Associated Press - October 25, 2009 11:55 AM ET

FORT KNOX, Ky. (AP) - Fort Knox has welcomed the first wave of troops from an Army brigade with a long history.

The recent arrival of troops from the brigade is part of the military's base realignment program. The Courier-Journal of Louisville reports that it's the first time since the mid-1990s that Fort Knox has had an active brigade available for combat deployment.

Base realignment is expected to add about 11,500 residents - soldiers, civilians and their families - in the Fort Knox and surrounding areas in the next two years.

The 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division has about 3,400 troops and is moving from Fort Hood, Texas. About 1,000 brigade members are now stationed at Fort Knox, and an additional 2,400 troops are scheduled to arrive by summer 2010. The brigade was formed in 1917.

Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com

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