In this end of tour interview, LTC Digiacomo relates his experiences as a Assault Helicopter battalion commander during a yearlong deployment to Joint Base Balad, Iraq. LTC Digiacomo discusses the challenges his task force faced in flying underpowered UH60-A (Alpha model) model aircraft in Iraq. After one of his aircraft suffering a hard landing while carrying the Multi National Corps-Iraq commander, LTC Digiacomo and his maintenance staff determined to upgrade five UH-60A aircraft with more powerful engines from UH-60L aircraft, thus creating a "Frankenhawk." Digiacomo notes that the more powerful aircraft functioned better in the hotter Iraq environment, and functioned flawlessly in subsequent Very Important Person (VIP) missions. LTC Digiacomo describes how critical personnel decisions made during the alert stages paid great dividends during the deployment. Based on experiences culled from other aviation units, Digiacomo and his staff performed a troop to task analysis to meet mission requirements instead of simply filling the unit by the Modified Table of Organization and Equipment (MTOE). Based on the analysis, the unit brought extra aviators in the 10 percent overage authorized above the unit's MTOE strength. Additionally, his unit worked with the state of Ohio to recruit extra non-Aviator personnel to serve as door gunners. Digiacomo notes that the presence of the extra personnel ensured his unit maintained their operational tempo without undue stress on the rated aviation crews. LTC Digiacomo discusses at length the varied missions that his battalion performed during the rotation, to include transporting the MNC-I and MNF-I command group, ring routes around the Baghdad area, and supporting Combined and Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) missions. Digiacomo notes his greatest satisfaction came from the CJSOTF missions, since he knew his unit's actions directly supported efforts to eliminate dangerous insurgents.

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