[MilCom] Army Helo Activity Springfield MA Area

[Ken]

Hello folks:

In my area of monitoring here's what's active:

Westfield MA --- Barnes ANGB/Muncipal Airport (KBAF), Westfield  --  
Basically about 4 years ago they moved from Westover to a new facility at 
KBAF.  ARNGm primarily UH60's & with a few OH58's.   Ops wise they primarily 
use 356.3, but on occassion have been heard using 123.1 mhz calling 
"MINUTEMAN OPS".   Haven't heard the low band frequency 46.75 mhz used for a 
long time.  Callsign normally used would be GUARD COPTER XXXXX    See 
airnav.com for local ATC information.

Windsor Locks CT, Bradley International Airport (KBDL  --  Actually two ARNG 
facilities, one one the east end of the field and some parking on the west 
end of the field (which was primarily CH47's).  Primarily UH60's, there was 
also a CH47 detachment there but I haven't heard or seen them for a long 
time (perhaps someone in that immediate area can verify if the CH47's are 
still there).  Ops wise they primarily use 41.90 mhz (FM) (air to ground) 
and 242.4 air/air comms.   "FURY OPS" is the base callsign.   Helicopters 
normally use the tactical callsign of "FURY" and also may use GUARD COPTER 
XXXXX at times.  Again see airnav.com for local ATC information.

Note that Westover ARB, MA (Chicopee) is used extensively by both Helo 
facilities for training.  This includes heavy lift training in the "Dog 
Patch Training Area" (which is a location on base just northeast of the 
runways).    NVG training also takes place in the Slope area adjecent to the 
runways.  Also on occassion, the helos support parachute jump training in 
the "Bean Bag drop zone" just southwest of Runway 33/15.

Also there's a few National Guard rural training areas utilized.   "Donner" 
(perhaps in Franklin county MA area), "October Mountain" (October Mountain, 
State Forest, Lee, MA) & Barkhamsted Reservoir, Litchfield county CT area.

Ken
Springfield MA Monitoring Area