Fort Campbell's 2-17s inactivated, for now - Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
Bradford Smith said he’s always been a bit jealous of the 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment. From their Stetson hats to the spurs on their shoes, Smith said he’s always admired the 2-17s. The Squadron, however, will have to wait a little while to don the Stetsons once more. The 2-17s, part of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, were inactivated in a ceremony Friday at Fort Campbell. “I’m always a little bit jealous of the Cav(alry),” Smith said. I can’t wear the Stetson, but I look at their spurs, their history. and I am always a little bit jealous of the Cav troopers of the 2nd-17 Cav. Smith is the rear-detachment commander for the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, the brigade that oversees the 2-17s, “Out Front. The inactivation is a result of the Army’s Aviation Restructuring Initiative, which includes phasing out its use of the single-engine, single-rotor Kiowa helicopter. The 3-101st Aviation Battalion, “Eagle Attack,” which primarily uses the Apache helicopter, will take over responsibilities of the 2-17s and in September will be renamed as the 2-17s. Story continues below photo. He touted many of the 2-17s’ achievements over just the past year during Friday’s ceremony. However, as our squadron history reads, our lineage, gallantry, valor and achievement are deeply rooted,” Murphy said. Source: www.theleafchronicle.com
