US Forces end occupancy of Forward Operating Base Normandy

Photo By Sgt. Adrian Muehe | After a Transfer of Authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Normandy, Iraq, an Iraqi flag flies high over 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division's regimental colors May 25. The base was handed back to the Iraqi government as part of U.S. Forces' moving toward an advise and assist role.  

DIYALA, IRAQ

05.25.2010

Story by Pfc. Adrian Muehe 

1-2 SBCT, 7th Infantry Division

DIYALA, Iraq - After seven years of housing U.S. Forces, Forward Operating Base Normandy, Iraq, was handed over to the Iraqi Army in a Transfer of Authority ceremony, May 25.

Signing-over the base was Lt. Col. Adam Rocke, commander of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, who has been commanding the unit here since August of last year.

To honor this momentous occasion, a special flag was specifically flown above the base to be lowered by U.S. Soldiers.

"The flag we had raised today was once flown over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier," said Lt. Col. Rocke. "It was given to us by our regimental sergeant major at our deployment ceremony to be flown over our FOB."

After a speech from Lt. Col. Rocke, and a few swift strokes of a pen, this flag was lowered for the last time and replaced by an Iraqi flag, signifying completion of the transfer of authority. Immediately after this event, the Stryker vehicles remaining on the base were loaded up with the last American Soldiers here, and departed to travel to Contingency Operating Base Speicher.

The Patriots of 2/3 Inf. have accomplished a great deal during their short stay at FOB Normandy. Their great success is evident in the strong partnerships they've developed with local government leaders and training they have conducted with Iraqi security forces in the area. They also assisted with the revitalization of the once devastated Aruba Suq, the central market, in Muqdadiyah.

"We feel a lot of pride and comfort in knowing we have left a legacy behind us," said Lt. Col. Rocke. "There are 62 American Soldiers based out of here who gave their lives for the sovereignty of Iraq. This is a chapter on the war on terror in Iraq that is coming to an end. We are able to close a FOB, reduce the size of American forces, and we are able to show the world that Iraq can act independently."

As these Patriots head back home to reunite with their loved ones, they leave behind only their legacy. The base has been cleaned up and maintained to be in prime condition for the ISF as they begin to lead the way in Iraq as U.S. Forces slip behind them as advisors.

• Date Taken: 05.25.2010
• Date Posted: 05.26.2010 13:31
• Story ID: 50314
• Location: DIYALA, IQ