63rd Theater Aviation Brigade

This is the official webpage of the 63rd TAB.

Organized and federally recognized Sept. 15, 1986 in the Kentucky National Guard (Army component) at Frankfort as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Aviation Brigade, 35th Infantry Division. The unit was reorganized and re-designated Sept. 1, 1995, as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 63rd Aviation Group, and relieved from assignment to the 35th Infantry Division. The unit, headquartered in Frankfort, was later forged from the former aviation group and re-designated as the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade Aug. 30, 2007.

The 63rd TAB carries a proud legacy of aviation service within the Kentucky National Guard, building upon decades of contributions to both state and federal missions, and its rich history, dating back to the early days of winged flight. The 63rd TAB continues that tradition of excellence today. This heritage is further highlighted through compelling stories of our Soldiers, such as the remarkable account of the Kentucky National Guard's first Army Aviator, Captain Bee Rife Osborne – which is a tale of courage, dedication and pioneering in Army aviation.

Read about Capt. Osborne by clicking here: "Captain Bee Rife Osborne: Kentucky National Guard's First Army Aviator"

To delve deeper into the broader history of Kentucky Army National Guard Army Aviation, explore 110 years of service to the Commonwealth and the Nation by clicking here: "History of the Kentucky National Guard Army Aviation"

Visual representations of this history, such as the evocative heritage print depicting two Kentucky Army National Guard UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters from Detachment 1, Company B, 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment "Crossing the Tigris River" during operations in Iraq, a dedicated heritage print honoring Captain Bee Rife Osborne, and many others serve as powerful reminders of the unit's operational deployments and the sacrifices made by its Soldiers.

The most current stories of today's Soldiers from the 63rd TAB are published on this site.


About the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia

The unit is known for its distinctive unit insignia. A silver colored metal and enamel device blazoned as follows: per chevron enarched Azure and Gris, on an arrowhead throughout counter-changed in chief a demi-Pegasus issuant Sable and in base a mulletty of the second. Attached to the sides and below the device, a red scroll inscribed “UNBRIDLED THUNDER” in silver. Overall dimensions are 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height. Symbolism: Blue is the color traditionally associated with the Aviation units. The shield represents defense. The arrowhead signifies readiness; pointing up, indicates the spirit of the aviation mission. The Pegasus symbolizes the Brigade’s mission of flight, alluding to the unit’s location, Kentucky, the horse capital of the world. The stars suggest constancy; the two rows of stars, six and three, allude to the number “63,” the Brigade’s designation. The distinctive unit insignia was approved Aug. 30, 2007.

63rd TAB NEWS

Long-term health care receives Guard support during pandemic
November 20, 2020
Kentucky Guard supports long-term health care facilities during COVID-19

Kentucky National Guard, Blue Grass Airport crash for emergency response training
October 20, 2020
Crash exercise at Blue Grass Airport

Governor Beshear visits Kentucky Guard, tours COVID-19 protective equipment warehouse
September 14, 2020
Kentucky Army National Guard troops pause for a photo at the supply warehouse in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 10, 2020.

Soldiers from the 617th Military Police Prepare for the Worst with CASEVAC training
August 12, 2020
CASEVAC training with 617th MPs

G1 Directorate helps Service Members identify opportunities in periods of economic uncertainty
July 22, 2020
Chaplain (LTC) Angela White advises a member of the Kentucky National Guard on some of the employment services offered at the G1

Kentucky Guard stays in fight against COVID-19 with multiple Drive-Thru Test Sites
June 25, 2020
Shelbyville Drive Thru COVID-19 Test Site 2020

Aviation unit departs for deployment to Afghanistan
May 8, 2020
Farewell 2/238th Aviation May 8, 2020

63rd Theater Aviation Brigade Supports COVID-19 Drive Thru Testing Site
April 16, 2020
63rd TAB DTTS Frankfort 2020

Kentucky Guard Supports first State Drive-Thru Testing Site
April 13, 2020
63rd TAB DTTS Frankfort 2020

Kentucky Brigade Training Officers lead the way
March 30, 2020
Majors Maloney, Watson, and Capt. Miller pose for a photo

63rd TAB

63rd Theater Aviation Brigade (BNGC, Frankfort)

https://www.facebook.com/63rd-Theater-Aviation-Brigade-145743475454804/

751st Troop Command (BNGC, Frankfort)

KYNG Army Aviation History

Heritage Print: "Crossing the Tigris"
Click to open HiRes heritage print: Crossing the Tigris

Publication: History of the Kentucky National Guard Army Aviation
Click to open pdf: History of the KYNG Army Aviation 1915-2025

Heritage Print: Captain Bee Rife Osborne
Click to open HiRes heritage print: Capt. Bee Rife Osborne

Publication: Captain Bee Rife Osborne: Kentucky National Guard's First Army Aviator
Click to open pdf: Capt. Bee Rife Osborne: KYNG's First Army Aviator
 
Video: "Bee Rife Osborne: Kentucky National Guard’s First Military Aviator"
Click to visit DVIDS and open link to watch video: CPT Bee Rife Osborne