They returned between 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility in Windsor Locks.
The 1-169 GSAB, based in Windsor Locks and commanded by Lt. Col. Jeffrey LaPierre of Prospect, left Connecticut in April and reported to Ft. Hood, Texas for further training and validation. The unit then deployed to Kosovo, and was responsible for transportation support and aerial medical evacuation while also providing maintenance and fueling capabilities.
When southern Kosovo suffered from forest fires in Sept. 2015, the 1-169 GSAB provided support to local authorities by dumping buckets full of water to help extinguish the flames.
With the 1-169 GSAB's return, the Connecticut National Guard now has nearly 60 Guardsmen mobilized and deployed around the globe.