Each Army Reserve Aviation Command unit’s ‘final mission’ put as many aircraft in the air as possible in California, Kansas, and Texas as one last opportunity to overfly the communities where most of the members of the Army Reserve live and work.
U.S. Army Reserve Aviation Command completed rotary-wing flying operations on Sept. 14, 2025, when eight HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters flew across the state for their final training mission. The HH-60Ms were from Company C (Air Ambulance), 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, U.S. Army, based at Ft. Carson, Colorado. According to Execution Order Army Transition Initiative (ATI) EXORD 222-25 all rotary-wing flight operations were to be completed no later than Sept. 15, 2025.
The 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade housed the flying elements of the Army Reserve and thus became known as the Army Reserve Aviation Command. It has a long and storied history dating back to the introduction of helicopters to the U.S. Army.
Other elements of the 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade completed similar flights around the country in their respective aircraft in the weeks before Company C. Co, 7-158th AVN REGT undertook their final flight.
09-20228 is crewed by CW3 Anderson, CPT. Alonzo, SGT. Corlew and SSG. Holguin.
08-20135 is crewed by CW3 Moorehead, CW2 Dortch, SFC. Marino and SFC Matics.
09-20235 is crewed by CW4 Worthington, CW4 Kovencz, SSG. Hallam and SGT. Carson.
C. Co, 7-158 General Support Aviation Brigade (GSAB) use the ‘Saint’ radio callsign as their mascot is a Saint Bernard dog. The HH-60M is missionized for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions and wears Red Cross markings. Photographed on Sept. 14, 2025, at Butts Army Airfield, Ft. Carson.
Each Army Reserve Aviation Command unit’s ‘final mission’ put as many aircraft in the air as possible in California, Kansas, and Texas as one last opportunity to overfly the communities where most of the members of the Army Reserve live and work. Army Reserve Aviation Command has been an important part of these communities and received a lot of community support over the years for their mission and through recruiting and service.
This close relationship between units and communities was especially true at Ft. Carson as they are the Headquarters element of the 11th Expeditionary CAB. As such, the Commander of C Company, Maj. Cris Aldretti, and his staff planned a fitting flight which took their HH-60Ms in a flight of two formations of four aircraft across the state to various communities and airports. The red cross marked HH-60Ms overflew communities along the IH-70 corridor, through the Rocky Mountains, past the famous Pikes Peak, Golden Colorado and the Coors Brewery before a turn to the east toward Denver. The final flight south from Denver saw the two formations combine into a massive formation that overflew Garden of the Gods rock formation, NORAD Headquarters, the USAF Academy and Colorado Springs before landing at Ft. Carson’s Butts AAF.
A massive turn-out and hero’s welcome awaited the helicopters and crews from family, friends, and other military units. The Butts AAF Aircraft Fire Fighting and Crash Rescue unit provided a final water-cannon salute to each crew as they landed and taxied though an impressive water-arch before parking on the tarmac. Once all aircraft had shut-down families and friends rushed forward to meet those who flew this final mission.
For many, this might have been their final mission not only with the U.S. Army Reserve Aviation Command, but as military aviators or crew altogether. Each Soldier is required to find another military unit to join, or their military careers may be over. Many Soldiers who wish to continue serving are looking to transition to the Active Army, Army National Guard or even transfer to other services such as the USAF. It appears many will simply exit the Army Reserve knowing they served proudly and honorably and will take up the title of veteran as they pursue civilian careers.
