Photo By Capt. Aaron Shaffer | SOUTHWEST ASIA – U.S. Army Lt. Col. Charles Koon, commander of 2nd Battalion, 211th...... read more read more
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20190426-01
April 26, 2019
Task Force Warhorse Southwest Asia deployment ends
By Capt. Aaron Shaffer
35th Combat Aviation Brigade
TAJI, Iraq – U.S. Army Lt. Col. Charles Koon, commander of 2nd Battalion, 211th General Support Aviation Battalion, Utah Army National Guard, currently assigned to the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade Missouri Army National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Shaw, 2-211th, relinquished command responsibility to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matthew Hill, commander of the 5-159th General Support Aviation Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve, and Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Booth, 5-159th GSAB, during a transfer of authority ceremony in a helicopter hanger at the Camp Taji Military Complex, Iraq, April 26, 2019.
During their time in Southwest Asia, the 2-211th, known here as Task Force Warhorse, completed aviation missions in support of efforts for Coalition partners of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve.
Task Force Warhorse was made up of seven companies with detachments from eight U.S. states including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Utah and Vermont.
Koon is pleased with his team’s accomplishments. “Our team came together despite working in austere environments and more than numerous locations throughout five countries the Middle East,” said Koon. “How our Soldiers gelled and always executed the mission, no matter what, our Soldiers never failed, and that is simply fantastic.”
Task Force Warhorse’s focus during this deployment was to provide support to Coalition forces in defeating Daesh with aviation assets. Their main efforts were aerial logistics and personnel and cargo movement capabilities while managing operations in numerous locations across multiple countries. Other Coalition support efforts included providing emergency medical evacuation and operating forward arming and refueling points throughout their areas of operation.
Warhorse’s achievements during their time here are impressive. In less than nine months, they flew approximately 8,000 hours, transported 40,000 people, transferred over 4,000,000 pounds of cargo, provided 1,900,000 gallons of fuel to 11 types of aircraft from six countries, responded to 240 medical evacuation requests, and completed 700,000-manhours of aircraft maintenance while completing missions in support of the Coalition.
Further expressing sincere gratitude, Koon said, “I am most impressed with the Soldiers, their flexibility and ability to adapt to mission changes and new mission requirements is inspiring. No matter what the situation, the Warhorse team was able to execute despite the most difficult challenges.”
The Warhorse team transitioned a great and worthwhile mission to the 5-129th, Task Force Dragonmaster, team. “Each member of TF Dragonmaster is ready and has been looking forward to this operation to showcase their professionalism and dedication to duty and also to represent the best of American pride and commitment to excellence,” said Hill. “We will focus on discipline, standards and professionalism while remaining true to the principles, ideals and work ethic that have made us successful in the past.”
Remembering Soldiers’ families and loved ones supporting him and everyone in the 2-211th, Koon said, “The family members back home have it much more difficult than we do because they pick up everything we had to leave behind and work through those daily challenges.” “Without their love, help and support we would not be able to do what we do; I am especially proud of all our Soldiers’ family members and supporters. My mission here will not be complete until everyone is home again.”
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| Date Taken: | 04.27.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 04.27.2019 03:16 |
| Story ID: | 319775 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 703 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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