Three miles from the Ukrainian border in Romania, and eight decades after its last deployment to Europe, the US 101st Airborne Division, dubbed "The Roaring Eagles," is back in Europe to "train for war" in preparation for entering Ukraine should the need arise.
Despite Washington's constant assurances that American forces will not participate directly in the war that has been raging in Ukraine for nearly 8 months, American media reported that it had deployed the 101st Airborne Division to Europe to participate in military exercises, after the commander of the said division announced its readiness to enter Ukraine. .
CBSNEWS reported that the US Army's 101st Airborne Division, also known as "Larning Eagles", arrived in Europe for the first time in 80 years, amid rising tension between Russia and the US-led NATO military alliance over the Ukraine crisis.
Escorting CBS reporters to a training camp 3 miles from the Ukrainian border in Romania, deputy commander of the always-ready division and trained to deploy to any battlefield in the world in a matter of hours, John Lubas, deputy commander of the perpetually combat-ready division, signaled that they were ready to defend every An inch of NATO territory if there is a military escalation.
"loud eagles"
Founded in 1918, the 101st Airborne Division was first formed as an airborne unit on August 16, 1942, at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. Today, the band's headquarters are located in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
With a rich and rich history dating back to World War II, the division is the only air assault division in the US Army, as well as a light infantry division that can plan, coordinate and execute multiple battalion-sized air assault operations to capture terrain by fighting behind enemy lines.
The nickname "The Loud Eagles" derives from the 101st Airborne Division's insignia (a bald eagle on a black shield). The eagle on the board is called "Old Abbey", a bald eagle who was an honorary member of the Wisconsin Militia of the Union Army. Captain John E. Perkins, who owned Old Abbey, brought the eagle with him to 36 battles during the Civil War, in which Abe's frightful screams could be heard throughout the battlefield, hence the fact that the division earned the nickname "The Roaring Eagles."
long history
Over the past eight decades, the 101st Airborne Division has participated in some of the most important military operations ever conducted by the US military, and the division gained fame for its important role in the Allied invasion of northwestern Europe during World War II, known as Operation Overlord (D-Day Landing, Airdrop). in Normandy, France), in addition to Operation Marquette Guardian and the liberation of the Netherlands.
In the Vietnam War, the 101st Airborne fought in many major campaigns and battles, including the Battle of Hamburger Hill in May 1969. The 101st Airborne was reclassified twice during the Vietnam War, first as an Air Division in 1968, and the second as an Air Assault Division in 1974.
Its unique battlefield mobility and high level of training have made it at the forefront of US ground combat forces in recent conflicts, from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, to playing an important role in Operation Inherent Resolve in Syria between 2018 and 2021, to preparing for immediate intervention in Ukraine if needed.
Just steps away from Ukraine
As tensions escalate between Russia and NATO over Ukraine, and in anticipation of a possible expansion of the confrontation outside the Ukrainian arena, last June the United States deployed nearly 4,000 soldiers from the Roaring Eagles and 2nd Brigade Combat Team to Europe to support NATO allies and partners In strengthening the eastern flank of NATO.
On its role in protecting Europe, division commander Maj. Gen. J.P. McGee said: “Whether in the war-ravaged fields of Normandy, the merciless jungles of Vietnam, the mountains of Afghanistan, or the southeast side of NATO, the spirit of this division remains unwavering. And it never ends.”
"For 80 years, our band's history has been filled with service, courage, and determination," McGee added. "Every day, when Europeans see the 101st's crest, they know America sent their best."
On August 16, 2022, the 101st Airborne Division celebrated its 80th anniversary in its new temporary home, Mihail Kogliniciano Air Force Base in Romania.
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