CDS Commendation awarded to US Army battalion

Ottawa, Ontario — Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin, Chief of the Land Staff, presented the Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation to 5th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment (Eagle Assault), on July 21 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

In 2008, Eagle Assault, a unit of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade of the United States Army, served alongside the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan. The 5th Battalion supported Canadian and other Commonwealth forces by transporting and facilitating soldiers on the ground.

“Because of their exceptional professionalism, their exceptional skill and their devotion to bringing success to Canadian operations in Kandahar, in 2008, the Chief of the Defence Staff awarded them his commendation,” said LGen Peter Devlin.

“I think that Canada and the US have a vitally and powerfully strong friendship. We have similar skill sets. I think that we lean on each other and when we are side by side we are even stronger.”

The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade has a long history of aiding fellow Commonwealth nations. First formed in 1968, the brigade has taken part in peacekeeping, humanitarian and combat missions. Most recently, it has been an active participant in the Iraq war and the combat mission in Afghanistan.

“We are incredibly honoured to have that level of leadership descend upon this battalion and the task force that we represented in OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Waters, commander of Eagle Assault. “We just want to be the most reliable, flexible and precise assault helicopter unit on the battlefield.”

Article by Lillian Rogers, Post-Production Assistant, Army News, Ottawa

Photos by Sgt Errol Morel, Army News, Ottawa