341st Military Police assume responsibility for security of Eskan Village

Photo By Maj. Margaret St. Pierre | Eskan Village, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Cpt. Felipe Marqez (center), 341st Military Police Company commander, uncases the unit colors, signifying receipt of mission during the transfer of authority ceremony held at Eskan Village, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 25, 2017. Airmen of the 879th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron transferred authority and the security force protection mission of Eskan Village to the U.S. Army 341st Military Police Company. (U.S. Army photo contributed)  

ESKAN VILLAGE, SAUDI ARABIA

09.26.2017

Story by Master Sgt. Mark Hanson 

35th Infantry Division

RIYAHD, Saudia Arabia – Airmen of the 879th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron transferred authority and the security force protection mission of Eskan Village to the U.S. Army 341st Military Police Company during a ceremony held at Eskan Village, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 25, 2017.

The 879th cased their colors and were officially deactivated as they transferred their authority to the incoming 341st, a U.S. Army Reserve unit headquartered in Mountain View, Calif. After twelve years of Air Force command, the U.S. Army Central Command and Task Force Spartan are assuming the protection mission at Eskan.

“While this is not a typical combat support MP company mission, we will hit the ground running and take on any challenge that is given to us, making Eskan Village a better and safer place to be,” said Cpt. Felipe Marquez, 341st MP commander.

The force protection mission at Eskan is directed by U.S. Army Central Command with the unique challenge of providing security for both Title 10 and Title 22 Soldiers stationed at the complex.

“The Leadership in the company and the experiences that they bring, I feel will contribute to us being successful in our mission here at Eskan,” said Marquez.

Over 150 U.S. Army MPs from the 341st will provide 24/7 security, escort, gate access and over-watch the Soldiers and civilian employees from the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State and other U.S. entities stationed on Eskan.

“Adaptability is the key to any success,” said Maj. Gen. Victor J. Braden, commanding general, 35th Infantry Division, Task Force Spartan. “I’m confident the Soldiers of the 341st will prove their ability to maintain a smooth transition of operations here at Eskan and across their area of operation.”

• Date Taken: 09.26.2017
• Date Posted: 10.06.2017 02:28
• Story ID: 250809
• Location: ESKAN VILLAGE, SA