Photo By Master Sgt. Joseph Vine | Lt. Gen. Frank G. Helmick, United States Forces - Iraq deputy commanding general for...... read more read more
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BAGHDAD - The XVIII Airborne Corps, based out of Fort Bragg, N.C., took control of day-to-day operations from III Corps, based out of Fort Hood, Texas, as the core component of United States Forces – Iraq in a transfer of authority ceremony in the Al Faw Palace, Feb. 8.
As the Sky Dragons begin their deployment, Lt. Gen. Frank G. Helmick, USF-I deputy commanding general for operations, and commanding general for the XVIII Airborne Corps, said they are ready to join the USF-I team and accomplish the mission before them.
“During this next year, we will partner with the Iraqi Security Forces to ensure we continue to build the capacity, credibility and professional character of the Iraqi Security Forces,” Helmick said, “so that they remain the standard by which soldiers and police are measured throughout the region.
“The Iraqi Security Forces will continue to strengthen as they mature their planning, training, intelligence and logistical capabilities,” he said.
Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, USF-I commanding general, said that Helmick, Command Sgt. Maj. Earl L. Rice, the senior enlisted advisor to USF-I deputy command general for operations and XVIII Abn. Corps, and the Sky Dragon soldiers will have their work cut out for them as they put closure on a decade-long war and continue to advise, assist and train Iraqi forces for the coming months.
“Our time is limited, our work is demanding, and our troops are still very much engaged in the mission,” said Austin, “and as we continue to strengthen the Iraqi Security Forces, we must also closely partner with the embassy as we transform our mission over the next several months.
“The XVIII Airborne Corps is joining our team at an extremely important time in Iraq’s history,” he said. “What you do over the next several months will have an enormous impact on Iraq and the region for years to come.”
During the ceremony, Helmick also addressed Iraqi leaders and reassured them the United States’ commitment to the Iraqi people will continue and will not falter.
“This is a historic time in Iraq,” said Helmick. “I want to thank the Iraqi leaders for your continued commitment that security of the Iraqi people and our security remains a top priority, and for your dedication to support Iraq’s continued development as a sovereign, stable and reliable partner with the United States.
“I look forward to continuing the personal relationships with my Iraqi brothers that we have developed over the years,” he said. “My commitment to all of you is that we will do our very best to make a difference for this great country as we move through 2011.”
| Date Taken: | 02.08.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.08.2011 07:36 |
| Story ID: | 65000 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 369 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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