FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. - The 159th Combat Aviation Brigade has brought 118 soldiers home to Fort Campbell after a nine-month tour in Afghanistan.

The Leaf-Chronicle reports the soldiers returned to the sprawling base on the Tennessee-Kentucky line on Saturday. They were welcomed by friends, family and recently arrived deputy commander for support Col. Frank W. Tate, representing the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) command group.

Capt. John Giaquinto is a spokesman for the 159th. He said the soldiers conducted a "multitude of missions" in Afghanistan.

He said they provided aviation support for American troops and helped Afghan troops with their missions as they take the lead.

And he said the unit is on track to return everyone home alive.

The returns continue with more flights arriving next weekend.