The command team with the 101^st Airborne Division safely arrived and assumed responsibility of the combined joint task force in eastern Afghanistan today in a ceremony on Bagram Airfield.

The division assumed command of R-C East for the third time during Operation Enduring Freedom, which is the same role that the division filled during deployments in both 2008 and 2010.

The division replaces the 1^st Infantry Division which is based out of Fort Riley, Kansas following a year-long deployment.

101^st Commanding General, Major General James McConville stated he is very pleased to have the opportunity to return with the division and work with our partners in the Afghan Security Forces.

Several of the 101st's brigades have already been operating in RC-East for many months, The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, the 1st Brigade Combat Team, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, and elements of the 101st Sustainment Brigade.
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(03/14/2013/MF)