Published: January 14, 2012
25th CAB Deploys for Operation Enduring Freedom, January 2012
By Sgt. Daniel Schroeder
WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii - This week, the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade "Wings of Lightning," 25th Infantry Division began deployment from Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The brigade's fighting force consists of more than 2,300 Soldiers and equipment including OH-58D Kiowa Warriors, UH-60 Blackhawks, and CH-47 Chinook helicopters from WAAF and AH-64 Apache helicopters from Fort Carson, Colo.
The CABs primary mission is to operate in several key regions of Afghanistan executing air assault, air movement, resupply, and counterinsurgency operations.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles Basham, D Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, watches his daughter open a care package before deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii.
Photo: Sgt. Daniel Schroeder, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs |
The brigade conducted three training rotations at Pohakuloa Training Area and a Culminating Training Exercise over various training sites in preparation for the deployment.
"The Soldiers of the 25th CAB are well trained, highly motivated and well prepared for the mission ahead in Afghanistan," said Col. Frank Tate, 25th CAB commander.
A detachment of Soldiers will stay behind and operate from WAAF to support deployed Soldiers' families throughout the deployment.
"The families of the CAB will pull together as one ohana to take care of each other," said Tate. "The Rear Detachment stands ready to help families in need in the Family Support Center as their first mission before all else."
Staff Sergeant Julio Riveraperez, C Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, holds his daughter on Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, before deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Photo: Sgt. Daniel Schroeder, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs |
Sergeant Any Kalfman, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, receives assistance from his daughter while checking his phone on Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, before deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Photo: Sgt. Daniel Schroeder, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs |
Lieutenant Colonel Eric Jackson (Chaplain), Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, gets some divine assistance from Megan Creaser, daughter of Staff Sgt. Andrew Creaser, C Company, 209th Aviation Support Battalion, 25th CAB, as she says Amen to end a prayer for the safe return for more than 15 deploying Strategic Air One Soldiers as they begin their deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Photo: Sgt. Karl Williams, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs |
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