U.S. Army Lt. Col. Joseph R. Branch, outgoing commander of 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, June 12, 2025. He was succeeded by Lt. Col. Travis H. Young, who also addressed the formation as the incoming commander of 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment.
The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the U.S. European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.
(U.S. Army video by Capt. Jennifer French)
With sweat, grit, and plenty of good-natured banter, two combat engineers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade are preparing to push themselves to the limit at the 18th Annual Lt. Gen. Robert B. Flowers Best Sapper Competition later this month.
Staff Sgt. Jose Castillo, from Chicago, Illinois, and Staff Sgt. Pearce Somerville, originally from Glasgow, Scotland, will represent the 173rd Airborne Brigade as they join more than 50 teams from...
