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Video by Capt. Jennifer French

Families watch 173rd IBCT (A) paratroopers leap into Lake Garda during airborne water operation

173rd Airborne Brigade

April 10, 2025 | 1:08

On a bright Thursday morning, cheers erupted from the shoreline of Lake Garda as Sgt. 1st Class Turner Williams, a medical noncommissioned officer, leapt from a military aircraft and parachuted into the lake’s blue waters—his family watching from ashore.

Williams was one of 226 paratroopers who participated in 173rd Airborne Brigade's water airborne operation on April 10, 2025, alongside 200 additional paratroopers executing helocast jumps from 12th Combat Aviation Brigade's low-flying aircraft. The exercise—held on Italy’s largest lake—demonstrated the 173rd Airborne Brigade's capability to conduct rapid, flexible entries into environments where conventional drop zones are unavailable.

From the shore, Turner's spouse, Emarey Williams, and kids watched him plunge into the lake below.

"Dad's in the one that's the furthest out," Emarey Williams said to their children. "He's in the far boat. Look!"

The operation was part of a combined water airborne operation and helocast training event aimed at simulating real-world missions in coastal, riverine, or lake-based environments. By rehearsing, paratroopers were able to get ready for high-risk, complex deployments.

Parachutes dotted the sky in synchronized bursts. Moments later, rotor blades kicked up mist as helocast teams dove from helicopters just feet above the water’s surface. Recovery boats quickly moved in to get paratroopers and maintain security.

Beyond its tactical value, the training served as a public engagement opportunity. Dozens of family members and friends were invited to witness the operations, showing the 173rd Airborne Brigade's commitment to the families who support the force from home.

As the final helicopter swept across the lake and the last jumpers were pulled from the water, Emarey Williams and her children rushed to hug Sgt. 1st Class Williams.

For a few unforgettable moments on the shore of Lake Garda, the Williams family—and many others—were reminded just how deep that courage runs.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade serves as the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, postured to respond rapidly to crises across the United States European, African, and Central Command theaters. Stationed across Italy and Germany, the brigade consistently trains alongside NATO allies and partners, reinforcing collective defense and enhancing interoperability throughout the alliance.

(U.S. Army video by Capt. Jennifer French & SGT C Jay Spence)