MANHATTAN, Kansas (Tribune News Service) — The Big Red One’s aviation brigade is back at Fort Riley after spending the last nine months in Europe.

The U.S. Army 1st Infantry Division’s 1st Combat Aviation Brigade on Sunday officially marked its homecoming from deployment by uncasing its colors in an early morning ceremony, which signified the completion of its mission and its return to operations at Fort Riley.

More than 1,800 members of the group — also known as “Demon Brigade” — performed missions throughout Europe, including in Belgium, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland and Romania. The deployment, which started in October 2023, was a part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a NATO action that began in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2014.

“Our unit is home after supporting our Allies and partners throughout Europe during a crucial time,” said Col. Chad Corrigan, the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade commander. “Your work throughout these last nine months has made a lasting impact, and you should be proud of what you have accomplished.”

The 1st Air Cavalry Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division replaced the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade during a ceremony in Powidz, Poland, on July 10. During its deployment, the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade provided aviation support and executed trainings throughout Europe with more than a dozen NATO allies and partner nations.

“The return of the Demon Brigade colors marks the end of the brigade’s mission in Europe supporting our NATO Allies and partners,” said Maj. Gen. Monté Rone, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley. “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.”

Rone further said he was “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.”

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