Between The Gulf War and GWOT
From 1991 to 1993 the 3/187 was commanded by Lt Colonel David H. Petraeus who renamed the battalion the Iron Rakkasans after the physical training test he created. CSM Donald Purdy was the Battalion Sergeant Major during this time. Spc James Paterson was known for being the best CSM Purdy impersonator and actually performed the impersonation for CSM Purdy.
In 1995 The Iron Rakkasans was redesignated as Task Force 3–187 and deployed to the Sinai Peninsula in July 1995. The Iron Rakassans were responsible for the southern portion of Zone C and based at South Camp, Sharm el Shiek, Egypt. During the deployment, they were instrumental in the recovery of casualties from an accident near one of the sector control centers and evacuating them to hospitals utilizing Multinational Forces Helicopters. On 23 November 1995, a 7.1 earthquake hit the Sinai Peninsula. Again the Iron Rakkasans performed road recon and rescue operations throughout the peninsula. For the Iron Rakkasans actions during their deployment, they earned an Army Superior Unit Award for their actions during the deployment. The unit returned to the United States in January 1996.
In September 1996 through January 1997 elements of Raider Rakkasan, C co. 2nd BN / 187th deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation DESERT FOCUS, providing force protection for U.S. personnel in support of US air assets in Saudi Arabia relocated from Dhahran and from Riyadh to the remote Prince Sultan Air Base, Camp Eagle Town II. The move's purpose was force protection, and came in the wake of the 25 June 1996 terrorist bombing at Khobar Towers which killed 19 airmen, and wounded many more. U.S. and Saudi Arabian officials agreed to split the $200 million cost of relocating more than 4,000 US troops. Charlie co. 2nd BN /187th Infantry was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Army Superior Unit Award.
Reference: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/desert_focus.htm
Read more about this topic: 187th Infantry Regiment (United States)
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