Making way for Lakota

FORT RUCKER, Ala. - On one of the coldest days of the year in southeast Alabama, three OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Army aviation training helicopters geared up for their final flights from Fort Rucker. But despite of their departure, "aviators will continue to be trained to top standards at the home of Army Aviation," said Lt. Col. Mark Gillespie, 1st Battalion, 14th Aviation Regiment commander, an OH-58D pilot for 20 years. The Army is developing AH-64D/E helicopter models as well as continuing to develop pilots at nearby Hanchey Army Airfield using the UH-72A Lakota helicopter as the primary training aircraft. (Source: Fort Rucker, 11/21/14) Airbus Helicopters produces Lakotas in Columbus, Miss.