25th CAB redeploys from OEF

By Sgt. Daniel SchroederMarch 11, 2013

WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii - This week, the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade "Wings of Lightning," 25th Infantry Division, returned from a yearlong deployment from Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Brigade's fighting force consisted of more than 2,300 soldiers and equipment including OH-58D Kiowa Warriors, UH-60 Black Hawks, and CH-47 Chinook helicopters from WAAF and AH-64 Apache helicopters from Fort Carson, Colo.

The Brigade's primary mission was to prevent Afghanistan from returning to a safe haven for international terrorist groups while building the country's capacity to secure and develop itself as a nation. Their efforts enabled Afghan-led security forces to continue to train, providing security for the Afghan people, setting conditions for sustainable peace.

The Brigade moved more than 100,000 passengers and 15.3 million pounds of cargo across the battlefield in approximately 130,000 combat flight hours.

The CAB was spread out across more than 25 forward operating bases, with its Brigade headquarters located on Kandahar Air Field and three task force HQs at FOBs Wolverine, Tarin Kowt and Shindand.

The brigade concluded their deployment with the uncasing of the brigade colors at the 25th CAB redeployment ceremony on Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, Jan. 31. Immediately following the ceremony, the soldiers and their families had the opportunity to spend some time together and enjoy entertainment provided by the MWR, Army cadets from University of Hawaii performing the Haka dance and Hula dancers from Legends of Kualoa dinner show.