OH-58D Kiowa (US Army)
United States Army

OH-58D Kiowa
Operator: 4th Aviation
Location: Butts Army Airfield, Fort Carson, Colorado (USA)
Timeframe: 1991-1993

Personal Interest:
This model represents the OH-58D Kiowa scout helicopters that flew with 4th Aviation during my tour of duty at Fort Carson. It was used for observation, utility, and direct fire support. The primary role of the Kiowa was to identify targets for other weapons platforms. During exercises, the OH-58D would fly in formation with AH-1F Cobras and AH-64A Apaches on the Fort Carson reservation, and with AH-64A Apaches at the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site. The Kiowa also served as a scout for armored and air cavalry missions and artillery support.

Other operations:
Operation Restore Hope (1993): The OH-58D was used for reconnaissance and surveillance operations in support of Task Force Ranger.

Operation Uphold Democracy (1994): During the U.S. intervention in Haiti, OH-58D Kiowas provided aerial security and support to stabilize the region. The Cobras observation missions to maintain safe conditions for military and humanitarian operations.

Also in 1994, North Korea shot down a US Army OH-58 Kiowa helicopter that had inadvertently strayed across the border, increasing tensions between the two nations.