U.S. troops prepare to leave Germany

After 60 years, the U.S. military is winding down in Baumholder, Germany.

On October 9, the 170th Infantry Brigade will carry out the casing of the colors ceremony which signifies the final deactivation of the military unit.

GARRISON COMMANDER, MICHAEL D SULLIVAN, SAYING:

"Only recently we came back from Afghanistan so it is very hard on the soldiers and the families to pick up and move again, especially on short notice. That being said, we've received excellent support, not only from our higher headquarters but from the surrounding communities, understanding what these soldiers are going through.

Baumholder, located on the border with France, has been home to some 13,000 soldiers and their families.

When the 170th Infantry Brigade departs some 2,000 soldiers, mainly from logistical units will move there from other garrisons in Europe.

SERGEANT SIMMONS, SAYING:

"I've been here for a little over 12 months, it was a good time, a good experience but it's time to move on and go somewhere different. Baumholder was wonderful. The community was nice and just being over in Europe was a great experience."

The move comes as part of sweeping defense over the next decade announced by the Pentagon in January ... and will reduce the number of troops in Europe from 41,000 to almost 10,000.