MNBG-E Soldiers hand over responsibility of Camp Nothing Hill to Turkish force

Photo By Pfc. Drew Balstad | Soldiers from the Turkish army raise the Turkish flag during a hand over of responsibility ceremony Monday, March 29, at Camp Nothing Hill, Kosovo. (U.S. Army photos by Spc. Drew Balstad)  

LEPOSAVIC, KOSOVO

03.30.2010

Courtesy Story

116th Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Drew Balstad

LEPOSAVIC, Kosovo — Soldiers of Multi-National Battle Group-East's 1-144th Maneuver Task Force turned over security responsibilities in Northern Kosovo, including Camp Nothing Hill near the Administrative Boundary Line with Serbia, to forces of the Turkish army during a hand-over take-over ceremony, March 29.

Charlie Company of the 1-144th had been at Camp Nothing Hill for almost a month after they took over for a contingent of Italian soldiers. They served as a Quick Reaction Force, trained to respond to situations in their sector of responsibility in less than 60 minutes. They also kept watch in guard towers around Camp Nothing Hill.

"We did an outstanding job for a very busy month," said Capt. George Burchuk, Sylmar, Calif., the commander of Charlie Company. "We had to do a lot preparation and a lot of exercises."

"I thought they did a professional job during what is usually the most tense month in Kosovo," said Lt. Col. David Brady, Modesto, Calif., commander of 1-144th MTF, who was in attendance during the ceremony. "They continued the work that was started by others building good relationships with the municipality of Leposavić. It was key that they were able to improve those relationships."

Soldiers from MNBG-E rotate to Camp Nothing Hill periodically to support security in northern Kosovo. The rotations play an important part in Kosovo Forces transition to a Battle Group structure, which is designed to create a more mobile, flexible, and agile force that can act quickly and decisively anywhere as a third responder if needed.

Burchuk emphasized his assurance in the Turkish contingent that is taking over for them.
"I have confidence the Turkish soldiers will be able to take on the mission successfully," said Burchuk. "They looked sharp."

In attendance at the ceremony was Brig. Gen. Al Dohrmann, Bismarck, N.D., commander of MNBG-E, Col. Robert Fode, deputy commander, maneuver, for MNBG-E and Command Sgt. Maj. Jack W. Cripe, Dickinson, N.D., MNBG-E's top enlisted Soldier, as they showed their support for the 1-144th Soldiers.

The 1-144th is part of the California National Guard's 1-144th Field Artillery Battalion, based in the Los Angeles area. The unit was deployed as part of the U.S. contingent of KFOR 12, MNBG-E, for NATO peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.

• Date Taken: 03.30.2010
• Date Posted: 03.30.2010 11:50
• Story ID: 47442
• Location: LEPOSAVIC, ZZ