Elements of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade departed Germany for Lithuania and Latvia to conduct training with NATO allies in support of Saber Strike 22.
12 CAB trains and remains a constant and credible U.S. Army aviation force in support of allies and partners and the stability and security of Europe.
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Mort.
LATVIA — 03, 01, 2022. By Capt. Gabrielle Hildebrand, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade
Nearly 20 AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade landed at Lielvarde Air Base, Latvia, on February 24. The helicopters and the Soldiers of the 1-3rd Attack Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), are in Latvia to participate in the multinational exercise, Saber Strike 22.
«Saber Strike 22 is an invaluable opportunity for the 12 CAB to train air-ground operations with our Allies, fostering trust with our Latvian and Lithuanian host nation forces,» said Col. G. Patrick Schuck, the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade commander.
The 12 Combat Aviation Brigade is deploying to Lithuania and Latvia to support the exercise and validate the U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s operational reach along NATO’s eastern flank. Held every two years, Saber Strike 22 begins Feb. 28 and will run through Mar. 18.
The exercise includes approximately 13,000 participants from 13 nations. Exercise activities will occur across the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Slovakia.
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Mort.
«Training events like Saber Strike allow our aircrews to conduct realistic training throughout the year and across the expanse of Europe,» said Lt. Col. David Roman, commander, 1-3rd Aviation Brigade.
The 2nd Cavalry Regiment will be joining Saber Strike 22 as well. Due to contingency operations, Bravo «Blackcats» Company from the 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment will provide heavy lift capabilities.
«The Blackcats are excited to support 12th CAB and 7th ATC with heavy assault elements,» said Capt. Billy Armstrong, commander. «Any chance to train alongside our NATO partners and fly with our fellow aviators is a great opportunity.»
Training events like Saber Strike 22 are long-planned and show that NATO allies and partners stand stronger together.
Upon completing the exercise activities, the personnel and equipment are scheduled to return to their home garrisons.
12 CAB conducts multi-domain, realistic, and challenging training exercises and remains ready for full-spectrum combat aviation operations.
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