Ft. Ord Unit Heads for Panama
Members of a combat aviation brigade departed by helicopter Monday for Travis Air Force Base, the first step on a trip to Panama where they have been assigned to help protect Americans and U.S. facilities.
The troops, about 200 members of the 7th Infantry Division (Light) Aviation Brigade, will leave Travis, about 45 miles northeast of San Francisco, today aboard Air Force transport planes.
Accompanying the troops to Panama will be 26 helicopters, including 15 UH-60 Blackhawk utility helicopters, seven AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters and four OH-58 Kiowa observation helicopters.
The unit will join about 1,100 other soldiers and Marines who will arrive in Panama this week.
About 10,000 troops are stationed at the U.S. Southern Command in Panama, according to the Pentagon.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
