CAMP STRIKER — The Iraqi Army (IA) took control of Patrol Base Vanderhorn from Coalition forces in a transition ceremony in Manari, Oct. 16.
Company 1, 1st Battalion, 55th Brigade, 17th Iraqi Army Division took over from Company A, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
“It is an honor for everyone here who put forth the effort to make this area a better place, to be taking control of the patrol base,” said Staff Maj. Gen. Ali Jassim Muhammad Hassen Al Frejee, 17th IA Div. commander. “The Iraqi Army will be responsible in taking over and leading what used to be considered a very bad area.”
“With the Coalition we conducted multiple operations against criminals to help clear our area,” said Capt. Bahaa Khaleml Abrahim, 1/1/55/17th IA commander. “We promise to go forward and continue keeping the area safe, serving Iraq and its people.”
PB Vanderhorn was established in May by Co A., 1-187th Inf. Regt., as a means to secure and establish better relations with the al Sura and Manari areas.
“Because of the teamwork of the Coalition forces, the Iraqi Army and the Sons of Iraq, Manari is better today than it has been in years,” said Capt. William Brown, from Owensboro, Ky., Co A., 1-187th Inf. Regt. commander. “I am confident that the Iraqi Army and citizens of Manari will continue the gains achieved in sweat and blood this past year.”
“Today this area is safe and will continue to prosper as the local leaders and the Sons of Iraq will work hand in hand with the Iraqi Army,” said 2nd Lt. Scott Perkins, from San Simon, Ariz., Co A., 1-187th Inf. Regt., 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT), fire support officer.
There are six remaining patrol bases scheduled to be transitioned to Iraqi control in the coming weeks.