Photo By Staff Sgt. Melanie Trollinger | Capt. Douglas A. Armstrong (left), commander, 591st Engineer Company (sapper), and...... read more read more
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq — The 591st Engineer Company (Sapper), 779th Engineer Battalion, transferred authority for its engineering responsibilities in Mosul, Iraq, to the 111st Eng. Co. (Sapper), at Forward Operating Base Diamondback, Dec. 12.
The 591st Sappers, deployed from Ft. Campbell, Ky., arrived in Mosul one year ago to provide route-clearance operations and train two Iraqi Army Field Engineer Regiments in engineering operations.
The company's Soldiers conducted more than 700 route-clearance patrols, traveling more than 72,000 kilometers of main and alternate supply routes to keep roads safe for U.S. Forces, Iraqi security forces and civilians. Partnered with the 2nd and 3rd FERs, the 591st trained the Iraqi army engineers in all aspects of combat engineering, enabling the FERs to become increasingly capable in route-clearance operations.
"Today closes a chapter of history for the 591st and opens another one for the 111th," said Lt. Colonel Dewayne Jarriel, commander, 779th Eng. Bn.
The 591st received a Unit Combat Action Streamer in Operation Iraqi Freedom, continuing a distinguished history ranging from combat operations in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. With more than 65 percent of the company's Soldiers earning a Combat Action Badge in country, the unit was commended for its exemplary service.
"We use statistics in the Army to measure success," said 591st commander, Capt. Douglas A. Armstrong, as he described the miles driven, patrols conducted and hours his company spent patrolling and training the ISF.
"This is a true test of your Sapper skills. I know the true value of your daily sacrifice," he said to his Soldiers during the ceremony.
The 111th Eng. Co., from Ft. Riley, Kan., conducted a smooth transition with the 591st and assumed the role of route-clearance and partnership with the FERs for the next year. Cpt. Brian Mitchell, commander, 111th Eng. Co., said arriving in country to perform engineer operations during a unique period of transition in Iraq will test his Sappers' skills, but he is confident their training and flexibility will be invaluable.
"I know you're stretched and challenged, but I know your dedication to the mission and loyalty to your fellow Sappers will carry us through to victory," he said as he addressed his Soldiers.
| Date Taken: | 12.12.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 12.16.2009 01:31 |
| Story ID: | 42813 |
| Location: | MOSUL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 683 |
| Downloads: | 303 |
This work, 591st Sappers transfer authority for combat engineer fight in Mosul, by SSG Melanie Trollinger, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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