When the lead AH-64 Apache helicopter dropped out of the blue sky and touched down at Gray Army Airfield on May 11, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) added another chapter to its illustrious history.

"This is the first time Apaches will be stationed here," Capt. Jesse Paulsboe, public affairs officer for the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), said. "This is a historic day."

Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment, the aircraft are the first to arrive at the local base as the unit continues its move from Fort Hood, Texas.

It took three days for the aviators to make the 2,200-mile trip to their new destination, and they could not have asked for better weather.

"It was beautiful," Lt. Col. Geoff Crawford, the battalion's commander, said moments after landing. "Perfect weather coming out here today, and beautiful scenery all day long."

The addition of the Apache battalion furthers the buildup of the 16th CAB.  

Put a bit differently, the Apaches - in conjunction with the already on-station Kiowa helicopters - add an element of air power to an Army base that has led the way in the development and deployment of the Stryker brigades.

"This continues the consolidation of the 16th CAB and will allow both the Kiowas and Apaches to train together," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Eric Hoffman, a veteran pilot and the tactical operations officer for the regiment. "The Kiowa allows for reconnaissance and surveillance; the Apache brings the firepower; the Soldier wins."

The Apache is a twin-engine attack helicopter developed by Boeing.  It entered service with the Army in 1984.

With the ability to move at treetop level at more than 160 miles per hour, the Apache brings Hellfire missiles, 2.75-inch rockets and a 30mm automatic Boeing M230 chain gun located under the fuselage to the fight. The helicopter battalion should have all 24 of its Apache aircraft at JBLM by the end of August.

Area residents can, however, expect to hear more noise.

Crawford said he will work to minimize the annoyance, and base officials have said pilots are instructed to fly at above 2,000 feet and avoid flying over densely populated areas.

"We do understand that we have a relationship with the community, and if we don't have the support of the community, it makes our job that much harder," Crawford said.

But for Hoffman - who began his Army career at then Fort Lewis 22 years ago - the move to JBLM is welcomed. "I volunteered to be part of the advance party; I wanted to be here and to be a part of JBLM history."