34th Combat Aviation Brigade

07/27/2026

07/17/2026

Great work out there, Soldiers and Airmen.

07/06/2026

Speed, precision, and teamwork were on full display as Soldiers from the 2-147 Assault Helicopter Battalion conducted a Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) training exercise during annual training.

The exercise paired a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) fuel truck with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in a remote field environment, allowing crews to rapidly refuel the aircraft and return it to the fight in minimal time. Operating away from established airfields, Soldiers practiced establishing a mobile refueling site, coordinating ground and air operations, and safely conducting hot refueling procedures under realistic conditions.

FARP operations are critical to extending the range and endurance of Army aviation assets. By bringing fuel closer to the mission, aviation units can reduce downtime, increase operational reach, and maintain a continuous presence in support of ground forces.

Training events like this one ensure Soldiers remain proficient in the complex coordination required to sustain aviation operations in dynamic environments and keep aircraft mission-ready whenever they are called upon.

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Capt. Erica Iverson)

06/29/2026

Soldiers from Charlie Company, 2-211 General Support Aviation Battalion, partnered with medics from the 834th Aviation Support Battalion to conduct a realistic medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) training exercise focused on combat casualty care and patient movement.

During the exercise, Soldiers provided lifesaving aid to simulated casualties, applying critical combat casualty care skills in a tactical environment before transporting patients to a designated landing zone. There, flight medics and UH-60L Black Hawk MEDEVAC crews assumed patient care and evacuated casualties for further treatment.

The training emphasized the seamless coordination required between ground medics, aircrews, and flight medics to ensure wounded Soldiers receive timely medical care. By rehearsing these procedures in realistic conditions, Soldiers strengthened their ability to respond effectively during combat and emergency situations when every second counts.

The exercise also highlighted a unique family connection between the Army and the Air National Guard. Capt Jack Quinlan, an Aeromedical Evacuation Officer and Platoon Leader with Charlie Company, 2-211 General Support Aviation Battalion, worked alongside his cousin, 1st Lt Michael Quinlan, a Flight Nurse with the 133rd Airlift Wing's Critical Care Air Transport Team. While the two serve in different branches and specialties, the tail-to-tail medical transfer exercise provided an opportunity for them to train together as part of a joint team dedicated to patient care and medical evacuation. Outside of their military service, Jack works as an air traffic controller, while Michael serves as an emergency room nurse, bringing valuable civilian expertise to their military missions.

Exercises like these build readiness, reinforce medical proficiency, and ensure aviation and medical personnel remain prepared to save lives whenever and wherever the mission requires.

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Capt. Erica Iverson)

06/22/2026

Soldiers from the 2-147 Assault Helicopter Battalion executed a complex air assault mission during annual training. This exercise demonstrated the unit's ability to rapidly move personnel and equipment across the battlefield. The operation involved four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and three CH-47 Chinook helicopters working together to transport a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) and supporting forces to a designated objective.

Missions like these require extensive planning, precise timing, and seamless coordination between aircrews and ground forces. Air assault operations are among the most challenging aviation tasks due to the need to synchronize multiple aircraft, maintain safe separation, navigate changing weather conditions, and execute loading and unloading procedures in austere environments.

Training on these missions is critical to maintaining combat readiness. The ability to rapidly deploy troops and equipment by air allows commanders to project combat power, support maneuver forces, and respond quickly to emerging threats. By regularly conducting realistic air assault training, the 2-147 Assault Helicopter Battalion ensures its Soldiers and crews are prepared to execute missions whenever and wherever they are called.

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Capt. Erica Iverson)

06/15/2026

During Annual Training at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, Soldiers from the 2-147 Assault Helicopter Battalion partnered with Airmen from the 133rd Airlift Wing to conduct a tail-to-tail medical evacuation training exercise.

The joint training integrated UH-60 Black Hawk MEDEVAC helicopters and a C-130 Hercules aircraft, allowing crews to practice the seamless transfer of simulated patients between rotary-wing and fixed-wing platforms. These realistic training scenarios strengthen interoperability, improve patient movement procedures, and ensure rapid, coordinated medical evacuation capabilities in support of domestic and overseas operations.

Exercises like this demonstrate the power of joint-force partnerships and help maintain the readiness of both Army and Air National Guard units to respond whenever and wherever they are needed.

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Capt. Erica Iverson)

06/08/2026

After 22 years in the Minnesota Army National Guard, Major Amanda Bruns is retiring. Bruns leaves behind a legacy of leadership, professionalism, and dedication to both Soldiers and mission success. She has held essential leadership roles, including commanding aviation units and overseeing overseas intelligence operations.

Accomplishments include successfully leading units through National Training Center rotations, responding to wildfires in Northern Minnesota, and participating in deployments in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield. Bruns is also recognized for her outreach efforts to inspire the next generation, such as organizing Girls in Aviation events.

Above all, she will be remembered for her genuine care for Soldiers and her compassionate leadership. We thank Bruns for her service and wish her success in the next chapter of her life.

***Correction (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Major Nubia Davis)

05/13/2026

Readiness starts with training. Soldiers of the 834th Aviation Support Battalion recently conducted individual weapons qualification and sustainment training focused on crew-served weapons, including the M4 carbine and the M17 pistol. This hands-on training strengthens individual proficiency, confidence, and overall unit preparedness.

Training environments can be demanding, and sometimes accidents happen, but the 834th ASB medics are always ready to respond, providing immediate care and ensuring Soldiers can train safely and effectively. From mastering weapons systems to maintaining battlefield medical readiness, the 834th continues to build a force that is ready, capable, and prepared to answer the call.

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Capt. Erica Iverson and Spc. Paul Zdon)

04/29/2026

Congratulations to Master Sgt. Seashore his incredible 36 years of dedicated service to the Minnesota Army National Guard and the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade. Since enlisting in 1990, Seashore has built a remarkable legacy of commitment, professionalism, and leadership while serving exclusively within the Combat Aviation Brigade. From Fox Company, 147th Aviation Battalion, to multiple roles across the 834th Aviation Support Battalion and Headquarters, he has been a constant force in aviation operations and readiness. He continues to serve in that role as the 34th CAB Telecommunications Technician, having served full-time for the past five years.

Throughout his distinguished career, Seashore deployed three times in support of overseas operations, participated in key training exercises, and completed a wide range of military education and specialty courses, reflecting his dedication to excellence and lifelong learning. His long list of awards and recognitions speaks to decades of honorable service, technical expertise, and steadfast leadership. Thank you, Master Sgt. Seashore, for your unwavering commitment to the Soldiers of the 34th CAB, the Minnesota Army National Guard, and our nation. Congratulations on an outstanding career and well-earned recognition.

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Capt. Erica Iverson)

04/27/2026

Congratulations to Maj. Nathan Foster on receiving recognition for exceptionally meritorious service as the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade Chief of Operations and Airfield Manager. From leading complex current operations and command post missions to coordinating large-scale training exercises across multiple states, Foster’s leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment directly strengthened the 34th CAB's readiness and mission success. His mentorship of junior leaders, refinement of brigade processes, and dedication to excellence reflect great credit upon himself, the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade, the Minnesota Army National Guard, and the United States Army.

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Maj. Nubia Davis)