Ft. Hood, Texas' loss is Fort Sill, Oklahoma's gain.

The arrival of the 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery on Friday means the historic military unit is now officially stationed at Fort Sill. Following a nine month deployment in Korea, the battalion known as the "Deep Strike Battalion", spent the past five months stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas. The unit, whose motto is "Duty, not rewards", counts 236 soldiers and is currently expecting the delivery of 16 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems to replace their own systems, which were left behind in Korea for units that came in to replace them.

Battalion Commander Lt. Colonel Damon Wells says the battalion first learned of the impending move a year ago, six months into their Korean deployment, when they received confirmation they were headed to Ft. Sill. While it is common for battalions to deploy overseas as a whole, it is less so when a whole battalion changes posts. The "Deep Strike Battalion" did so in order to join a higher headquarters, the 75th Field Artillery Brigade at Ft. Sill.

101st Airborne Troops Return To Fort Campbell From Afghanistan
Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images
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The Battalion was welcomed Thursday evening by the Lawton-Fort Sill Co-op and the Lawton-Ft. Sill Chamber of Commerce, who welcomed the unit and their families with a reception at the Great Plains Coliseum. Chamber members welcome unit members and guests as they arrived at the Coliseum. The Comanche Country Fairgrounds catered the welcoming dinner. The welcome also included information booths from local businesses, offering coupons and information on their services. The Lawton-Ft. Sill Convention and Visitors Bureau highlighted local attractions.

On Friday morning, Fort Sill's newest Battalion unfurled its colors on Ft. Sill's Polo Field, symbolizing their official arrival at the base. Friday evening included a cresting ceremony was held to put the unit crest at the house where the Lt. Colonel Wells will live. The informal event included a talk from battalion leaders, discussing the unit's history.

101st Airborne Troops Return To Fort Campbell From Afghanistan
Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images
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source: Lawton Constitution

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