Courtesy Photo | The 4th Infantry Division Commanding General Maj. Gen J.D. Thurman, Col. Michael F....... read more read more
Pfc. Jason Dangel
4BCT, 4ID PAO
The Iraqi Army's 5th Brigade, 6th Division assumed control of Forward Operating Base Honor from the 4th Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team in an official transfer of authority ceremony Jan. 31.
The ceremony marked the increasing role Iraqi Security Forces are undertaking in operations as they continue to maintain more battle space.
"This brigade is responsible to protect Iraq's new government here in the International Zone," said the 5th Bde. Commander Col. Mohammed Wasif.
"The brigade consists of three battalions, he said. "We will work day and night to achieve our mission for the new government of Iraq."
FOB Honor is located in the palace district in central Baghdad and housed the former Ba"athist regime prior to the war.
Prior to coalition arrival, U.S. air strikes destroyed five of the twenty buildings of the former regime headquarters.
Today fifteen buildings still stand as Iraqi forces transition with the 4th BCT Cobras and make FOB Honor their new home.
Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment were the first to move into FOB Honor in October 2003 followed by the 3rd Infantry Division's 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry in Jan. 2004.
The 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div arrived in Baghdad in December 2005 and has relinquished responsibility of the FOB to the Iraqi 5th Bde.
"The turnover of FOB Honor demonstrates the increased capability of Col. Mohammed's brigade to assume greater responsibility and security of Baghdad," said Col. Michael F. Beech, 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div. Commander.
"The 5th Brigade has earned a reputation of being a tough well led and well trained unit," he said.
The 5th Bde., 6th Div.'s 3rd Battalion will occupy the area in South FOB Honor and 1st and 2nd Battalions will occupy the area in north FOB Honor.
"Today is another great step forward for the future of Iraq," said the Iraqi Army's 6th Division Commanding General Gen. Muber Al Dulaimi.
"Today we lay down a new brick in the building of our Army, he said. We are committed to the citizens of this country and this army, and will defend our homes from the threats of the terrorists as we bring freedom back to this country."
The FOB Honor transition marks the continued improvement in the Iraqi Security Forces" capability over the past year as they continue to assume more battle space throughout the country.
"With the seeding of the new government and the increased capability of Iraqi Security Forces, I'm very optimistic. I think 2006 is going to be a great year for Iraq," Beech said.
| Date Taken: | 03.15.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 03.15.2006 13:36 |
| Story ID: | 5734 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 143 |
| Downloads: | 14 |
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