Posted on 10/27/2008 4:50:31 PM PDT by SandRat
CAMP STRIKER — The Iraqi Army (IA) officially assumed authority of Patrol Base Inchon during a base turnover in Qarghuli Village, Oct. 20.
The 1st Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Brigade, 17th Iraqi Army Division took over from Co. D, 3rd Bn., 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
“This day will be the strong hand that finishes [criminals] and makes our area safe,” said Capt. Ahmed, 1/1/23/17th IA commander. “Making our people safe in this area and all of Iraq has been our goal.”
PB Inchon was established in January 2007 by Co. D, 4th Bn., 31st Inf. Regt,, 10th Mountain Div. (Light Infantry). After the establishment of the patrol base, Qarghuli Village was one of the first areas to adopt the Sons of Iraqi program.
“The operations conducted from Inchon helped establish and legitimize the Sons of Iraq in the eyes of the government,” said 1st Lt. Colin Corrigan, of Saduville, Ky., Co. D., 3-187th Inf. Regt., fire support officer. “Many civil service projects were completed such as the water treatment facility.”
Corrigan said the IA has come full circle as a fighting force evidenced by their partnership during this deployment.
The Co. D., 3-187th Inf. Regt. Soldiers took over the patrol base in October 2007, and have conducted various combined operations with the IA throughout the year.
“Patrol Base Inchon stands as a symbol of partnership. Our IA counterparts trained and lived beside us for the past year,” said Capt. Frank Castro, from Brookfield, Wis., Co. D., 3-187th Inf. Regt., commander. “The dramatic positive change that has been seen would not have been possible without combined efforts from the Iraqi Army, Coalition and people of Qarghuli.”
The IA will continue to secure the area, making it both stronger and safer for the people of Qarghuli, Ahmed said.
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