KABUL, Afghanistan — Task Force Pegasus, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division, assumed control of aviation operations on May 15 in southern Afghanistan. In a ceremony at Kandahar Airfield, TF Talon, a subordinate unit of TF Pegasus, relieved TF Wings, 159th CAB, 101st Airborne Division.
The 82nd CAB has deployed early as part of the United States forces troop increases in southern Afghanistan. They are the first to arrive in Afghanistan as part of this plan.
The arrival of TF Pegasus, and its subordinate units, marks the first U.S. aviation brigade to commence operations in southern Afghanistan. The TF will conduct aviation operations in support of International Stabilization Force and coalition forces in order to support GIRoA in achieving a safe and secure Afghanistan.
"It goes without saying that rotary wing aviation is the coin of the realm here in Afghanistan," said Col. Paul Bricker, commander of TF Pegasus. "The distances, harsh terrain, counterinsurgency environment and sheer size of the battle-space, make battlefield circulation a significant challenge. Without rotary wing aviation; command and control, sustainment, and combat operations can be severely challenged."
As part of the ceremony, TF Wings cased their colors as a symbol of their departure. TF Pegasus and its subordinate units then uncased their colors, symbolizing their establishment of control over aviation operations in southern Afghanistan.