Photo By Staff Sgt. Ryan Tatum | Col. Mark Johnson talks about the latest in the history 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade...... read more read more
The 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division and subordinate battalion commanders gathered at Forsyth Park, Savannah July 18, 2018 to uncase the brigade colors for their redeployment from Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel.
The Soldiers supported the ground forces with aviation operations including medical evacuation, aerial reconnaissance and security as well as troop and cargo transport throughout the country of Afghanistan.
“The Soldiers before you today have accomplished a tremendous amount in the past nine-months,” said Col. Mark Johnson, commander for 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade. “From providing aviation support to U.S., Coalition and NATO partners in Afghanistan.
Even with most of the brigade in Afghanistan, readiness was the priority in here at Hunter Army Airfield.
“These Soldiers worked day and night both here and abroad to sustain readiness of Army and support the strategic objectives of the United States,” said Johnson.
The uncasing of the colors is an Army tradition that symbolizes the movement and transition of a unit from theater operations. The uncasing of the colors honors the Soldiers who made it home to love ones and the nation.
The mission that was bestowed to the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade did not just comprise of just them in the fight but citizen Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment from the South Carolina National Guard and other National Guard counterparts.
“The National Guard Soldiers mobilized for active duty almost a year ago and fought as integrated members of Task Force Falcon,” said Johnson. “We recognize the tremendous contributions from these citizen Soldiers as they return to service in their respective states and communities.”
Soldiers within the formation were recognized with awards for their work and dedication to the mission in Afghanistan and at Hunter Army Airfield.
Col. Johnson accredits the families of 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade for their support to service and volunteer work throughout Savannah, Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield community.
“There is another group I wish to recognize, that took care of sick children and made families run while spouses were away,” said Johnson. “They are the family and friends of 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade.”
The Soldiers here at 3rd Combat Aviation served the country in many ways such as giving back to the community in Savannah or deployed to a unknown location but nothing says welcome home like being greeted by loved ones and extended family with in the community of Savannah.
“We are fortunate to serve here in Savannah, Georgia. The hostess city of the South, we fully embrace the hospitality and support we receive from the local community,” Johnson said. “I would like to thank those from the community who served our Soldiers and families.”
As the history of the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade continues on we are reminded of where we came from by honoring the past.
“This week marks the 100 year anniversary of the second battle of the Marne. It is during this famed battle in World War I that 3rd Infantry Division earned the moniker ‘Rock of the Marne’,” said Johnson. “These Soldiers before you today stand as the most recent combat history of the 3rd Infantry Division and carry on the tradition of steadfastness set by their predecessors 100 years ago.”
| Date Taken: | 07.18.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 07.19.2018 12:26 |
| Story ID: | 284923 |
| Location: | HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, GA, US |
| Hometown: | ATLANTA, GA, US |
| Hometown: | EASTOVER, SC, US |
| Hometown: | JACKSONVILLE, FL, US |
| Hometown: | SAVANNAH, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 87 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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