FORT CAMPBELL – The Department of Defense announced today the deployment of the 4th Brigade Combat Team “Currahee,” 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), as part of the increased deployment of U.S. forces in Afghanistan this summer.
Approximately 3,400 Soldiers will deploy as part of the United States’ force increase of 30,000 service members announced previously by President Obama to provide the level of forces necessary to provide sufficient military capability for the NATO-International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to further improve security and stability operations.
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The Currahees gained a tremendous reputation for the work they did in Afghanistan in 2008 and 2009,” said Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, 101st Abn. Div. commanding general. “I know the Afghan people will look forward to their return as they build upon the relationships Currahee established with them during their recent ‘rendezvous with destiny.'”
“This will be a unique year in the legacy of the 101st, as well as all of our famed division’s ground forces will serve simultaneously in Afghanistan,” Campbell said. “The Soldiers of 327th ‘Bastogne’, 502nd ‘Strike,’ 187th ‘Rakkasan’ and 506th ‘Currahee’ have proven their mettle together during periods of conflict in such places as France, Holland, Germany, Vietnam and Iraq. It is only fitting they should now serve alongside each other as Screaming Eagles in Afghanistan.”
When Currahee deploys, this will leave approximately 10,000 Soldiers on Fort Campbell this year.
The division commander said there is a “fantastic” rear detachment team of Soldiers and Army civilians dedicated to fulfilling the Army Family Covenant and maintain the day-to-day functions of Fort Campbell throughout the deployments.
“We are also projected to receive a senior-level officer to serve as the post rear-detachment commander in my absence, much the same way Brig. Gen. Steve Townsend did during the last 101st deployment,” Campbell said.
