FORT RILEY, Kan. – The 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, officially marked its return from a 9-month deployment to Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve by uncasing its colors in an early morning ceremony on July 14.
The uncasing ceremony signifies the completion of Demon Brigade’s overseas mission and their return to operations at Fort Riley.
“Our unit is home after supporting our Allies and partners throughout Europe during a crucial time. Your work throughout these last 9 months has made a lasting impact and you should be proud of what you have accomplished,” said Col. Chad Corrigan, the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade commander.
The unit was replaced by the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, on July 10 during a ceremony held in Powidz, Poland. Throughout the deployment that began in October 2023, more than 1,800 Soldiers were deployed and performed missions at various locations across Europe, including Belgium, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, and Romania.
“The return of the Demon Brigade colors marks the end of the brigade’s mission in Europe supporting our NATO Allies and partners. Dispersed across six countries, Demon Brigade Soldiers built relationships, participated in NATO exercises, and they furthered the rich history and legacy of this great division by executing all missions in a very controlled, deliberate and safe manner from start to finish,” said Maj. Gen. Monté Rone, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley.
The 1st Combat Aviation Brigade provided aviation support and executed realistic training throughout Europe, including U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s DEFENDER 24 exercise series, aerial gunneries, and engagements with European communities. The mission demonstrated the United States’ commitment to peace and stability in the region and assured our NATO Allies and partners of our ironclad commitment to the Alliance.
“I am grateful for the unwavering support provided by our military families, friends and good neighbors across the Flint Hills region; and I am immensely proud of this formation for its contributions to mission success,” said Maj. Gen. Rone.
The Demon Brigade conducted multinational training events with more than a dozen North Atlantic Treaty Organization Allies and partner nations. These exercises build readiness and interoperability and strengthen relationships between U.S. forces and our Allies and partners.
