Fort Carson hosted an inactivation ceremony for the 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade at Butts Army Heliport on Wednesday.

The event included the traditional “casing of the colors,” the final furling and sheathing of the unit’s signature flag.

As part of the Army’s Force Structure Transformation, the deactivation is the first step in the 4th CAB’s transition toward a “Heavy CAB,” tailored specifically to support the 4th Infantry Division’s Stryker formation, officials said.

The aviation battalion, known as 2-4 GSAB, was first activated in 1963 at Fort Lewis, Wash. It was inactivated in 1970 and reactivated 10 years later at Fort Carson.

The highly decorated unit participated in global campaigns, providing aviation support during the Vietnam War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve.

During the ceremony, 4th CAB Cmdr. Col. Cameron Gallagher spoke of the battalion’s 63-year history, but also wanted to focus on a recent event that illustrated the unit’s collective character.

In August 2024, a severe storm swept through the Pikes Peak region, bringing large hail, causing flash flooding and wreaking widespread property damage. More than 40 helicopters were damaged that day, 22 of which belonged to 2-4 GSAB — with an overseas deployment less than a year away.

“They were tested in a way that few units in Army aviation have experienced in recent memory,” Gallagher said.

The battalion’s repair effort was one of its most significant achievements, he said.

“Through sheer determination, technical expertise and unwavering commitment to each other, the battalion rebuilt, reorganized and restored its fleet,” Gallagher said.

In the audience, several 4th CAB “Mustangs,” decked out in their signature Stetson hats and spurs, nodded in agreement.

The ceremony was a bittersweet one, Gallagher said. An Army aviation unit with a storied history was being deactivated, and that brought a few tears among former and current Mustangs. But the move also represents a first step toward an exciting future.

“The 4th Combat Aviation Brigade is getting smaller,” Gallagher said. “We used to have five battalions, and we are going down to three battalions between now and February. But we are also transforming and modernizing our fleet.”

That modernization will include eight brand-new Boeing CH-47 Block II Chinook helicopters, Gallagher said.

“So it’s an exciting time to be a part of 4th CAB,” he said. “We get to go fly in the mountains in some challenging areas, and we get to do it with some new equipment.”

Wednesday marked the battalion’s sixth inactivation, but Command Sgt. Maj. Justin Webb believes it will return in some form.

“I truly believe that I am not going to be the final sergeant major of this battalion,” Webb said. “We will be back.”