Marina
In a historic farewell to the skies, Kansas City witnessed the final flyover of Chinook helicopters as the Army Reserve Aviation Regiment officially deactivated.
The event, part of the Army Transformation Initiative, marked the end of decades of service by Bravo Company 7-158th General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB).
Key Event Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Final flyover and deactivation ceremony |
| Unit | Bravo Company, 7-158th GSAB (Army Reserve Aviation Regiment) |
| Date & Time | Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. |
| Location | Departed from New Century Air Center, Gardner, Kansas |
| Aircraft | Chinook helicopters |
| Flyover Area | South Kansas City metro area |
| Occasion | Deactivation of Army Reserve rotary-wing units under Army Transformation Initiative |
| Attendance | Dozens of families, soldiers, retirees, and former unit members |
| Sentiment | Emotional farewell, described as a “family” moment by veterans |
The Final Formation Flight
At 10 a.m. on September 7, 2025, pilots of Bravo Company 7-158th GSAB lifted off from the New Century Air Center in Gardner, Kansas, in Chinook helicopters for one last flight. Their mission: to honor soldiers, retirees, and families connected to the unit.
The flight path took the helicopters across the south Kansas City metro area, where residents, veterans, and families gathered to watch the farewell flyover.
The event was symbolic of both tradition and transition, as the Army prepares to restructure under the Army Transformation Initiative.
The Army Transformation Initiative
The Army Reserve Aviation Command has been directed to deactivate all rotary-wing units and assets as part of this nationwide restructuring. This strategic shift is intended to modernize and streamline military aviation operations while reallocating resources.
For Kansas City, this meant the end of an aviation chapter that included countless missions, training exercises, and deployments supported by the Chinooks of Bravo Company 7-158th GSAB.
Voices from the Community
The day carried emotional weight for both soldiers and their families. Retired Staff Sergeant Stephen Sproat, who spent years with the unit, shared heartfelt words about the sense of unity within the regiment:
“This unit has been around a long time, it’s got a lot of good bones and good structure. They take care of people, and it’s just sad that it will be gone.”
His reflection echoed the sentiment felt by many present — that the unit was more than just a group of soldiers; it was a family bound by service, loyalty, and sacrifice.
The last flyover of Chinook helicopters in Kansas City marked not only the end of Bravo Company 7-158th GSAB’s active duty but also the closing of a significant chapter in the region’s military history.
For many veterans, soldiers, and families, it was a bittersweet farewell, filled with pride for the service rendered and sadness at the loss of a unit that felt like family.
As the Army Reserve Aviation Regiment bows out under the Army Transformation Initiative, Kansas City will always remember the sight of the Chinooks soaring through the skies one final time — a lasting reminder of the dedication, courage, and unity that defined the soldiers of this proud aviation unit.