving at JBLM for other units.
