United States Army Forces Command Deputy Commanding General Lt. Gen. Patrick Donahue presented the 2916th Aviation Battalion and its three helicopter companies the FORSCOM Commander’s Aircraft Accident Prevention Award during a ceremony here, March 3.

This marks the fourth time that the 2916th AV BN has received this prestigious award.

“Four thousand hours with no A, B, or C accidents – few of your counterparts can say that,” Donahue said. “For MEDEVAC, you guys are a lifeline out there [in the training areas], where conditions can be terrible.

“I know you’re in the process of transition to the UH-60’s,” Donahue continued. “I hope to see you again next year for similar awards in a different aircraft.”

The 2916th AV BN provides general aviation support, dignitary support, contemporary operational environment forces support, medical evacuation support and unmanned aerial systems support for Fort Irwin and the National Training Center. The battalion provides an extremely diverse and dynamic range of aviation operations in support of Operations Group, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 916th Support Brigade and rotational training units. The battalion also provides MEDEVAC support to communities of the high desert.

Following the ceremony, the battalion’s commander Lt. Col. William Garber told his Soldiers:

“All of you are deserving of this award and participated in achieving it. I do believe that safety is a culture, and it’s obvious that over the last four years we have developed the right culture. Keep up the good work.”