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.

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.”

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