The approximately 132,000 square foot facility allows for all four of the units' aircraft to be housed together in one location and provides better weather protection and maintenance options than were previously available. The new location is almost double the size of the previous facility but actually saves money due to consolidation and the advantages of better weather protection for the aircraft.

Currently, 50 Soldiers including pilots, flight engineers, mechanics, and specialty shop personnel, drill at the facility on weekends and during special training sessions. Twenty-three full time employees provide continual support, conducting flight and aircraft maintenance.

The 3-238th, previously known as the Detachment 1, Company G, 185th Heavy Helicopter unit, deployed to Iraq in early 2004 for 14 months, conducting hundreds of combat missions both day and night. The unit's primary mission was transportation of equipment and combat personnel as directed by the combatant commanders in support of ground forces in Iraq. Michigan-based Chinook, CH-47, aircraft were integral in the rebuilding of levees after hurricane Katrina as well as instrumental in controlling the Upper Peninsula sleeper lake fires in Newberry in August of 2007.

The mission of the CH-47 is heavy lifting, with an internal cargo capacity of 18,000 pounds, and an external cargo capacity of 26,000 pounds. It can carry up to 33 combat troops and can be used as a firefighting aircraft lifting and dumping 2,000 gallons of water per sortie.

The Michigan National Guard gratefully recognizes Boeing, Inc. partners who continually upgrade Chinook features in order to provide successive product improvements. Boeing's commitment to quality aircraft and meeting the challenging requirements of the National Guard prove their dedication to preserving American ideals.

Today, approximately 1,800 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from around the state are deployed across the globe in support of the global war on terrorism; however, as the Michigan Guard serves the nation abroad, more than 85 percent of the force is available, trained and ready to respond to state or federal emergencies.

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