Joint Task Force Gray Eagle Soldiers return from deployment

Photo By Sgt. Julian Patricio | Soldiers of Delta Company, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, reunite with their families during a Welcome Home Ceremony Oct. 31, 2019 on Fort Drum, N.Y. The company is returning home from a nine-month deployment to Iraq in support of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve.  

FORT DRUM, NY, UNITED STATES

10.31.2019

Story by Pvt. Julian Patricio 

27th Public Affairs Detachment

FORT DRUM, N.Y.-- The 10th Mountain Division hosted a redeployment ceremony for Soldiers of Delta Company, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade on Oct. 31, 2019. Soldiers were reunited with their families after a nine-month deployment to Iraq in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

Their participation in the operation benefited ally forces and reinforced the overall mission, said the command leadership.

As part of their deployment, Soldiers conducted intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. ISR increases effectiveness and coordination for deployed units. The aviation unit also assisted the joint task force with target acquisition. This process identifies the location of a target which enables action through lethal or non-lethal means.

“There’s only one Joint Task Force Gray Eagle,” said Capt. Chandler Williams, commander, Delta Company, 10th CAB. “We can fly for long periods of time, collecting information the ground forces need in order to support partner forces conducting operations throughout Iraq.”

According to the command, Delta Company had the highest number of flight hours for a Forces Command Gray Eagle unit during any overseas deployment.

The unit conducted between 1,100-1,500 flights, said Delta Company, first sergeant, 1st Sgt. John Vera. Over the nine-month deployment, these flights totaled over 15,000 hours. The surveillance provided by the unit gave friendly forces a tactical advantage against the enemy.

The Soldiers were recognized for their successful deployment upon their return. After completing their mission, the unit is glad to be back home.

“It feels absolutely amazing to be back home and I think I speak for all of our Soldiers,” said Williams.

• Date Taken: 10.31.2019
• Date Posted: 11.06.2019 10:55
• Story ID: 350669
• Location: FORT DRUM, NY, US