HESPERIA, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> Did you hear the thunder of multiple military helicopters this morning?
If you were confused to notice military fighting machines overhead on your way to work, while dropping off kids at school, or while sleeping in (LOL no judgment).
There were 10 heavily armored Apache helicopters in the skies earlier this morning and was a part of an Army training flight from Fort Irwin, near Barstow to San Diego that required a stopover for refueling at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana.
The squadron was visible from Barstow along the 15 freeway, down the pass Cajon Pass, Rialto, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, L.A. and Orange County areas. It was part of the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade based at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii.
They were attached to the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Infantry Division (known as the “Arctic Wolves”) out of Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
The troops spent the last month on a “readiness rotation” at the military’s National Training Center at Fort Irwin, near Barstow.
“They were testing their ability to fight in combat. Just to make sure they are ready if called upon,” said Master Sgt. Jason Stadel, an Army spokesman.
In San Diego, the crews will load onto a ship bound for the island of O’ahu.
“Their training is done. They’ve been away from their families for 4-5 weeks. So they’re coming home,” Stadel said.
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