Courtesy Photo | CAMP VICTORY, Iraq - The 200th Engineer Battalion rolls up their colors in a Transfer...... read more read more
Pfc. Mark B. Matthews
MNC-I PAO
As operations in Iraq continue into a new year, many changes are expected. As the newly appointed Iraqi government forms and the streets continue to improve, some Soldiers' missions here are complete while others are just beginning.
At a Transfer of Authority ceremony the reigns were handed over from the 200th Engineer Battalion to the 115th Engineer Battalion behind the Joint Visitors' Bureau
Tuesday.
Both battalions have very rich histories and have served in many other operations. The 200th Eng. Bn., a National Guard unit from Linden, Ala., has served in Southwest Asia, Saudi Arabia and in the Liberation and Defense of Kuwait Cease Fire.
The 115th Eng. Bn. was constituted in 1920 and served in many campaigns world wide including World War II, Bismarck- Archipelago, the Southern Philippines and Luzon.
Since they arrived in Iraq in February 2005, the 200th Eng. Bn. has had a very successful tour. Although they are all very excited to be going home, they will miss the friendships they have established during the past year.
"We are all looking forward to going home, but at the same time we are a bit saddened because as we leave, we leave a lot of friends here," said Lt. Col. James E. Porter Jr., outgoing commander. "We have all shared anxieties and accomplishments together as well as having grown together as professionals."
The 200th Eng. Bn. Accomplished many missions during its time here. However, one achievement seems to stand out among all the others.
"The 200th Eng. Bn. has trained over 200,000 Soldiers both here in Iraq and in Kuwait on explosive hazards awareness training," said Col. William H. Haight III, Multi- National Corps - Iraq C7 director.
"These Soldiers were constantly on the road logging thousands of combat patrol hours in some of the most dangerous areas of Iraq and did so without a single death or serious incident."
As Soldiers from the 115th Eng. Bn. move into position and prepare to take over the mission, they all seem to understand that they all have some big shoes to fill.
"The 200th Eng. Bn. has just done a terrific job," said Lt. Col. John P. Moore, incoming commander. "They have truly set the standard."
EDITOR"S NOTE: Pfc. Mark B. Matthews is a print journalist assigned to the 27th Public Affairs Detachment, Fort Drum, NY, and is currently supporting Multi-National Corps Iraq.
| Date Taken: | 01.03.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 01.04.2006 10:22 |
| Story ID: | 4266 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 287 |
| Downloads: | 98 |
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