Photo By Angela Fry | A Color Guard of National Guard Soldiers from Louisiana's 256th Infantry Brigade...... read more read more
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – The Louisiana Army National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), headquartered in Lafayette, La., formally assumed their role as Task Force Tiger in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom recently at a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Adder in Iraq.
The task force, commanded by Col. Jonathan T. Ball and Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth R. Wagner, both residents of Pineville, La ., uncased its colors to symbolize the transfer of authority from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team's Task Force Jungleer to Louisiana's Tiger Brigade.
The unit's primary mission consists of providing convoy escort teams to conduct security to set the conditions for the future drawdown of U.S. Armed Forces and equipment in Iraq.
"For the Soldiers of the 256th Tiger Brigade, our time is now to step up and execute the mission we have trained hard for over the past 12 months," stressed the brigade commander. "I have the utmost confidence in the Soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers in this brigade. You are professionals in all that you do and will continue to raise the standards."
The Louisiana College graduate also took the opportunity to express his heartfelt thanks to the Oregon National Guard's 41st for their assistance in the transfer of authority process.
"It has been my honor to work our relief in place and transfer of authority with Col. Dan Hokanson and the outstanding Soldiers of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team," continued Ball. "Your professionalism, dedication and willingness to go the extra mile to make our TOA successful has set the standard for any brigade to emulate and for that, I offer my heartfelt appreciation."
Mobilized Jan. 5, the 256th spent approximately two months at Camp Shelby, Miss., conducting pre-deployment training to prepare for their new mission. Upon arrival to their overseas duty station, they worked alongside members of the 41st to assist with the transition into their new role.
Col. Dan Hokanson of Keizer, Ore., 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team commander, addressed the leadership of the 256th regarding their assigned mission.
"The honor and pride in every mission will now fall into the very capable hands of Col. Johnny Ball and Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Wagner and the Soldiers of the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team," said Hokanson. "I know that Task Force Tiger will take their missions to the next level."
"To the Soldiers of Task Force Tiger, good luck and Godspeed," continued Hokanson. To the Soldiers of Task Force Jungleer…well done. It has been an honor to serve with you."
The 256th arrived in theater in March, providing command for more than 3,000 Soldiers from its own units. The units under its command include the 1-141 Field Artillery, headquartered in New Orleans; 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment from Abbeville, La.; 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment from Lake Charles, La.; the 256th Brigade Special Troops Battalion from Lafayette, La.; the 199th Brigade Support Battalion from Alexandria, La.; and 2nd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, headquartered in Shreveport, La.
Along with the 256th Troops, the brigade also provides command and control for approximately 400 Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard's 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, headquartered in Lynchburg, Va. The LANG's 156th Army Band headquartered in Bossier City, La., directed by CW2 Wade Furniss, also deployed with the 256th to provide Joint Visitors Bureau support for the Victory Base Complex.
Even though the brigade's second deployment in support of OIF is not potentially as dangerous as the full spectrum operations provided in 2004, the various missions of the 256th units will provide a historical opportunity for the unit's command as Iraq continues to display the ability to maintain peace and security for its residents.
The units of the 2/108th, 1/141st, 1/116th and the 3/156th will primarily provide security and Convoy Escort Teams throughout the brigade's area of responsibility. The 199th will provide garrison command over VBC and 2/156th has assumed the role of command over the Area Defense Operations Center.
The new ADOC, commanded by Lt. Col. Eric "Clay" Rivers of Broussard, La., and Command Sgt. Maj. Sud A. Robertson of Abbeville, La., consists of eight companies, and various missions to include manning entry control points, with as many as 30,000 weekly visitors, escorting convoys, operating the Joint Visitors Bureau and providing security for distinguished visitors.
"It is a very versatile mission, but I feel very confident that our Soldiers are trained, motivated and ready to get started," the new ADOC commander said. "We look forward to working with our Iraqi partners and other U.S. Forces as we defend Victory Base Complex from hostile threat and continue ongoing security operations."
| Date Taken: | 04.09.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 05.04.2010 12:35 |
| Story ID: | 49105 |
| Location: | CAMP LIBERTY, IQ |
| Web Views: | 370 |
| Downloads: | 154 |
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