CAMP PHOENIX, Afghanistan – The 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Dakota Army National Guard, relinquished command of the Kabul Base Cluster to the 26th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Massachusetts Army National Guard, here during a transfer of authority ceremony, April 21.

The Sioux Falls, S.D.-based 196th MEB has served nearly a year in Afghanistan as the installation management command for 11 bases throughout the capital of Kabul and will be returning home in May.

The 196th MEB turned over command responsibility and support operations of the bases to the 26th MEB of Reading, Mass., that will continue to support more than 9,000 U.S. and coalition forces stationed throughout the Kabul Base Cluster.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to be your commander and the 196th soldiers have performed admirably in their mission,” said Brig. Gen. Theodore Johnson, 196th commander, during the ceremony. “We accomplished a lot in our time here and all of you have helped to build up the Kabul Base Cluster, and to set the conditions of future success for our 26th MEB counterparts.”

“To the 26th MEB, I know you will enhance the KBC even more and I wish you the best of luck in your mission here,” continued Johnson. “I know the soldiers of Task Force Yankee will do well.”

The 196th MEB arrived in Afghanistan in June 2010 and provided oversight and operational support for the KBC in the areas of security and force protection, plans and training, infrastructure development, public works, resource management, human resources, communications and logistics sustainment.

“I want to thank Task Force Rushmore for their hospitality and for a successful tour of duty,” said Col. John Hammond, 26th commander. “The 26th is trained and ready for the mission ahead. We are ready to shine, to maintain focus and standards, and to continue supporting the Afghan government.”

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