3,000 Ft. Bragg personnel deploying to Afghanistan this summer

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — More than 3,000 Fort Bragg personnel are deploying to Afghanistan this summer.

Fort Bragg officials said Friday that the members of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team with the 82nd Airborne Division will deploy this summer to support the United States’ commitment of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

"The 82nd Airborne Division is absolutely vital to our national security," said Rep. Richard Hudson, who represents the area that includes Fort Bragg. "With gratitude… I will continue to pray for these world-class soldiers and their families who sacrifice so much."

Officials said the troops will replace the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, as part of a regular rotation of forces.

Last month, it was announced that Fort Bragg soldiers would be deployed to the southern U.S. border as part of an increased military presence in the area.