77th CAB Transfers Authority to the 29th CAB

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Isolda Reyes | Col. Mark Beckler and Command Sgt. Major Steven McKenna unveiled the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade Colors during their Transfer of Authority Ceremony on April 23. The TOA signals the transference of responsibility for theater aviation operations from the outgoing 77th CAB. Camp Buehring, Kuwait (US. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Isolda Reyes, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, Public Affairs)  

CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT

04.23.2017

Story by Staff Sgt. Isolda Reyes 

29th Combat Aviation Brigade

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait— As the soft winds kick up some dust, the recent orange hued skies clear up just in time to usher in a new brigade, ready to take to the skies in Operation Spartan Shield, Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

Col. Ryan Pace and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Mize of the 77th Combat Aviation Brigade transferred authority of the above named operations to incoming Col. Mark Beckler and Command Sgt. Maj. Steven McKenna of the 29th CAB on April 23 in a ceremony at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

The process of taking control of such a complex mission took over a year of preparation and training, culminating with over two weeks of left and right-seat training conducted by the 77th CAB. The 29th CAB is not new to such a unique position, however.

“Now as you begin a new and varied mission, as you are not new to working with the division headquarters, you are not new to this part of the world,” said the Commander of the 29th Infantry Division Maj. Gen. Blake Ortner,“this is not your first rodeo over here in the Middle East.”

The 29th CAB consists of Soldiers from both the National Guard and active Army as well as the U.S. Air Force. This total force of over 1500 personnel bring many air assets to the fight to include: AH-64 Apaches, CH-47 Chinooks, UH-60 Blackhawks, unmanned aerial systems and fixed-wing aircraft; as well as personnel to provide vital administrative and maintenance support.

The brigade will provide aviation assets throughout the U.S. Army Central area of operations, which will prove to be a challenge.

“You have met the challenges before and on some of the same helipads as before,” said Ortner, “expect to be overstretched, challenged and under regular changes in this complex and currently evolving environment. I know you will succeed."

The outgoing 77th CAB cased their brigade’s colors signifying an end to their mission in the region. The incoming 29th CAB unveiled their brigade’s colors signaling the transference of responsibility.

“Good luck, God speed, God bless and win the day,” said Col. Ryan Pace, commander of the 77th CAB to the incoming 29th CAB.

“I have confidence in all of you as individuals and I am confident that we will come together as a team like the 77th did and we will show them our best,” said the 29th CAB Commander Col. Mark Beckler.

The ceremony closed with a benediction by the 29th CAB’s Chaplain Cpt. Wayne Stinchcomb, who spoke of a story from the Bible in which God entrusted his people to Joshua, drawing a parallel to the same trust now placed in the leadership of the 29th CAB.

“As we say in the 29th, ‘let’s go’ so Lord let’s go with you,” said Stinchcomb.

• Date Taken: 04.23.2017
• Date Posted: 04.26.2017 06:38
• Story ID: 231576
• Location: CAMP BUEHRING, KW