Although the exact location of the brigade’s drop zone has not been released, initial reports from the unit indicate that the jump was largely unopposed. Officials say the unit followed the jump with efforts to improve their positions at the airfield and receive additional soldiers and equipment.

Headquartered at Caserma Ederle, Italy, the brigade serves as European Command’s only conventional airborne strategic response force for the European theater. The 173rd’s history dates back to World War I. Most recently, the unit has taken part in training deployments to Bosnia, Kosovo, Hungary, Tunisia, Morocco, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic and other nations.

The brigade’s nickname originated with Chinese nationalist paratroopers, who dubbed it “Tien Bien” (Sky Soldiers) during service as the quick reaction force for the Pacific Command in the early 1960s.