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Bryan Owens is one of the former brigade commanders for the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. He has deployed to combat multiple times and also commanded the 505th PIR during Operation Hurricane Katrina.

Operation Hurricane Katrina
Bryan Owens was the commander of 505th PIR during Operation Hurricane Katrina, in New Orleans, LA. A brigade size element, minus the rear detachment, either flew or convoyed to New Orleans to assist in rescue and recovery operations, as well as restoring order to the city in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina.

Upon arrival, COL Owens directed his subordinates to establish a command and control environment for the senior leaders of the unit to work effectively in, making decisions that were vital to the restoration of law and order as well as being able to efficiently provide needed medical attention to the citizens of New Orleans.

Subordinate units were directed to maintain different portions of the city; these units were tasked with guarding key infrastructure, stop looting and provide aid to the civilian population. One of the key building that were to be guarded was the badly damaged Super Dome, guarded by the 3rd battalion of the 505th PIR.

Emergency responders, police and other assets were given to COL Owens to manage and direct as necessary. COL Owens and his staff directed soldiers and civilians to recover the remains of dead Americans, provide water rescues, provided vehicle detoxification sites and patrol the street for security purposes. Army engineers were also sent to begin the cleanup of the area.

During the operation, a second, weaker hurricane was heading to the same area that Katrina had just battered. COL Owens ordered that all soldiers remained indoors during the storm, except for key personnel who needed to be outside. Engineers and commanders waited nervously, sending and receiving reports on whether the already badle damaged levies would hold. When the storm had ended, the levies had held.

The operation lasted for approximately thirty days, then the soldiers of the 505th returned to Fort Bragg, NC.

COL Owens, as well as the soldiers of the 505th PIR were awarded the humanitarian service medal for service in Operation Hurricane Katrina.

Operation Iraqi Freedom
Bryan Owens has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on numerous occasions. Most recently, he deployed, as commander of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, to the Anbar province. The deployment lasted fifteen months.

Units

 * 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment