Task Force Commemorate

US European Command has created a task force to participate in events in France commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the allied invasion of Normandy. Airmen assigned to US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa will participate in the joint task force, commanded by an Army unit out of Wiesbaden, Germany. About 400 US troops total will take part in the events, which began May 31 and will continue through June 6. The battle of Normandy, known as Operation Overlord, began on June 6, 1944, with air and naval bombardment as well as amphibious and airborne landings. The 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team is in charge of facilitating air operations for the anniversary, and the events will include representatives from eight units that participated in D-Day: the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division, the 75th Ranger Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, 4th Infantry Division, 4/25th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 90th Sustainment Brigade, the 29th Infantry Division, and the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade.