Redeploying a Combat Aviation Brigade

Photo By Sgt. Patrick Jubrey | Soldiers from the 601st Aviation Support Battalion, part of the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, are focused on the redeployment process. Here they are packing containers after being inspected by customs agents on Storck Barracks, Illesheim, Germany.  

ILLESHEIM, GERMANY

09.23.2019

Story by Capt. Matthew St Clair 

Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division

Illesheim, Germany – The U.S. Army is no stranger when it comes to deploying its forces around the globe. A lot of training, planning, and mental preparation is needed prior to going overseas. Once deployed, the Army conducts its mission…whether it is combat, deterrence, strengthening alliances and partnerships, or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

But what about when the mission is complete? Much like the deployment process, redeploying is just as extensive, and takes months of planning and hard work to get the unit home.

The 601st Aviation Support Battalion, part of the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, is focused on the redeployment process for the entire Brigade. That process is far more complex than most people realize.

One important, yet often underappreciated step in the redeployment process is cleaning and packing up all the equipment that was needed to operate the Brigade. “We are currently prepping for redeployment, getting our tri-cons inspected as well as 20-foot containers,” said 2nd Lt. Nicole McCombs, the Alpha Company, 601st ASB Unit Maintenance Officer, and Fuel and Water Platoon Leader.

The containers must pass a critical inspection from customs prior to being shipped to the U.S. “They go inside and inspect the tri-cons and the equipment, and then they will give you the go ahead to put everything back in the container,” said McCombs. She added that part of her responsibility as the UMO is, “…to make sure that all the paperwork is straight. The inspector might not be as focused on that, but we need to be.”

Customs agents are critical of what is and isn’t allowed to go back to the U.S. Foreign soil or species lodged in a piece of equipment could have adverse effects on the U.S. environment or ecosystem. Pfc. Edrick Cockel of the Alpha Company Fuel and Water Platoon said, “It’s important because you never know with us working in a different environment overseas. We don’t want to take anything back home that we don’t have a cure for, animals, insects, or just anything in particular. We want to make sure our home stays safe.” For this purpose, every vehicle and piece of equipment is extensively cleaned prior to being inspected and shipped back home.

“The soldiers have been doing an amazing job out here,” said McCombs. “I’m proud of the company as a whole, working really hard. They know where all the equipment is and are pretty organized. If you are organized throughout the rotation, when it’s time to redeploy, that’s too easy.”

Cleaning and packing for redeployment is one of the final mile stones for a unit completing its deployment. Soon, soldiers will be returning home to their families and loved ones. “I’m really excited to go home and I know a lot of the soldiers are excited too,” said McCombs. “This is motivating them. This means that we are one step closer to flying home.”

Alpha Company, 601st Aviation Support Battalion is currently on a rotation in Europe as part of the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade during their Atlantic Resolve mission. In a short period of time, they will redeploy back to Ft. Riley, KS and be replaced by the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade from Ft. Stewart, GA.

• Date Taken: 09.23.2019
• Date Posted: 09.23.2019 09:59
• Story ID: 343004
• Location: ILLESHEIM, DE