FLYING TIGERS


The only deployable unit from the 2916th Aviation Battalion is B Company, 229th Aviation Regiment. Since 2014, the unit has operated the General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle UAS out of NASA’s Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex near Fort Irwin. Its mission is to provide unmanned reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting and acquisition. The unit returned in November 2021 from a long deployment in the Persian Gulf area (Kuwait and Iraq) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, having flown over 15,000 hours during 900+ missions.


“The NTC’s vision is aiming on ‘replicating the first fight of the next war’ and making sure that the units that are coming here to train have their toughest days here,” said Lt. Col. Daniel C. Morris, former commander of the 2916th Aviation Battalion. Annually between eight and 10 rotational training units pass through the NTC at Fort Irwin. The UH-72As of B Company in the 2916th Aviation Battalion will provide the RTUs with realistic enemy air scenarios.


70 July/Aug 2025


B Company 229th Aviation Regiment normally supports the NTC’s visiting RTUs in MUM-T (manned-unmanned teaming), and provides reconnaissance and surveillance to detect hostile encounters in an early stage. The Army is currently introducing the MQ-1C ER (extended range) in the Gray Eagle units.


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