116th Brigade Combat Team completes mission in north-central Iraq

Courtesy Photo | Brig. Gen. Alan Gayhart, 116th Brigade Combat Team commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Leroy Lewis roll up the 116th BCT colors before casing them during the transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Iraq, October 31. (Photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ken Sloat, 506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs)  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

10.31.2005

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

FOB WARRIOR, Iraq- The 116th Brigade Combat Team relinquished authority for operations in its assigned north-central Iraq sector to the 1st BCT of the 101st Airborne Division (Assault) during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Iraq, October 31.

The special transfer of authority ceremony recognized the service and accomplishments of the 116th BCT in the Iraqi provinces of Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah this past year and officially transferred authority to the 1st BCT.

"This ceremony marks the commitment of America in ensuring freedom and democracy exist in Iraq," said 116th BCT Commmander Brig. Gen. Alan Gayhart during his remarks at the event. "This ceremony is also a tribute to the service, commitment and sacrifice of the soldiers and family members of these two great brigades."

Attendees at the event included outgoing commander Gayhart, incoming 1st BCT Commander Col. David Gray and the commanders of both the 42nd and 101st Divisions. Special invitees also included numerous Iraqi dignitaries, press and religious leaders. The formations at the event included units of the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police Services, as well as soldiers from both the 116th and 1st BCTs.

"Brig. Gen. Gayhart, you, Command Sgt. Maj. Lewis, and the thousands of Warrior Soldiers under your command, have played a significant role in the history of the Iraqi people and their emerging freedom," said Col. Gray in his speech. "Your mission in Iraq was book-ended by two landmark events; the elections of last January, where the government took its first democratic steps, and the recent constitutional referendum that will be remembered for its patriotism and debate rather than terrorism and violence."

By completing a successful transfer of authority with the 1st BCT, the 116th BCT finished the latest chapter in the coalition's multi-faceted mission in north-central Iraq that includes training Iraqi security forces, sustaining Iraqi infrastructure and economic growth, aiding the fledgling Iraqi government, and fostering open communications with Iraqi citizens.

"We bid farewell to the many Iraqi friends we have made," said Gayhart. "Your friendship and dedication to your citizens in a free and democratic Iraq will be with us forever. In our heart and minds we will always be with you as you once again bring back Iraq to its greatness."

Gayhart also used the occasion to specifically address his soldiers about their contributions this past year.

"It's now time for [us] to make the long journey home to our loved ones," he said. "Remember that you are the finest our nation has to offer, making our nation safe by fighting terrorism and helping the citizens of Iraq to be free and safe within their own country."

With component units from the states of Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Utah, North Dakota, New Jersey and Maryland, the 116th BCT is finishing its nearly 18-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

• Date Taken: 10.31.2005
• Date Posted: 10.31.2005 15:53
• Story ID: 3544
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ