Army resumes Apache helicopter training missions after Texas crash that killed 2

FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) — The U.S. Army announced on Wednesday its intention to resume Apache helicopter training missions following a pause triggered by a fatal crash in Texas last week that claimed the lives of two soldiers. This decision came after a comprehensive review of safety protocols and flight operations conducted by the Army.

Two soldiers — Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, from Killeen, Texas, and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead, 25, from Belton, Texas — were killed in the Texas crash. The helicopter plummeted into a grassy area near Salado, roughly 30 miles from Fort Hood. Both Huey and Olmstead had been serving on the same team, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.

The Army's pause in Apache training operations was implemented following the crash in Texas. This decision was made to ensure all safety measures were thoroughly evaluated and adhered to before resuming such training.

The Apache attack helicopter holds a significant role in the U.S. military's arsenal. Since its inception in 1984, over 5,000 of these helicopters have been deployed by the U.S. military and its allies. Despite recent safety concerns, the Army has not suspended combat missions involving Apache helicopters, which are currently operational in the war in Iran.