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| January 20, 2005 |
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Oregon's TF 3-116 first unit in 116th BCT to assume authority over combat zone
By Capt. Monte Hibbert, 116th BCT Public Affairs Officer
KIRKUK, Iraq- The Oregon Army National Guard's Task Force 3-116 officially assumed authority for the security and stability of the southern sector of the 116th Brigade Combat Team's area of responsibility in Iraq in a ceremony held here December 27.
By taking the reigns from the 2nd BCT's Task Force 1-14 Infantry Commander Lt. Col. David Miller of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, TF 3-116 Commander Lt. Col. Dan McCabe of La Grande, Oregon became the first commander since WWII to lead this unit in a combat zone, and the first in the 116th BCT to officially take over the duties of his 2nd BCT counterpart.
“It feels great,” said McCabe. “It's an awesome responsibility and a good opportunity to do something for a people that will have a meaningful and lasting effect for the future.”
Besides providing security for the area, TF 3-116 will also conduct training for the new Iraqi Army and assist local governmental leaders as they move their country along the road to a fully functional democracy.
“Our main goals for the long term are ensuring that the Iraqi Army is functional and that local government is performing civic functions,” said McCabe. “And all of it geared toward maintaining security in our area of operations.”
The significance of the new responsibility was not lost to TF 3-116's senior non-commissioned officer, Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Brooks of Baker City, Ore.
“Generally speaking it's an extremely significant venture,” he said. “One of the hardest challenges is to continue with the successes of our predecessor.”
Brooks was also quick to share his belief that what his unit is doing is of global importance.
“It's my feelings that historically this period of time surrounding the election in Iraq has the significance and potential to affect the entire world,” he said.
The commander of the outgoing 2nd BCT, who the 116th BCT is replacing, praised the training and professionalism of the TF 3-116 soldiers in a speech delivered during the ceremony.
“By any standard the viper battalion is one of the best,” said Col. Lloyd Miles, 2nd BCT commander. “They are trained and ready.”
The 3-116 is the first Task Force of the 116th Brigade Combat Team to complete the transfer of authority process. The entire process of the 116th BCT's assumption of authority from the units of the 25th Infantry Division's 2nd BCT is not expected to be completed until sometime in February, when a special brigade-level TOA ceremony is being planned.
Photo:
BeforeTOA.jpg
Representatives from Task Force 1-14 (left) and TF 3-116 (right) stand in formation at the beginning of the transfer of authority ceremony held December 27 at Forward Operating Base Warrior in Iraq. The TF 3-116 colors are wrapped, signifying that they are not yet officially in authority. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jack White, 116th BCT Public Affairs NCO)
McCabeBrooks.jpg
Task Force 3-116 Commander Lt. Col. Dan McCabe (facing away) and Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Brooks (facing forward) reveal the TF 3-116 colors representing the unit's assumption of authority ot their area of operations. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jack White, 116th BCT Public Affairs NCO)
Attention.jpg
Soldiers of Task Force 3-116 stand at attention immediately after officially assuming authority of their area of operations in Iraq. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jack White, 116th BCT Public Affairs NCO)
McCabeMiller.jpg
Lt. Col. Dan McCabe, Task Force 3-116 commander, shakes hands with outgoing TF 1-14 Commander Lt. Col. David Miller at the conclusion of the transfer of authority ceremony held December 27 in Iraq. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jack White, 116th BCT Public Affairs NCO)
CommunityLeaders.jpg
Local community, police and military leaders gathered to bid farewell to the outgoing and welcome the incoming unit at the conclusion of the transfer of authority ceremony held December 27 in Iraq. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jack White, 116th BCT Public Affairs NCO)
Contact:
Maj. Arnold Strong, 503-584-3885
Capt Mike Braibish 503-584-3886, cell 503-932-5805
Kay Fristad 503-584-3917, cell 503-931-5179
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