Oregon Army National Guard Re-Designates, Changes Command, of Aviation Unit in Salem

Every year the Oregon Army National Guard's 1042nd Med. Co. (AA) supports dozens of search and rescue operations throughout the state.

Oregon Army National Guard UH-60L Blackhawk helicopter based in Salem. Photo by: Tim King

(Salem) - As part of the Army's Transformation program, the Oregon Army National Guard re-designated one of their aviation units in a formal re-flagging ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility, 1921 Turner Road SE, in Salem on Saturday. The 1042nd Medical Company (Air Ambulance) guideon will be ceremoniously cased symbolizing the deactivation of the unit and a new guideon will be uncased signifying the activation of Charlie Company 7/158 General Support Aviation Battalion. The unit also changed command during the ceremony. Capt. David A. Strayer of Beaverton will assume command of the aviation company from outgoing commander Maj. Mark A. Ulvin of Salem. Every year the Oregon Army National Guard's 1042nd Med. Co. (AA) supports dozens of search and rescue operations led by civilian authorities, performs firefighting missions, and conducts training with emergency first responders throughout the state using their UH-60L Blackhawk helicopters. The unit deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, including the mobilization of 35 soldiers to Afghanistan from July 2005 to March 2006 and 108 soldiers to Afghanistan from May 2002 to September 2003. The re-designated C Co. 7/158 GSAV will continue to support their state and federal missions as it undergoes this reorganization.