Air assault division goes deep into Iraq
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, March 25, 2003) - The 101st Airborne Division conducted its first air assault for "Operation Iraqi Freedom" beginning March 23.Using CH-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache helicopters, the 101st moved troops from the 187th Infantry Regiment, along with equipment and fuel, deep into Iraqi territory.
Chinook helicopters sling-loaded communications equipment for aerial transport north to the division's Assault Command Post.
The division also planned to set up a forward fuel resupply point during this first assault. The forward bases will enable the division to conduct further air assaults deep into the combat zone, according to division officials. The operation is ongoing and more information will be released upon completion of the mission, said division officials.
The air assault operation is part of the ground operations moving toward Baghdad. The combined force, including the 3rd Infantry Division and elements of the 24th Infantry Division, has advanced to within less than 100 miles of Baghdad.
The 101st was restructured as an airmobile division in 1968 and can drop an entire brigade with all its equipment behind enemy lines, according to division doctrine.
In January 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, the 101st conducted deep combat air-assault missions into Iraqi-held territory.
(Editor's note: compiled by Bruce Anderson from reports by Pfc. James Matise of the 101st Airborne Division.)
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