C000524

Round shaped, antique gold colored coin, 1-13/16 inches in diameter.

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1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, Rhode Island Army National Guard, is located at , North Kingstown, RI. In 2004, the 1/126th was inducted into Federal service for the Global War on Terror. The 1/126th arrived in Kuwait on 30 January 2005. This unit formed the core of Taskforce Dragonwing. The battallion was comprised of 457 soldiers and 24 UH-60 and 12 CH-47 aircraft. During it's deployment, the unit performed operations throughtout the ITO. Flying an average 48 flight hours per day, to 336 hours per week, TF Dragonwing accumulated an impressive 12,430 (UH-60) and 4,750 (CH-47) combat flight hours. By the end of their tour, the unit had conducted over 1,300 (UH-60) and 600 (CH-47) air missions, transporting over 66,000 passengers and 5,100 tons of cargo. TF Dragonwing flew 46 missions in direct action against known or suspected anti-Iraqi forces, and was subjected to 22 known surface-to-air fire engagements with seven aircraft receiving battle damage due to hostile fire. Despite the high OPTEMPO, the 1st battalion, 126th Aviation is recognized as the Outstanding ARNG Aviation Unit of the Year for 2005. The 1/126th left the ITO on 17 December 2005.