Commonly called a unit crest or DUI for short, the 449th Aviation Support Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 9 September 1998. Buff (gold) and scarlet are used in the heraldic design of Support organizations, with gold symbolizing excellence and high achievement. A divided shield, with a blue upper half and buff lower portions to simulate sky and clouds, highlights the unit’s air and ground maintenance roles. Gold is emblematic of excellence and high achievement, and the cloud forms a chevron that suggests both support and forward movement in keeping with the unit motto to “Fix Forward.”
A pair of crossed lightning bolts reflects strength and cooperation and also suggests speed and swift execution of mission duties. Red, white, and blue are the national colors as well as the colors of the state of Texas, the “Lone Star” state that is home to the Battalion. The lightning bolts, crossed for strength and cooperation, represent swiftness. The colors red, white, and blue and the star are adapted from the Texas State flag, home of the battalion, and a wrench on the pale symbolizes the vital role of maintenance and the unit's mission.Distinctive Unit Insignias are worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. More guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1, Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia" and 21–3(d) and (e), "Beret" and "Garrison Cap," respectively.
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Headquartered in San Antonio, the 449th Aviation Support Battalion carries out full-spectrum Aviation operations that support the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, 36th Infantry Division, Texas Army National Guard (ARNG). It also assists in the Texas ARNG’s mission to provide Defense Support to Civil Authorities at the state and Federal level.
Teams from the 449th Aviation Support Battalion have a well-deserved reputation for delivering expert aircraft maintenance that is trusted by Army pilots for various flight missions conducted around the clock, 24/7. This is the major reason for the Battalion's most recent appearance in the news in December 2022 when it contributed Soldiers to a mission assigned to the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade to develop cohesive Aviation Maintenance teams to support the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve mission across Iraq and Syria.