1st Helicopter Brigade
| 1st Helicopter Brigade | |
|---|---|
| Active | March 20, 1959 – present |
| Country |  Japan |
| Branch |  Japan Ground Self-Defense Force |
| Type | Aviation |
| Role | Provide aviation support to Central Readiness Force |
| Size | 900 soldiers |
| Part of |  Central Readiness Force |
| Garrison/HQ | Kisarazu, Chiba, Chiba |
The 1st Helicopter Brigade (第１ヘリコプター団 Dai-ichi Herikoputa-Dan?) is based at JGSDF Camp Kisarazu in Kisarazu, in the Chiba Prefecture.[1] Formerly an independent brigade, it was attached to the Central Readiness Force on March 28, 2007.[2] Like most JGSDF units, the brigade's aircraft are deployed to conduct exercises from their Kisarazu base annually during the New Year period.[3]
The brigade would operate under the Central Readiness Force as a supporting unit for the Central Readiness Regiment (CRR), 1st Airborne Brigade and the Japanese Special Forces Group (SFGp) if deployed into a combat zone.[4] Prior to the brigade's integration into the Central Readiness Force, it had been actively involved in civil disaster operations in response to natural disasters such as forest fires and earthquakes.[5]
History[edit]
The 1st Helicopter Brigade was first established on March 20, 1959, by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Aviation School at JGSDF Camp Kasumigaura in Kasumigaura, Ibaraki. After the brigade was established, two helicopter companies were created on March 1, 1968, during a period of reorganization.[citation needed]
The 1st Helicopter Company was stationed at JGSDF Camp Kisarazu on March 22, 1968, with the 2nd Helicopter Company arriving on June 1, 1968. A special transport squad was established in the brigade on December 19, 1986. Another period of reorganization began on March 27, 2006, when a communications and reconnaissance squad was added to the unit. On March 28, 2007, the 1st Helicopter Brigade was formally incorporated into the Central Readiness Force.[2]
The brigade was deployed by the Central Readiness Force on its first operation to subdue wildfires in the forests of the Yamanashi Prefecture on April 29, 2007.[6] They have been also deployed on humanitarian operations, specifically in the aftermath of the March 2011 earthquake.[5]
Aircraft in service[edit]
.JPG)
The 1st Helicopter Brigade currently utilize the following aircraft for the Central Readiness Force:[7]
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | Versions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing CH-47 Chinook | Japan |
Transport helicopter | CH-47J
CH-47JA |
Built by Kawasaki |
| Eurocopter EC 225[8] |  France |
VIP helicopter | EC 225LP | |
| Kawasaki OH-1 | Japan |
Scout helicopter | Built by Kawasaki | |
| MD Helicopters MD 500 | Japan |
Scout helicopter | OH-6D
OH-6J |
Built by Kawasaki |
| Mitsubishi MU-2 | Japan |
Liaison | LR-1 | |
| Beechcraft Super King Air |  United States |
Utility transport | LR-2 | |
| Mitsubishi H-60 | Japan |
Transport helicopter | UH-60JA | Built by Mitsubishi |
Formation[edit]
- Headquarters
- Headquarters and Service Company (OH-6D)
- 1st Transportation Helicopter Group
- 103rd Flight Squadron (CH-47J/JA)
- 104th Flight Squadron (CH-47J/JA)
- 105th Flight Squadron (CH-47J/JA)
- 106th Flight Squadron (CH-47J/JA)
- 102nd Flight Squadron (UH-60JA,OH-6D)
- Special transportation helicopter Squadron (EC 225LP)
- Communications and Reconnaissance Squadron (LR-1, LR-2)
- Field Maintenance Party
References[edit]
- ^ "Facilities – Japan Ground Self Defence Force". Global Security. Retrieved 2011-04-03.
- ^ a b "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2007-06-13. Retrieved 2008-01-10.
- ^ 平成22年 習志野 第1空挺団 降下訓練始め (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 4 April 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-23.
- ^ "What is the CRF （Central Readiness Force）？". Archived from the original on 14 May 2014. Retrieved 2009-01-13.
- ^ a b [1]
- ^ 山梨県甲州市勝沼町山林火災災害派遣 （第１ヘリコプター団）. Retrieved on August 24, 2011. (Japanese)
- ^ 第１ヘリコプター団の装備機 (in Japanese). Central Readiness Force. Retrieved 2011-04-03.
- ^ "Japan Defense Agency received first EC225 in VIP configuration for the Japanese Emperor's Royal Flight Service". EADS. 2006-04-06. Retrieved 2011-04-03.
External links[edit]
- 1st Helicopter Brigade's Official CRF Page (Japanese)
