The 223rd Aviation Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally approved for the 223rd Aviation Battalion on 8 June 1967. It was subsequently redesignated for the 223rd Aviation Regiment, with revised description and symbolism, on 17 November 1987. The insignia an upright, double-sided key with a three-bladed propeller, one blade up, serving as the bow (the part you grip), all between two upstretched wings with squared and angled resting on the two lower blades. Between the wing tips, which terminate at the upper edge of key’s bits, is a blue background. The Battalion’s primary mission is alluded to by the wings, the ulnas squared to resemble rotor blades, and the propeller-shaped bow, while the wings (two), double bits of the key (2), and the propeller blades (3) illustrate the unit’s numerical designation.
Also known as a unit crest or DUI, a Distinctive Unit Insignia is worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
More guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1, Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia" and 21–3(d) and (e), "Beret" and "Garrison Cap," respectively.
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Assigned to the 110th Aviation Brigade, the 223rd consists of a single Battalion, the 1st, organized into three companies, a HQ and HQ Company, and an Army Air Ambulance Detachment. It is responsible for the coordination and administration of flight instruction and operations at Cairns Army Airfield, Knox Army Heliport, and Shell Army Airport and is tasked with providing the Army with professionally trained CH-47 pilots and crewmembers.