Task Force Hawk transfers fixed wing mission, heads home

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Chris Seaton | Task Force Hawk command team, Lt. Col. Craig Jack (left) and 1st Sgt. Michael Mendoza, prepare to case their colors in preparation for their return home during a ceremony Sep. 3, 2008. TF Hawk, a forward element of the 244th Aviation Brigade, is a Fort Sheridan, Ill. based Army Reserve unit that has flown the Army's only fixed-wing aviation mission in Iraq since Oct., 2007.  

BALAD, IRAQ

09.04.2008

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Chris Seaton 

12th Combat Aviation Brigade

By Sgt. 1st Class Chris Seaton
Task Force XII Public Affairs Office

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Task Force Hawk, a forward element of the 244th Aviation Brigade, transferred authority of Multi-National Corps – Iraq's fixed-wing aviation mission to the 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment during a ceremony Sep. 3, 2008.

The task force, which is based at Fort Sheridan, Ill., is an Army Reserve unit comprised of Soldiers from 15 states. In Iraq, they were the Army's only fixed-wing aviation unit, flying cargo, passenger travel and VIP flights throughout the Central Command theater of operation.

The pilots and crews of TF Hawk flew more than 11,300 hours, moving 44,144 passengers and almost 15 million pounds of cargo since arriving in Iraq in Oct. 2007.

"All the efforts of [TF Hawk Soldiers] ensured that we were able to make a significant and measurable impact on the war effort we were here to support," said the unit's commander, Lt. Col. Craig Jack.

"Lt. Col. Jack and his staff managed an incredible and diverse workload supporting the gamut of missions," said the Army's aviation commander for MNC-I's Task Force XII, Col. Timothy Edens. "They did everything from transporting our most senior leaders on critical and important trips to the crucial tasks of running parts and supplies."

Taking over the fixed-wing mission for MNC-I is Task Force Cascade, an aviation task force led by 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment of the Oregon Army National Guard.

During a transfer of authority ceremony here, the incoming commander, Lt. Col. Todd Farmer thanked TF Hawk and vowed to continue their legacy.

"TF Cascade looks forward to assuming this mission," he said. "We appreciate greatly the foundation that you've provided for us here."

• Date Taken: 09.04.2008
• Date Posted: 09.04.2008 02:46
• Story ID: 23178
• Location: BALAD, IQ