159th CAB completes rendezvous with destiny

Photo By Master Sgt. Kap Kim | Col. Jimmy Blackmon and Command Sgt. Maj Ronald Dvorsky Jr., commander and command sergeant major for the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky., shake hands following the transfer of authority ceremony, Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Sept. 21. The 159th CAB transferred authority to the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.(U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Kap Kim, RC-East PAO)  

BAGRAM, AFGHANISTAN

09.21.2014

Story by Staff Sgt. Christopher Freeman 

82nd Combat Aviation Brigade

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – After nine months, and countless hours flown, the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky., transferred authority to the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. The ceremony was held in a clamshell tent at Bagram Air Field Sept. 21.

The transfer is a time of joy and sadness.

“It’s certainly bittersweet,” said Col. Jimmy Blackmon, commander, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade. “After pouring everything you have into the mission, forming new relationships and teams, it is often strangely difficult to just drop it, leave it all behind.”

During their time in theater, the 159th CAB served as one of the main aviation units in Afghanistan, providing multi-functional aviation support to Regional Command East and North to facilitate unified land operations.

“We were able to integrate ourselves into almost every mission set in the Regional Command, from direct combat with the enemy to moving logistics around the battlefield,” said Blackmon. “We also conducted (medical evacuation) and pathfinder operations.”

With the authority transferred, the 82nd CAB assumes a mission it has performed in past deployments.

“For the 82nd CAB, this is not its first time fighting in this theater,” said Col. Mike Musiol, commander, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade. “This deployment comes at the most critical transition point in the war, but our mission remains the same; support the ground maneuver units with the best aviation capabilities in the world as we provide security and stability for the Afghan people.”

After the ceremony, hopes of mission success are shared between the 159th CAB and the 82nd CAB.

“Your paratroopers have taken the reigns and are doing a wonderful job,” said Blackmon. “You have our gratitude and will remain in our prayers.”

With one final sentence, 159th CAB closes this chapter on their rendezvous with destiny.

“Welcome to the fight.”

• Date Taken: 09.21.2014
• Date Posted: 09.22.2014 08:44
• Story ID: 142859
• Location: BAGRAM, AF
• Hometown: FORT CAMPBELL, KY, US
• Hometown: FORT CAMPBELL, TN, US
• Hometown: FORT LIBERTY, NC, US