The 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade's Unit Crest—a device officially known as a Distinctive Unit Insignia, or DUI—was redesigned in 2007 when the 63rd Aviation Group was given its current designation. The redesign incorporated the unit's new motto: "Unbridled Thunder." "The blue in the new design is the color traditionally associated with Aviation units. The shield signifies defense, and the Pegasus represents the unit's mission of flight as well as its location in Kentucky—the horse capital of the world. The arrowhead, which makes the backdrop for the Pegasus and the stars, suggest readiness, and its upward direction alludes to the spirit of the aviation mission. The stars represent the number 63 as well as the constancy of the unit. The unit's motto is displayed on a maroon banner.
Distinctive Unit Insignias are 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. 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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An aviation quote attributed to “the old aviator” goes: “You can always take off, but you can’t always land.” For the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade, this has significant meaning as they have recently been recognized for their unparalleled experience and safety. Fifteen pilots of the Brigade each have over 4000 flight hours, with the highest over 9000. Together the group of fifteen has over 80,000 flight hours. With all those hours, the odds of accidents increase, yet the group hasn’t had a Class A, B or C accident for all of those 80,000 hours. This record has rubbed off on the rest of the Kentucky Air National Guard which hasn’t had a Class A or B accident since 1970, another aviation unit record.
This safety record paid off in Afghanistan in 2102 where the pilots from Detachment 11 flew the C-12 Huron fixed wing aircraft, suppling the bases over the Middle East region with over half million pounds of cargo and transporting thousands of personnel. They also racked up more than 50 combat sorties supporting coalition forces, all without one accident casualty.
As of Autumn 2023, the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade remains an active unit in the Kentucky Army National Guard. It is headquartered at Frankfort, Kentucky.Related Items
63rd Theater Aviation Brigade Patch (SSI)
63rd Theater Aviation Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)