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Video by Sgt. C Jay Spence

B-Roll: “The Rock” Battalion Holds Change of Command Ceremony at Del Din

173rd Airborne Brigade

June 12, 2025 | 7:33

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment—“The Rock”—witnessed the ceremonial passing of the guidon as Lt. Col. Sheldon E. Broedel relinquished command to Lt. Col. William T. Freakley at Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, June 12, 2025. The ceremony honored Lt. Col. Broedel’s leadership and legacy while welcoming Lt. Col. Freakley as he assumed command of one of the most historic battalions in the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward stationed in Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build readiness and strengthen the alliance.

(U.S. Army video by Sgt. C Jay Spence)

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173rd Airborne Brigade

OPC, Box 2 APO AE 09605

173rd ABN Public Affairs

DSN: 314-646-4212

Comm: +39-0444-66-4212

Email: jennifer.c.french2.mil@army.mil

Brigade Staff Duty

DSN: 314-646-3100/3322

Comm: +39-0444-66-3100/3322

1-503rd Staff Duty

DSN: 314-646-3800

Comm: +39-0444-71-3800

2-503rd Staff Duty

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Comm: +39-0444-71-4000

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From the US: 011-49-09641-83-3475

4-319th Staff Duty

DSN: 314-526-3305

Comm: 09641-83-3305

From the US: 011-49-9641-83-3305

173rd BSB Staff Duty

DSN: 314-646-3400

Comm: +39-0444-66-3400