Direct proof of use
The AH-64 Apache is directly documented in the 2003 Iraq War from the invasion phase through later occupation and counterinsurgency operations. A U.S. Army account of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bob Duffney Jr. states that he deployed to central Iraq in spring 2003 with the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment and served as pilot in command of the lead AH-64D Apache for two deep attacks against Iraqi forces near Al Iskandariyah.
Later official records show Apache helicopters in a ground-support role inside Iraq. DVIDS documented an AH-64 Apache providing air support during a February 24, 2006 raid in Remagen, Iraq, and a 25th Combat Aviation Brigade article described Apache crews using Hellfire missiles during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2006-2008.
Sources: Army OIF Apache Veteran, DVIDS Apache Air Support Iraq, DVIDS Hellfire Missiles in OIF
Timeline
The earliest source in this record places AH-64D Apache Longbows in central Iraq in March 2003, during deep-attack missions that encountered Iraqi ground fire. By late 2005, DVIDS reporting at LSA Anaconda described 3rd Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment Apaches armed with 30 mm guns, 2.75-inch rockets, and Hellfire missiles for force protection, deterrence, escort, and ground-support tasks.
In 2007, the public record becomes more specific about counterinsurgency fires. A DVIDS article said the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade had fired about 500 Hellfire missiles during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2006-2008, and the U.S. Army Center of Military History records AH-64D crews from 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment firing Hellfire missiles, Hydra rockets, and 30 mm cannon during a September 29, 2007 engagement near Taji.
Sources: Army OIF Apache Veteran, DVIDS Eagle Attack Anaconda, DVIDS Hellfire Missiles in OIF, Tip of the Spear Iraq 2004-2007
Narrative
During the 2003 invasion period, the Apache's documented Iraq role included deep attack against Iraqi forces. The Army's later account of Duffney's combat action describes a lead AH-64D operating near Al Iskandariyah, receiving small-arms and heavier ground fire, and returning after aircraft damage degraded its ability to provide suppressive or offensive fire.
As the conflict shifted into counterinsurgency and security operations, official sources show Apaches supporting ground units and protecting bases and convoys. At LSA Anaconda, DVIDS described the 3rd Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment attack-helicopter unit as responsible for force protection, deterrence, VIP escort, counter-mortar and counter-IED support, and deliberate operations against insurgent forces. A 2006 DVIDS image record separately places an Apache over a raid involving U.S. Army and Iraqi Army soldiers in Remagen.
The Taji engagement illustrates the Apache as a combined-weapons fire-support platform. The Center of Military History account records AH-64D crews using their onboard weapon set in a fight against insurgent vehicles and positions near Taji, while the related 25th Combat Aviation Brigade account explains why Hellfire employment expanded in Iraq against personnel, vehicles, buildings, and other soft targets. By 2011, DVIDS still described AH-64 Apaches at Camp Taji conducting reconnaissance, convoy protection, and air support during Operation New Dawn.
Sources: Army OIF Apache Veteran, DVIDS Eagle Attack Anaconda, DVIDS Apache Air Support Iraq, Tip of the Spear Iraq 2004-2007, DVIDS Hellfire Missiles in OIF, DVIDS Flying Apaches Iraq
