Trigger,
Nope, Blue Max was originally 2nd battalion, 20th Artillery Regiment (Aerial Rocket). in Vietnam beginning in 1966. They initially flew UH-1B and C models in the CAS role and were the first full battalion to convert to the Cobra in 1968. When the 1st Cav Division headed home in 1971, the 3rd Brigade remained in Vietnam and the battalion was downsized to company size, becoming F Battery, 79th Aerial Field Artillery. The unit was instrumental in saving the city of An Loc in the spring of 1972.
After Nam, the unit was disbanded, but was resurrected in 1993 as part of the 1st battalion, 229th Attack helicopter regiment. C Company, 1-229 flew under the Blue Max name until this year, when they were deactivated and the battalion was reactivated under the 3rd Infantry Division. They are now the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Aviation, and Blue Max is Charlie Company. I've got a few buddies in the company, and they're headed overseas in the not so distant future. Keepin my fingers crossed for all of em!
I've got a pic of me standing on a Blue Max AH-64D (01-5278) as the crew is going through their preflight checks. Of course, it was nearly 2 years and 30 lbs ago, but its a neat shot.
Next shot of me on an Apache, I'll be sitting in the front seat, wearing my IHADSS helmet!