Posted on 03/06/2006 3:03:22 PM PST by SandRat
BALAD, Iraq (Army News Service, March 6, 2006) – A 4th Infantry Division brigade announced this weekend that it will turn over responsibility for Forward Operating Base O’Ryan, near Balad, Iraq, to the Iraqi Army March 10.
This transition of responsibility is one of many ceremonies to come, officials said, as more Iraqi Army units prepare to take responsibility for the security of their country.
Last week, the 10th Mountain Division transferred Forward Operating Base Constitution to the Iraqi Army. Along with the base, the Iraqi troops took over operations of western Baghdad and eastern Abu Ghraib. This transfer of operations was one of the largest and most prominent since the training of Iraqi forces began, officials said.
Field Artillery preps for FOB transfer
In the upcoming Transition of Authority ceremony Friday at FOB O’Ryan, the 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment will transfer the base to the 4rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army.
With this ceremony, the Iraqi battalion will assume responsibility for security in its own area of operations previously controlled by the 3-29th Field Artillery.
The 3-29 FA is part of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, assigned to the Task Force Band of Brothers. The battalion took control of its area of operations Jan. 11 and has since been training Iraqi Army units in southern Salah ad Din Province.
Western Baghdad transferred last week
The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, handed over operations of FOB Constitution, western Baghdad and eastern Abu Ghraib to 3rd Bde., 6th IA Div., during a transfer of authority ceremony March 2.
“We are comrades. The Iraqi Army and the American forces are brothers,” said Brig. Gen. Aziz Noor, commander, 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. “We bleed together. We shed tears over the same fallen comrades,”
These words rang clear to all present, including more than 1,500 members of the Iraqi Army standing proudly in formation for the ceremony.
“The American forces are giving freedom back to the people of Iraq, just as they did in Japan, Germany and Korea,” said Aziz. “We are receiving this area of responsibility and the job to protect it. God willing, we will be able to do so.”
‘Iraqi Soldiers learning quickly’
“Today marks a great day for the people of Baghdad and the country of Iraq, as we celebrate the accomplishments of this brigade,” said Col. Jeffrey Snow, commander, 1st BCT, 10th Mountain Div. “Never have I seen a group of Soldiers learn so quickly and advance so efficiently.”
The two brigades have been working alongside each other for several months in training and combat operations – ridding the area of insurgents and winning the hearts of the Iraqi people.
“Soldiers of the 1-10th Mtn. Div., and the 3-6 Iraqi Army – are truly brothers in arms,” said Snow. “We both sacrifice for life, liberty and the belief that all people – no matter their tribe, religion or background – can live together as one.”
Local leaders aid transition
The Iraqi Soldiers’ success has been aided by the support of tribal leaders, police, counsel members and the local citizens.
Local council members said that progress has been made despite resistance, and that it will continue to improve.
“Progress for the area has been hindered because the insurgents bomb our contractors and kill the innocent civilians,” said Mr. Hamed, a chairman for the Kadha council of Abu Ghraib. “Still, we have completed more than eighty percent of what we have been tasked to do, including water treatment for the people.”
Change in this landscape and infrastructure has been difficult and expensive for the Soldiers.
“The price of freedom will always be paid through the blood and hard-work of the Iraqi Soldiers and police force,” said Snow. “Without your efforts, there is no future for this great land.”
Iraqis enthusiastic to assume job
The Iraqi Soldiers were clearly excited as the day progressed, and displayed their enthusiasm to continue the fight.
“It is a great day and a great thing to be taking over these operations, and we gladly assume the responsibilities before us,” said Aziz. “We were able to secure the Abu Ghraib area, and we will work together with the citizens to bring more security to the area and rid it of terrorists.”
“The Iraqi Army has gained the trust and support of the local citizens, who are the ultimate source of strength for Iraq’s future,” said Snow.
“The Iraqi Army is here for all people, and just as the Army must be as one force in order to be effective, so must the people they serve,” he said.
“This is your Army and they represent all Iraqis in words and deed,” Snow said. “Follow its example, and this country will never fail, nor tire – and Iraq will once again take its place as the center of knowledge and culture in the Middle East.”
(Editor's note: Information provided by 4th Infantry Division and 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs.)
News from 4th Infantry Division and 10th Mountain Division that Murtha ain't gonna like.
Good read. Thanks for posting.
BTTT
The quagmire the media and their friends like Murtha talk about must be hiding in the same place as that civil war I keep hearing about, but for the life of me, just cannot find.
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