Soldiers from Fort Campbell’s “Wings of Destiny” brigade are preparing to return home after a nine-month deployment in the Middle East. The unit, belonging to the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), was deployed in February and has been active across multiple operations in the region.
During their deployment, the brigade supported Operation Spartan Shield, contributed to the Multinational Force and Observers mission in Egypt, and took part in Operation Inherent Resolve within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Their contributions included a variety of aviation tasks ranging from air assaults and transportation to reconnaissance and medical evacuations.
By the time their mission concluded, the brigade had flown a total of 17,580 manned rotary-wing flight hours, conducted 198 separate missions, and launched 566 Gray Eagle unmanned sorties with another 12,770 flight hours logged. In comments, Colonel Tyler B. Partridge, commander of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, emphasized that the unit maintained strong standards throughout and expressed pride in both the soldiers and their families for their dedication.
Looking ahead, the brigade’s role in the Middle East will be assumed by the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade from Fort Carson, Colorado. Meanwhile, the returning members of “Wings of Destiny” will reintegrate into their division and reunite with loved ones back home.