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

Aviator makes final flight, says goodbye to the Guard
February 28, 2020
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Marine Reservists lead training of Kentucky Guard Soldiers
February 12, 2020
Marines Training Kentucky Guardsmen

Kentucky Guard Aviators aid in the fight
December 9, 2019

Kentucky MEDEVAC trains for water rescue
January 25, 2017
The training was a joint exercise with members of the Bluegrass Emergency Response Team (BERT) from Jessamine County, Ky., in order to share best practices and improve the interoperability of state assets.

Operation Immersion
May 23, 2016
Operation Immersion offers participants the opportunity to experience the stresses that Soldiers encounter during basic training, mobilization, deployment, and demobilization. (

Combat medics get refresher training and more
November 18, 2015
According to the sustainment training staff, this practical exercise and the use of UH-60 Black Hawk medevac helicopters is unique to the Kentucky National Guard

Proud of the Progress - Former aviation maintenance operator excited for future of new AASF
October 19, 2015
Kentucky National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility

Kentucky signal soldiers put 24-hour response package to test
March 10, 2014
Kentucky signal soldiers put 24-hour response package to test

751st TC Change of Command
October 27, 2012
Kentucky Army National Guard Lt. Col. Brent A. Wilkins receives the Meritorious Service Medal from Col. John Edwards, commander of the 75th Troop Command, at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., Oct. 27, 2012. Lt. Col. Wilkins was presented this award during a change of command ceremony in which he released his command to Lt. Col. Scott C. Thomas. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Cody Stagner, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/Released)

From the hangar to Afghanistan, Army helicopter mechanic fits in well
October 16, 2012
Sizemore is a member of the Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team 4's Security Platoon

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