Ceremony Transfers Base Control to Iraqi Army

Defend America News ^ | Pfc. Paul David Ondik

[SandRat]

Ceremony Transfers Base Control to Iraqi Army
Iraqi troops assume control of Forward Operating Base Hope, reflecting the increasing responsibility for the Iraqis as their army gains control of more battle space throughout the region.
By U.S. Army Pfc. Paul David Ondik 506th Infantry Regiment 101st Airborne Division FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq, March 10, 2006 — The Iraqi army’s 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, assumed control of Forward Operating Base Hope during a transfer of authority ceremony March 9. "We work side-by-side with the dedicated soldiers of the [Iraqi Security Forces] every day. The [2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division] is already patrolling and manning control points on a daily basis." U.S. Army Col. Thomas Vail Relinquishing control of the base during the ceremony was Multinational Division–Baghdad’s 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. “We stand in the company of those ready to accept the challenge of securing Iraq’s future,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mark Bertolini, the commander of 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, as he passed on the responsibility to Iraqi Col. Hussain, the commander of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. “It is our honor to accept responsibility and take over the sovereignty of Sadr City,” said Hussain. Forward Operating Base Hope is located in the northwest corner of the Thawra district in Baghdad and previously housed units of Saddam Hussein’s regime prior to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hussain stated that his main objective for 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division is building a unified, strong and independent Iraq. He thanked coalition forces for their partnership. “We work side-by-side with the dedicated soldiers of the [Iraqi Security Forces] every day,” said U.S. Army Col. Thomas Vail, commander of 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. “The 2-6 [Iraqi Army] is already patrolling and manning control points on a daily basis.” “To my brother and friend, Col. Hussain, I’d like to say that your soldiers look magnificent today,” said Bertolini, a native of Long Island, N.Y. The ceremony reflects the increasing responsibility for the Iraqis as their army gains control of more battle space throughout the region. The ceremony included the playing of the Iraqi National Anthem, the uncasing of the 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army	Command Sgt. Maj. Ehmed and an Iraqi Army Division soldier pass the unit’s guidon to Iraqi Col. Hussain, commander of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, during a transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Hope, Iraq, March 9, 2006. U.S. Army photo Division’s colors, and remarks by both the outgoing and incoming commanders. Also included in the ceremony was a display of the Iraqi army’s new motorized equipment, including humvees, and a martial-arts exhibition. “The turnover of [Forward Operating Base] Hope demonstrates the increased capabilities of the ‘Tiger’ Brigade, and thus the Iraqi army,” said Bertolini. “The 2nd Brigade has earned the reputation of a tough, well led and well trained unit.”

[GeorgiaDawg32]

this has to be a lie..it simply can't be..the MSM has told us repeatedly we're losing and the iraqi's can't do this..(sarc/off)

[Recovering Ex-hippie]

Beautiful post...you made my night!

This will be the best kept secret , thanks to the MSM.
Gawd, are our journalists and the Dummies traitors!