76th Army Band (United States)

The 76th Army Band, formerly known as the V Corps Band, is a direct support band based in Mannheim, Germany. It has deployed to several locations world-wide since WWII. It deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in February 2003 and January 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Performing ensembles include Brass Quintet, Dixieland Band, Brass Band, Little Big Band, Concert Band, Marching Band, and Ceremonial band as well as other small ensembles.

External links

* [http://bands.army.mil/bands/aa/default.asp?UNITNAME=76AB 76th Army Band official website]

The 76th Army Band, is one of many outstanding musical organizations in the United States Army. This unit was originally formed on 30 June 1931 and was known as the 15th Coast Artillery Band stationed at Fort Kamehameha, Hawaii. On 23 May 1944, the 15th Coast Artillery Band was reorganized and reassigned as the 76th Army Ground Forces Band which served in the central pacific theater of operation in Japan until 31 May 1947 when the band was inactivated. The band reactivated on 5 May 1952 in Orleans, France in support of the United States Army Communications Zone Europe.

The band remained in France until 1966 when they moved to Worms, Germany. In February 1975 the band relocated to Kaiserslautern, Germany in support of 32nd Air Defense Command. On 11 October 1975, the 76th Army Band was reassigned to the 1st Support Brigade, which is now known as the 21st Theater Support Command. The band remained in Kaiserslautern until the 493rd Army Band located in Frankfurt, Germany deactivated. During the drawdown of forces in Europe, the 76th Army Band was attached to V Corps and served with great distinction as the V Corps Band. The 76th relocated again to Wiesbaden in February of 1995. The band moved to Coleman Barracks in Sandhofen / Mannheim in July 2001, and was returned to 21st TSC in 2007.

The 76th Army Band has been one of the most prolific performing ensembles of the US Military, and has performed before millions in over 20 countries during the last 10 years. They have been featured in many international television broadcasts and are a favorite at many Military Music Shows around Europe.

The 76th Army Band has deployed in support of Operation Joint Endeavor and Joint Guard in the Balkans region, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and 2006, and has also supported many important commemorations of the anniversaries of D-Day, V-E Day, and The Battle of the Bulge. Other notable contributions include: over 400 troop morale concerts in Iraq; performing with Wayne Newton and Neal McCoy; opening for Bruce Willis and the Accelerators; the WWE’s Christmas in Baghdad; the Dallas Cowboy USO Tour; Robin Williams Comedy Tour; and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s USO Tour.

Contributed by Eric Burger