Warrant Officer Kang Myeong Gi, an Apache Guardian (AH-64E) pilot with the 901st Aviation Battalion, has been honored as this year’s Top Heligun, earning the prestigious Presidential Award. This recognition highlights his outstanding performance during the 2024 Army Aviation Marksmanship Competition.
The award ceremony took place Wednesday at Nonsan Base under the supervision of Army Chief of Staff General Park An Soo, representing the Army Aviation Command. The annual competition, held since 1989, evaluates the aerial combat shooting skills of South Korea’s helicopter pilots. The prestigious Top Heligun title, introduced in 1999, has been tied to the Presidential Award since 2002.
This year’s competition, from September 3 to November 26, featured over 200 elite pilots flying five helicopter models, including the Apache. Warrant Officer Kang secured his place as the 26th Top Heligun by achieving the highest individual shooting score.
Kang’s journey to becoming an elite Apache pilot is an inspiring story. Enlisting as an enlisted soldier in 2010, he discovered his passion for aviation through a recruitment notice for helicopter pilots. After completing his military service, Kang pursued higher education, developed his language skills, and earned the necessary certifications. He was commissioned as a helicopter pilot warrant officer in 2016.
Since joining the Apache Battalion’s founding unit, Kang has accumulated 950 flight hours and contributed significantly to the program’s integration into South Korea’s military.
Expressing his gratitude, Kang said, “I am deeply honored to receive the Top Heligun award. I thank my battalion commander, fellow pilots, and maintenance personnel for their unwavering support. With pride in operating the world’s most powerful helicopter, the Apache, I will continue to hone our aerial combat capabilities to counter any provocations swiftly, decisively, and thoroughly.”
Kang’s teammate, Warrant Officer Lee Dae Sik, was awarded the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Award. Master Sergeants Choi Jae Won and Park Seong Shin, who were recognized for their contributions to maintenance and armament, received the Army Chief of Staff Award.
The Outstanding Heligun title was awarded to the team from the 504th Aviation Battalion, led by Major Kim Woo Seop, Warrant Officer Yoon Ki Sung, and Master Sergeants Jeong Soo Yoon and Park Kyung Sik. They received the Minister of National Defense Award for their exemplary performance.
The Army Aviation Command reiterated its commitment to maximizing the mobility and firepower of its aviation forces. Competitions like the Army Aviation Marksmanship Competition recognize excellence and enhance the readiness and precision of South Korea’s aviation units. Warrant Officer Kang’s achievement stands as a testament to the dedication and expertise within the nation’s military aviation community.
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