Posted on 03/24/2009 5:58:40 PM PDT by SandRat
DIYALA — The Iraqi Army assumed control of Combat Outpost Ayres from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division during a ceremony held March 19.
Capt. Matthew Caprari, commander, Apache Company, 3-21 Inf., the unit that had operational control of COP Ayres, signed control over to Iraqi Army commander Lt. Col. Khalil Malik Ahmed, commander, 3rd Battalion, 20th IA Brigade. The official documents were signed during a brief ceremony, presided over by Khalil and Lt. Col. James R. DeMoss, battalion commander, 3-21 Inf.
“Today is a significant day for the Iraqi and U.S. partnership,” DeMoss said. “It marks the recognition that the Iraqi Army, specifically, 3rd Battalion of the 20th IA Brigade, is increasingly ready to handle more and more security responsibilities.”
“Speaking for myself and all my officers,” Khalil said, “we are very thankful to the Coalition forces for all their efforts and giving us the opportunity to secure the area. Today we received this COP; it will be a good start for the IA to get ready to secure this area and our country.”
Khalil said there are still obstacles in the way, but with the help of Coalition forces, the Iraqi Army will be able to solve their problems and sees his country improving every day.
“For us,” Khali said, “we will continue this partnership by training and supporting; for democracy and for the new Iraq.”
(Multi-National Division – North)
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