101st Airborne Troops Going to Europe, Afghanistan

The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is sending troops to two overseas locations. 

In separate press releases on Friday, the Army announced the deployment of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade to Europe and B Company, 6th Battalion to Afghanistan.

Col. Matthew Weinshel, commander of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, said B Company "Pachyderms" will provide aviation support in Afghanistan with additional CH-47F Chinook aircraft and aircrews. They will replace the 10th Mountain Division Combat Aviation Brigade as part of a regular rotation of forces to support Operation Freedom Sentinel. Soldiers and Chinook aircraft are prepared to conduct air movement and air assault operations in support of NATO and partnered forces in CENTCOM.

The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade "Wings of Destiny" is a unit of highly-skilled combat aviators and expert support personnel. They will deploy and operate UH-60 and HH-60 Black Hawks, CH-47 Chinooks, AH-64 Apaches, as well as support vehicles and additional equipment. The combat-capable Screaming Eagle Soldiers stand ready to support theater deterrence capabilities and activities in multiple locations to increase U.S. ability to respond to potential crises.

"Our Wings of Destiny Soldiers remain ready to accomplish any mission our nation asks of them. We look forward to building upon the success of the brigade and the 101st Airborne Division while working with our allies and partners," Weinshel said. 

The unit has maintained readiness while implementing protective measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The unit currently has zero active cases.