The 3rd Combat Helicopter Regiment (3
e Régiment d'Hélicoptères de Combat) (3e RHC) is located in
Étain with 33
Gazelle
A gazelle is one of many antelope species in the genus ''Gazella'' . This article also deals with the seven species included in two further genera, ''Eudorcas'' and ''Nanger'', which were formerly considered subgenera of ''Gazella''. A third f ...
, 16
Puma.
History
The regiment was created on 1 August 1977. It is located at
Base_Lieutenant_Étienne_Mantoux
Base Lieutenant Étienne Mantoux, formerly Étain-Rouvres Air Base is a base of the French Army Light Aviation. It is located on the Lorraine Plateau in northeastern France, 1 mile (1.6 km) to the west of Étain, Meuse, Étain; on the west ...
, formerly known as the American occupied Étain Air Base. The regiment is heir by descent of the Aviation Platoon of the
9th Colonial Infantry Division
The 9th Colonial Infantry Division (french: 9e Division d'Infanterie Coloniale, 9e DIC) was a French Army formation which fought in World War II and the War in Vietnam (1945–1946).
History
A 9th Colonial Infantry Division was being formed in ...
, later transformed into the 3rd, then 23rd Aerial Artillery Observation Group (GAOA). On 3rd RHC's banner inscribed "Indochina 1947–1954", the colors of the ribbon of the
Médaille militaire
The ''Médaille militaire'' ( en, Military Medal) is a military decoration of the French Republic for other ranks for meritorious service and acts of bravery in action against an enemy force. It is the third highest award of the French Republic, ...
, with the olive-colored ribbon of the
Military Cross for overseas operations and six citations.
[by decision of 18 June 1955.] The 23rd GAOA totalled 34,500 flight hours.
Structure
Today the regiment consists of 11 squadrons:
* Airmobile Support Battalion (BAA)
** Command and Logistics Squadron (ECL)
** Aerodrome Service Squadron (ESA)
** Defense and Protection Squadron (EDP) (= Reservists)
* Reconnaissance and Attack Helicopter Battalion (BHRA)
** 3 reconnaissance and attack helicopter squadrons (EHRA 1, 2 and 3)
** 1 light helicopter maintenance squadron (EMHL)
* Battalion of Maneuver and Assault Helicopters (BHMA)
** 2 squadrons of maneuvering helicopters (EHM 1 and 2)
** 1 maneuver helicopter maintenance squadron (EMHM)
References
External links
{{official, http://www.defense.gouv.fr/terre/l-armee-de-terre-au-contact/le-niveau-divisionnaire/commandement-de-l-aviation-legere-de-l-armee-de-terre/3e-regiment-d-helicopteres-de-combat
Regiments of French Army Light Aviation
Military units and formations established in 1977