FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade completed a joint air-assault with multiple units from 2nd Brigade Combat Team as part of 10th Mountain Division (LI)'s annual Mountain Peak exercise Sunday at Fort Drum.
Operation Atropian Ascent was the largest air-assault exercise of its kind to take place at Fort Drum in 10 years, requiring an expert level of cooperation among ground, air and artillery assets within the division.
"This collective exercise is an important step for our unit training and leader development," said Col. Clair A. Gill, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade commander. "The CAB brings a tremendous amount of maneuver and firepower to the division, and we take great pride in being there to support the (2nd BCT) Commandos on the ground."
The training began as the sun was setting and concluded as it rose the following day, but the true scope of the operation can be difficult to even fathom.
In the air, 2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment Soldiers used UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to strategically lift infantrymen from 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, from pickup zones to mission objectives throughout the Fort Drum training areas.
As this was happening, Soldiers from 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, offered medevac coverage and conducted large load carries using their CH-47 Chinook helicopters, while members of D Company -- Gray Eagles -- ran unmanned aircrafts on reconnaissance missions.
In addition to the CAB units participating in this air-assault operation, there was also a task force of aviators from 5th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, from Fort Campbell, Ky., providing additional medevac coverage and aviation support.
On the ground, 277th Aviation Support Battalion Soldiers assisted by keeping up with complex aircraft refueling and maintenance needs, while 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, and 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, provided necessary reconnaissance, security and scouting on foot. Finally, 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment offered fire support with their heavy artillery assets.
"Training with our brothers and sisters in the 10th Mountain Division allows us to train collectively while building relationships that will enhance our ability to support the diverse array of warfighter functions represented by the division as a whole," said Capt. James Bates, commander of B Company, 2-10 Aviation. "These relationships endure beyond each training event and offer opportunities to learn from professionals in the many branches working to make the 10th Mountain Division one of the best divisions in the United States Army."
According to Bates, however, when it comes to making the mission happen, most of the credit goes to the smaller units conducting maintenance and working behind the scenes -- the "unsung heroes of aircraft missions."
"It's important to give gratitude to these young and hard-working Soldiers, because without them, the flashier parts of a mission would fail," he added.
As for the overall Mountain Peak 2016 experience, the CAB commander couldn't be any more pleased with the way the event has kicked off.
"Every day during this exercise, I am impressed by the level of learning and effort our team displays," Gill said. "We are exercising mission command at every echelon, and our leaders at every level are demonstrating that they can independently execute the commander's intent because of our team trust and shared understanding."
"As we look to the future, I am confident this team will answer our nation's call to provide our critical capability in a time and place of need."
Mountain Peak will continue until Oct. 25 with training opportunities to improve Soldiers' skills and overall readiness each day.
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