63rd Aviation Brigade (United States)

The 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade is an aviation brigade of the United States Army. Headquartered in Frankfort, Kentucky as an element of the Kentucky Army National Guard. Elements of the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade are also part of the New York Army National Guard.

63rd Theater Aviation Brigade
63rd Aviation Brigade shoulder sleeve insignia
Active	1986–present
Country	United States
Allegiance	United States Army National Guard
Type	Theater Aviation brigade
Role	Aviation
Size	Brigade
Part of	Kentucky Army National Guard
Garrison/HQ	Frankfort, Kentucky
Nickname(s)	"Wings of Thunder"
Motto(s)	Unbridled Thunder (Formerly: Surpass the Standard)
Colors	Yellow and Blue
Commanders
Current commander	Colonel Gary Lewis
Insignia
Distinctive unit insignia
Standard

Founded 15 September 1986 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Aviation Brigade, 35th Infantry Division,[1] it was reorganized on 1 September 1995 as the 63rd Aviation Group and relieved from assignment to the 35th Infantry Division. At a later date it was upgraded to brigade status as the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade. The current Shoulder Sleeve Insignia and Distinctive Unit Insignia were both approved in 2007.

The unit is assigned to providing support to United States Army North aviation missions in the event of a disaster inside the United States, as well as support to civil activities within the State of Kentucky, including security and support for the Kentucky Derby. The unit has also provided support to United States Southern Command missions. Elements of the Brigade have also deployed to Southwest Asia in support of the Global War on Terrorism.