53rd IBCT Transfer of Authority ceremony

Photo By Pfc. Lindsey Jones | Lt. Col. Rafael Ribas (right), incoming commander and Command Sgt. Maj. Eugene Meisenheimer of 2nd Battalion 124th Infantry Regiment of the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team based out of Florida uncase the battalion colors at the transfer of authority ceremony here March 25, 2-124 is relieving 2nd Battalion 300th Field Artillery with the 115th Fires Brigade, based out of Wyoming.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

03.27.2010

Story by Spc. Karen Ingham 

53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Wyoming's 115th Fires Brigade, handed over command to Florida's 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, in a Transfer of Authority ceremony here March 27.

This event symbolizes the completion of one command and the beginning of another.

Col. Richard Knowleton, brigade commander of the 115thFiB and Command Sgt. Maj. Kenton Franklin case their brigade colors as they complete their service here.

Col. Richard Gallant, brigade commander of the 53rd IBCT, and Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Corrow, remove the casing of the brigade colors simultaneously and unmask the brigade flag together as they gain command. The Florida flag will be flown for the duration of the deployment.

Florida's 53rd IBCT will continue to support the responsible drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq.

"After 18 months of training and hard work its nice to finally be here and to start the mission, knowing that we will do well," said Lt. Col. David Yaegers Jr., operations officer of the 53rd IBCT.

This deployment is historical for the 53rd IBCT in that it is the largest single-unit mobilization for the Florida National Guard since World War II.

"The weight has been lifted off the shoulders of the 115th FiB, and put on the shoulders of the 53rd IBCT, and we are prepared for the challenge," said Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Corrow.

• Date Taken: 03.27.2010
• Date Posted: 05.10.2010 13:11
• Story ID: 49422
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW