412th Aviation Support Battalion

412th Aviation Support Battalion
150px Coat of arms
Active	2006 – 2015
Country	United States
Allegiance	United States Army
Branch	Active Army
Type	Support Battalion
Role	Support
Size	Battalion
Part of	12th Combat Aviation Brigade
Garrison/HQ	Shipton Kaserne, Ansbach, Germany
Nickname(s)	Professionals
Motto	"Professionals - Always!"
Anniversaries	7 August (Birthday)
Engagements	Operation Iraqi Freedom Operation Enduring Freedom
Decorations	3 Meritorious Unit Commendations
Commanders
Previous	LTC Richard E. Crogan II (2006-2007) LTC George Hamontree (2007-2009) LTC Kenneth Kliethermes (2009-2011) LTC John A. McAfee (2011-2013) LTC David Almquist (2013-2015)
Insignia
Distinctive unit insignia

The 412th Aviation Support Battalion is an Aviation Support Battalion under 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, Katterbach, Germany.

History

On 7 August 2006, the 601st Aviation Support Battalion and the 7th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment (7-159 AVN) were combined and re-designated as the 412th Aviation Support Battalion. Stationed at Shipton Kaserne, the new battalion was assigned to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, based in Katterbach, Germany.

The Battalion is structured into 4 Companies providing Maintenance, Logistical, and Communications support to all elements of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade

Companies

Headquarters and Support Company (HSC)- Hornets

Alpha Company - Workhorse - Logistics

Bravo Company - Barbarians - Aviation Maintenance Support

Charlie Company - Crusaders - Communications

Deployments

In July 2007 the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, including the 412th ASB, deployed to LSA Anaconda, Iraq. The 412th ASB was at the center of 12th CAB's logistic support, but in December 2007, the 12th CAB was transferred to Camp Taji, Iraq. The 412th ASB remained at LSA Anaconda, and was attached to Task Force 49 from Alaska. In September 2008, the 12th CAB along with 412th ASB redeployed to Katterbach, Germany. For providing excellent support to Task Force XII and Task Force 49, the battalion received several awards and honors. Among these were the LTG Ellis D. Parker Award, the AAAA Aviation Logistics Award, the Deployment Excellence Award: Big Unit Category (Army-wide), and two Meritorious Unit Citations.

In November 2009 the 412th ASB deployed to Iraq for a second time. For the duration of OIF 10-12 the 412th ASB was the sole Aviation Support Battalion in United States Division South (USD-S). For their performance the 412th ASB was awarded a third Meritorious Unit Citation.

In April 2012 the 412th ASB was deployed to Mazar-e-Sharif (RC-NORTH), Afghanistan. As part of the surge reduction, much of the Battalion redeployed to Germany in August 2012, with Elements from all Companies remaining behind as part of Task Force Ready for the duration of the deployment. As part of TF Ready, the unit received the German Unit Citation the Fahnenband, the highest unit honor awarded by Germany. German President Joachim Gauck personally presented the award to the unit at a ceremony on December 19, 2013 at Mazar-I-Sharif.

Inactivation

On 21July 2015, 412th ASB was officially inactivated during a ceremony at Katterbach Army Airfield. The unit was deactivated following a restructuring of Army aviation units. Parts of 412th ASB, were redesignated as the 5th Aviation Maintenance Detachment of the 603rd Aviation Support Battalion, which continues to support 12th CAB.