Soldiers assigned to the 101st Airborne Division’s Sabalauski Air Assault School will welcome a new commander Wednesday.
A release says Captain Matt Rivas, who has commanded the unit for the last two years, will pass the mantle of command to Captain Kevin Gibbons in a ceremony at the school. During that time, Captain Rivas trained over 3,800 students who earned the coveted Air Assault Badge.
Fort Campbell officials say the school trains thousands of “Screaming Eagle” soldiers every year on air assault tactics and operations, preparing them for service in the 101st Airborne Division, the world’s premier and only air assault division. It also trains Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines throughout the Department of Defense on the fundamentals of air assault operations. In addition, instructors provide a number of specialties and advanced courses, including Pathfinder, Rappel Master, Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System and Special Purpose Insertion Extraction System Master, and Pre-Ranger courses.
Gibbons said in the release it’s his distinct pleasure to take command of this historic organization. He also said he’s excited to lead a team of expert cadre and instruct the next generation of Air Assault service members.
The Fort Campbell school is named for Command Sergeant Major Walter James Sabalauski, a highly decorated 101st Airborne Division veteran who received the Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star while serving in Vietnam.
