On order, the 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry will deploy worldwide and provide security and reconnaissance operations in support of the 3rd Infantry Division.
The 17th Cavalry Regiment was constituted on 1 July 1916 at Fort Bliss, Texas. The Regiment remained in the United States during World War 1 and was inactivated in 1921.
The Regiment was reactivated and designated as the 7th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized) and participated in the breakout from Normandy in 1944. After World War II, the Squadron was designated as the 17th Armored Cavalry Group and inactivated in 1959.
The 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry was activated on 15 February 1963, as part of the 11th Air Assault Division (Test), taking part in the Army's validation of air assault and air mobility tactics and operations.
The Squadron deployed to Vietnam in 1967, and was assigned to the 12th Aviation Group. The Squadron was cited for action during the initial stages of the Tet Offensive in 1968, and again in 1970, for its performance during the invasion of Cambodia. In April 1972, the Squadron redeployed to the United States and was inactivated on 19 June 1973, at Fort Lewis, Washington.
The Squadron was reactivated on 2 June 1988, as the Cavalry Squadron of the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) at Griffis AFB. Following a move to Fort Drum's Wheeler Sack Army Airfield, the Squadron deployed to Florida as part of the relief efforts following Hurricane Andrew in 1992. A few months later, the Squadron deployed to Eastern Africa as part of Operation "Restore Hope", conducting reconnaissance and security operations to assist in restoring order to famine stricken Somalia.
The Squadron supported Operation "Uphold Democracy" in Haiti by deploying Alpha Troop to perform security operations for the Brigade Headquarters and performing duties as the Brigade Rear Headquarters during the deployment.
The 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; first with the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, and second with 3rd Infantry Division as part of the presidential surge. On 22 October 2008, the Squadron was assigned to 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division and moved to Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia.
The 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment is comprised of 6 Troops: one headquarters troop, three air reconnaissance troops, one aircraft maintenance troop, and one forward support troop.
Headquarters and Headquarters Troop (Redhorse) provides communication and medical support, and command and control for the Squadron's mission.
Alpha (Silver Spurs), Bravo (Blackjack) and Charlie (Crazyhorse) Troops operate the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior; equipped with a variety of weapons and surveillance systems to provide air security and reconnaissance for the Squadron and Division.
Delta (Blue Tiger) Troop provides maintenance support for the Squadron's OH-58D Kiowa Warriors, ensuring safe and fully-mission capable aircraft. Maintenance operations and missions include; airframe, armament, technical supply, avionics and electrical shops, and downed aircraft recovery and repair (DARR).
Echo (Sabers) Troop provides ground maintenance and logistical support for the Squadron by maintaining the Squadron's fleet of ground vehicles, transporting fuel and ammo, dispensing fuel for the Squadron's vehicles and aircraft, and providing meals and water to the entire Squadron.
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