Ft. Lewis based Soldiers take over west of Baghdad

Photo By Kimberly Hackbarth | Col. John Norris, commander, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, speaks at the Camp Liberty Field House, at a transfer of authority ceremony, Sept. 28. "We have returned with one purpose in mind: to support the Iraqi people, the Iraqi government, and the Iraqi army and police in every way we can," he said.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.28.2009

Story by Pfc. Kimberly Hackbarth 

4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division

BAGHDAD — Col. John Norris took the reins from Col. Joseph Martin in a transfer of authority ceremony, Sept. 28, at the Camp Liberty Field House.

Soldiers of the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, arrived in Iraq earlier this month and, following the transfer of authority ceremony, assumed responsibility for operations in the country to include providing security and strengthening the Iraqi government and its security forces.

In his outgoing speech, Col. Martin, commander of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, thanked his Soldiers for their dedication and hard work and ended with his confidence in the abilities of the incoming troops based out of Fort Lewis, Wash.

"The "Raiders" of the 4th Brigade will serve with distinction and achieve great progress while deployed in Baghdad," he said.

Norris, along with Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Huggins, uncased the brigade colors, symbolizing their units' assumption of responsibility for the area of operations.

In his remarks following the uncasing of the brigades colors, Norris thanked Martin and said his brigade set the standard.

"This ceremony serves to herald the arrival of the Raider Stryker Brigade Soldiers, here to assist in setting the successful conditions and continuing the trend of irreversible momentum already created by the cooperative efforts between the Dagger Brigade and the Iraqi leaders in and around Baghdad," Norris said.

He also spoke on the brigade's mission during its deployment.

"We have returned with one purpose in mind; to support the Iraqi people, the Iraqi government, and the Iraqi army and police in every way we can," Norris said.

Addressing Gen. Karim, of the 6th Iraqi Army Division, Norris assured him that they shared the same visions for the area.

"I look forward to working together in order to ensure the success of this great country. Together at all levels, we will provide security and improve essential services to the great people of this land."

• Date Taken: 09.28.2009
• Date Posted: 10.01.2009 04:44
• Story ID: 39526
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ