Posted on 02/01/2006 7:41:16 AM PST by Clive
BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Iraqi Army’s 5th Brigade, 6th Division, assumed control of Forward Operating Base Honor from the 4th Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team during a transfer of authority ceremony Jan. 31.
The ceremony marked the increasing role Iraqi security forces are undertaking in Baghdad and throughout their country in enforcing the sovereign government’s rule of law.
“This brigade is responsible for protecting Iraq’s new government here in the International Zone,” said Col. Mohammad Wasif, commander, 5th Bde., 6th Iraqi Army Div. “The brigade consists of three battalions. We will work day and night to achieve our mission for the new government of Iraq.”
FOB Honor is located in the palace district in central Baghdad and housed the former Baathist regime prior to the war. Prior to the arrival of Coalition Forces, U.S. air strikes destroyed five of the twenty buildings of the former regime headquarters.
Today fifteen buildings still stand as Iraqi forces transition with the 4th BCT “Cobras” and make FOB Honor their new home. Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment were the first to move into FOB Honor in October, 2003, followed by the 3rd Inf. Division’s 6th Squadron, 8th Calvary, in January, 2004. The 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div. arrived in Baghdad in December, 2005, and has relinquished ownership of the FOB to the Iraqi 5th Bde.
“The turnover of FOB Honor demonstrates the increased capability of Col. Mohammed’s brigade to assume greater responsibility and security of Baghdad,” said Col. Michael Beech, commander 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “The 5th Brigade has earned a reputation of being a tough, well-trained and well-led unit,” he said.
The Iraqi 5th brigade’s 3rd Battalion will occupy the area in South FOB Honor and 1st and 2nd Battalions will occupy the area in North FOB Honor.
“Today is another great step forward for the future of Iraq,” said Maj. Gen. Mubdar Hatim Hazya Al-Duleimi, commanding general, 6th Iraqi Army Div. “Today we lay a new brick in the building of our Army,” he said. “We are committed to the citizens of this country and this army and will defend our homes from the threats of the terrorists as we bring freedom back to this country.”
The FOB Honor transition marks the continued improvement in the Iraqi security forces’ capability over the past year, said Beech, as it continues to assume more battle space throughout the country.
“With the seating of the new government and the increased capability of Iraqi security forces, I’m very optimistic,” said Beech. “I think 2006 is going to be a great year for Iraq.”
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8th Calvary? I had hoped there would one be one.
"FOB"?
Need to be careful what acronyms you use; back in the not-so-distant past, "FOB" carried an ugly connotation...
More good news.
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