| 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade | |
|---|---|
63rd Aviation Brigade shoulder sleeve insignia |
|
| Active | 1986 – Present |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | United States Army |
| Type | Theater Aviation brigade |
| Role | Aviation |
| Size | Brigade |
| Garrison/HQ | Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Nickname | "Wings of Thunder" |
| Motto | Unbridled Thunder (Formerly: Surpass the Standard) |
| Colors | Yellow and Blue |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Colonel Michael S. Ferguson |
| Insignia | |
| Distinctive unit insignia | |
| Standard | |
The 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade is an aviation brigade of the United States Army. Headquartered in Frankfort, Kentucky as an element of the Kentucky Army National Guard. Elements of the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade are also part of the New York Army National Guard.
Founded 15 September 1986 as a component Brigade of the 35th Infantry Division, it was reorganized on 1 September 1995 as the 63rd Aviation Group and made independent of the 35th Infantry Division, and later to the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade as an independent Brigade. The current Shoulder Sleeve Insignia and Distinctive Unit Insignia were both approved in 2007.
The unit is assigned to providing support to United States Army North aviation missions in the event of a disaster inside the United States, as well as support to civil activities within the State of Kentucky, including security and support for the Kentucky Derby. The unit has also provided support to United States Southern Command missions. Elements of the Brigade have also deployed to Southwest Asia in support of the Global War on Terrorism.