Apache unit takes over for final stretch in Iraq

Courtesy Photo | South Carolina Army National Guard Lt. Col. Ray Davis, Command Sgt. Maj. Lonnie Griffin, and Pfc. Corey Branham, from Columbia, S.C., of 1-151st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, unroll their battalion colors during the transfer of authority ceremony, Sept. 29 at the QRC 1-R2 Gray Eagle hangar at Camp Taji, Iraq. The 1-151st ARB is replacing the 8-229th ARB at on Camp Taji. (Photo by: Staff Sgt. Tracci Dorgan)  

CAMP TAJI, IRAQ

09.29.2011

Courtesy Story

40th Combat Aviation Brigade

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment, Task Force Marauder, of the South Carolina National Guard, took over operations from the 8th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment in Iraq on Sept. 29 after more than 18 months of preparation.

In front of assembled guests, the 8-229 ARB officially wrapped up its deployment and made room for the 1-151st to move in.

More than 400 soldiers strong, 1-151st ARB is now conducting convoy security and reconnaissance missions in support of the drawdown of U.S. troops in Iraq.

After a three-week transition period, a transfer of authority ceremony was held at the Gray Eagle Unmanned Aerial System hangar on Camp Taji. Outgoing commander, Lt. Col. James Posey, and Command Sgt. Maj. Sammy Sablan, of the 8-229 ARB cased their colors while incoming commander, Lt. Col. Ray Davis, and Command Sgt. Maj. Lonnie Griffin, from the 1-151st ARB, proudly uncased their battalion colors.

Members of the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade, the 1-151st ARB, the 8-229th ARB, and other guests attended the event to say goodbye to the outgoing command and welcome the new.

Master Sgt. Michael Uswa, operations non-commissioned officer in-charge of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-151st, said, “Finally, our time was starting for us do to our mission of providing security for convoys leaving theater, the local area, and the nearby contingency operation stations.”

“We may be one of the last units to take a command here in Iraq,” said 1st Sgt. Terrence Powell, of E Company, 1-151st. “I’m very proud to be a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard and this unit, which I have been in for 29 years. We are here making history. … Seeing the colors unveiled was a moment full of emotion I will never forget.”

Currently, Task Force Marauder is conducting split base operations with A Company, 1-151st at Contingency Operating Station Warrior in Kirkuk, while working with a five-team operation at Camp Taji, with A Company, 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 185th Aviation Regiment; the 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment; QRC 1-R2 Gray Eagle; and the 1st General Support Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment.

“It is going to broaden our scope of air operations,” said Maj. John McElveen, of the 1-151, on taking over operations in Iraq from the 8-229. “It is not what we are used to. We are going to have to get out of our comfort zone and learn other skills, but I know we have the right people to do it.”

After handing over the reins to his counterpart, Posey said his soldiers had gained valuable experience over the deployment and had successfully accomplished their mission. “We’re glad we finished strong and safe and we’re ready to back to our families and back to a normal life.”

• Date Taken: 09.29.2011
• Date Posted: 10.10.2011 09:15
• Story ID: 78272
• Location: CAMP TAJI, IQ