‘Saber’ Squadron assumes authority in Wasit Province

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Maj. Richard Burnette (left), command sergeant major of 6th "Saber" Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – South, and an Anderson, S.C., native; Maj. Gen. Eddy Spurgin (center), commanding general of the 36th Infantry Division and United States Division – South; and Lt. Col. Cameron Cantlon (right), commander of 6th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., and a Ettrick, Wis., native, view the ceremonial cake after a transfer of authority ceremony on June 15, 2011, at Contingency Operating Base Delta. After serving four months in Baghdad, Saber Squadron was ordered to move south to assume command of COB Delta and the Wasit province from 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. (Photo by Sgt. David A. Bryant, 36th Inf. Div., U.S. Div.-South Public Affairs Office)  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE DELTA, IRAQ

06.15.2011

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – On June 15, 2nd ‘Sabre’ Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, United States Division - South transferred authority of their operating environment in Wasit province, Iraq to 6th ‘Saber’ Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Division – South in a ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Delta.

The transfer of authority of Wasit province from ‘Sabre’ Squadron to ‘Saber’ Squadron is just one of the many steps of the United States Forces – Iraq’s overall plan for the re-posturing of forces by the end of this year.

2nd ‘Sabre’ Sqdn., 3rd ACR has spent the past nine months in Wasit province conducting stability operations with the Iraqi Police and Army.

“Across the board, we have forged strong relationships with the Iraqi Security Forces and empowered action against insurgents across multiple agencies and ministries. We have trained together, fought together, and had fun together,” said Lt. Col. Bryan Mullins, commander of 2nd Sqdn., 3rd ACR, during his speech at the transfer of authority ceremony.

He also stated that he was proud of the progress made by the local government, but stated his concern over rising security issues in the area.

For 6th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., this is its second mission while deployed in support of Operation New Dawn. For the past four months, Saber Squadron operated out of Camp Liberty, to advise and assist the 4th Federal Police Division in the area surrounding Baghdad.

However, 6th ‘Saber’ Sqdn., received orders to move to COB Delta and replace 2nd ‘Sabre’ Sqdn., a few weeks ago.

“You have done an excellent job in your mission, and we are honored to be taking the torch from you as we continue this important mission,” said Lt. Col. Cameron Cantlon, commander of 6th ‘Saber’ Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., and a Ettrick, Wis., native, to the 3rd ACR Soldiers during his speech at the ceremony.

As they did in Baghdad with their ISF and 4th FP partners, ‘Saber’ Squadron will once again advise, train, and assist the ISF units in Wasit province.

"We look forward to working with the Iraqi Security Forces in Wasit Province in the coming months. It is our mission to provide all the necessary training and assistance that they need in order to provide the necessary security and safety that the Iraqi people deserve,” said Cantlon.

• Date Taken: 06.15.2011
• Date Posted: 06.20.2011 10:47
• Story ID: 72422
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE DELTA, IQ