Louisiana Guard Supports 101st Airborne Division Exercise

NEW ORLEANS - The Louisiana National Guard supported the Fort Campbell, Kentucky-based 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) refueling at Camp Minden, Louisiana, Aug 14.

The exercise evaluated the division's effectiveness in executing large-scale, long-range air assault operations while testing its communication, logistical resupply and tactical skills.

The Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, and supporting sustainment elements established multiple forward arming and refueling points for aircraft flying between Fort Campbell in Kentucky and Fort Johnson, Louisiana. These FARPs, strategically located in Monroe, Minden and Alexandria, provide essential refueling and rearming capabilities closer to the aircraft's area of operations, significantly reducing turnaround times during sustained missions. The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) used these FARPs throughout their training mission before concluding operations at Fort Johnson and returning to Fort Campbell.

Lt. Col. Harry Wilson, Camp Minden post commander, said the 101st Airborne Division and the Louisiana National Guard agreed to use Camp Minden as a refueling site. Previously, the 101st conducted a similar operation at Monroe Airport with support from the Louisiana National Guard's 225th Engineer Brigade. To expand their training options, they explored other locations in the area, including Minden Airport and Camp Minden. After assessing the available resources, such as the large staging area at Camp Minden, the site was selected as a suitable location for this operation.

Camp Minden, typically used by National Guard units as a joint reception, staging, onward movement, and integration site, also benefits Active-Duty military units due to federal funding.

The Louisiana National Guard has played a support role, coordinating with military and commercial tenants on base to ensure smooth operations. The 101st's operation has been regularly discussed in staff meetings over the past three months.

Wilson emphasized the importance of supporting both National Guard and Active-Duty military units, noting the potential for future collaborations given the success of this operation.