For generations, Arizona Army National Guard aviation has carried forward a proud tradition of service, readiness, and innovation in the skies over Arizona and around the world. From the early days of rotary-wing aviation and the iconic UH-1 Huey to today’s modern aircraft and missions, Arizona’s Citizen-Soldiers have continually adapted to meet the needs of the Army, the State of Arizona, and the Nation.
Over the decades, Arizona Army aviation has supported a diverse range of missions, including attack aviation, air assault, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, utility and transportation, aviation maintenance, air traffic services, operational support, and flight training. Generations of aviators, crew members, maintainers, support personnel, and families have built a legacy that extends far beyond any single aircraft or unit.
Arizona has also played an important role in the development and training of Army aviators. From Papago Army Heliport in Phoenix to Silverbell Army Heliport, the Western Army Aviation Training Site, Picacho Stagefield, Rittenhouse Army Heliport, and other locations across the state, Arizona’s unique terrain and aviation community have helped prepare Soldiers for missions at home and abroad. The establishment of the Western Army Aviation Training Site at Silverbell in the 1980s further strengthened Arizona’s role in Army aviation training, supporting generations of Army National Guard, Active Army, Army Reserve, and international aviators.
Arizona Army aviation has evolved alongside the Army itself—from the Huey and Cobra era through the Apache, Black Hawk, Lakota, and other aircraft that have served across the state. With each generation came new technology and new missions, but the commitment of the Soldiers who flew, maintained, supported, and trained on these aircraft remained constant.
That legacy has been forged not only overseas, but here at home. Arizona Army National Guard aviation has maintained the ability to respond when communities need it, while its Soldiers have also answered the Nation’s call through overseas deployments and combat operations. That tradition continues today through aviation readiness, training, domestic response, and support to communities across Arizona.
The Desert Hawk Heritage Association exists to help preserve this shared history. Our legacy belongs to every Soldier, aviator, maintainer, crew member, support professional, veteran, and family member who contributed to Arizona Army aviation—and to the generations who will carry that legacy forward.
Preserving the past. Honoring those who served. Carrying the legacy forward.