Fort Bragg soldiers to support Operation Freedom's Sentinel

The Department of the Army announced Friday that the Fort Bragg-based 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division will be in the summer rotation to Afghanistan.

The 3rd Brigade Combat Team will replace the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, as part of a regular rotation of forces in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Army officials said.

“Our great paratroopers are honored to answer our nation’s call to deploy overseas,” said Col. Art Sellers, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team. “We stand eager and ready to work alongside our Afghan and coalition partners toward mission success in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.″

U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, whose district includes Fort Bragg, released a statement Friday about the planned deployment for 3,000 soldiers.

“The 82nd Airborne Division is absolutely vital to our national security,” Hudson said. “With gratitude, (my wife) and I will continue to pray for these world-class soldiers and their families who sacrifice so much.”

The Department of Defense announced that Operation Freedom’s Sentinel would start in 2015 with two missions.

Its purpose is to support NATO’s Resolute Support Mission to continue training, advising and assisting Afghan security forces; and it continues the U.S.’s counterterrorism mission against the remnants of al-Qaida.