About 200 Fort Drum soldiers return from Middle East mission

About 200 soldiers from Fort Drum’s 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team have returned to the post after completing a mission supporting U.S. Central Command in the Middle East. The homecomings have taken place at McGrath Sports Complex, bringing soldiers back to their families and communities in the North Country.

The soldiers are part of the 10th Mountain Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, which was redesignated as a mobile brigade combat team in 2026. The Army said in February that the unit would deploy to the Middle East as part of a regular rotation, replacing the Iowa National Guard’s 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division. The mission was in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

The returning soldiers are part of a larger deployment authorized for approximately 1,900 members of the brigade, although the final number deployed may have been lower. The soldiers’ return affects families and spouses in the Watertown and Fort Drum area, as well as the broader North Country community.

The brigade also deployed in spring 2024, when about 2,000 soldiers supported Operation Inherent Resolve. Their return that year took place through nine flights and nine ceremonies. A colors uncasing ceremony followed that deployment, and a similar event may take place after the current mission.

Additional homecoming flights and ceremonies are expected at McGrath Sports Complex and Memorial Park. Fort Drum public affairs provides official updates through its news releases page.