7-17 CAV PASSES THE TORCH TO THE 4-4 ARB

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Leticia Samuels | ERBIL, Iraq – U.S. Army 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment Operations Officer Maj. Ty Huffman (left) and Standardization Officer Chief Warrant Officer 5 Steve Crandall render a salute while the National Anthem plays prior to a transfer of authority ceremony July 2, 2018. The ceremony signified the assumption of command of the mission to provide enabling support to Coalition and partner forces in the defeat-ISIS mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Leticia Samuels, 449th Combat Aviation Brigade)  

IRAQ

07.06.2018

Story by Staff Sgt. Leticia Samuels 

449th Combat Aviation Brigade

ERBIL, Iraq – The American flag blew in the wind as U. S. Army 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment Commander Lt. Col. Chad Corrigan furled the battalion colors, transferring authority to the 4th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment Commander Lt. Col. Tim Jaeger during the transfer of authority ceremony signifying the assumption of command July 2, 2018.

The outgoing unit (7-17th CAV) ceremonially cased its colors signifying a successful completion of a six-month deployment while the incoming unit unfurled its colors assuming command of the mission to provide enabling support to Coalition and partner forces in their to defeat-ISIS mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

"The Soldiers of the 4th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion are highly trained and exceptionally prepared to assume our mission in Operation Inherent Resolve,” said Jaeger. "We are ready to answer our nation's call, and we will accomplish any mission we receive.”

As the 7-17th CAV departs, Corrigan spoke highly of his team, highlighting that developing a shared understanding of the mission was the biggest challenge but that effective communication and having a command presence during their tenure had overcome it.

“We became road warriors; constantly visiting our soldiers, doing missions with them and seeing the fight from their local perspective,” said Corrigan. “The three highlights you need for mission command are a shared understanding, mutual trust and shared risk. Everyone understands what we are trying to do, but we trust each other because we are out there doing it together. We’re in the fight with you, whether it is austere living conditions or tactically dangerous; we’re right there with you.”

The 4-4th ARB utilizes the AH-64D Apache Longbow and will conduct reconnaissance and security operations to identify and locate enemy forces to support contingency operations in the Central Command’s area of operation.

Over the last 12 months, the 4-4th ARB participated in multiple training events culminating with Operation Eagle Strike, which is a final two-week training exercise at Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site in Colorado. Solders faced many stressful scenarios to include ambush, battlefield casualties, medical evacuation and direct and indirect target engagements.

“Our focus on tough, realistic training over the last year has prepared us for this upcoming mission,” said Jaeger.

Initially established in 1963, the 4-4th ARB was deployed to Republic of Vietnam. Currently headquartered at Fort Carson, Colorado, the unit has also supported Operation Iraqi Freedom conducting escort, assault, medical evacuation and reconnaissance operations in 2005.

“I am extremely proud of our Soldiers for their hard work and dedication,” said Jaeger. “We are enormously grateful for the steadfast support of our families, and the ever present support from the Fort Carson community."

• Date Taken: 07.06.2018
• Date Posted: 07.06.2018 06:20
• Story ID: 283382
• Location: IQ