Photo By Sgt. Edwin Gray | On March 17, the 189th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion relieved the 240th CSSB of...... read more read more
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AL ASAD, Iraq — With duffel bags filled with gear, deployment orders, an issued weapon, body armor and a question in their mind of where the next year of their lives will take them, many soldiers answered the call of deployment by stepping off a C-130 aircraft as others stepped on. So often that has been the basis of coming and going with deployments in Iraq. As one unit leaves another steos in to relieve them of their duties.
A transfer of authority ceremony is held to acknowledge the unit going home while highlighting the capabilities of those replacing them that are eager to take on the mission.
On March 17, the 189th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion relieved the 240th CSSB of their mission at Al Asad Air Base at the TOA ceremony held in the Morale and Welfare Recreation Center, Al Asad, Iraq.
The 240th CSSB’s flag was slowly rolled up and tucked inside its case, while the 189th CSSB unfurled their colors to represent the change in unit ownership of the mission from the 240th CSSB to the 189th CSSB.
The 189th CSSB anticipates being assigned with the duties that assist in reposturing U.S. Forces in order to meet the timeline slated through December 2011.
“We are proud of being a part of Operation New Dawn. We are officially doing all the missions that the previous company was taking care of, and I feel like the mission is very important,” said Capt. Amanda Milner the Headquarters and Headquarters Company commander, 189th CSSB, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Hartford, Ind., native.
“We are bringing folks here to close down operations in Iraq and we are also sending folks home for what is hopefully their last time here.”
The 240th CSSB, before heading home, are working to assist the 189th CSSB in their preparations to take over the mission.
“This has been my first deployment, and I’ve never done this before but from what I’ve heard from others deployed and other units, I could not have got a better assignment,” said Spc. Joshua Schmale, the chaplain’s assistant with the 240th CSSB and an Albany, Ore., native.
“I would tell anyone receiving my position to take it easy and pace yourself because it can be a long deployment.”
After being deployed for nearly a year, many of the 240th CSSB soldiers say their deployment was a success, and they are proud of their accomplishments but they are ready for a well deserved break.
“I feel we were very successful with accomplishing our mission all the way through to transferring it to the next unit.” said Capt. Grant Brayley, commander of HHC, 240th CSSB, and a Toronto, Ohio native.
| Date Taken: | 03.11.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.27.2011 09:20 |
| Story ID: | 67802 |
| Location: | AL ASAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 189 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Transfer of Authority in Al Asad for two CSSB’s, by SGT Edwin Gray, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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