MND-B transfers control of FOB Duke to ISF

Photo By Michael Molinaro | FOB KALSU, Iraq – Assad Sultan, governor of Najaf (left); Maj. Gen. Hussein Al Ghazali, commander, 5th Department of Border Enforcement; and Col. John Tully, commander, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, answer questions from reporters Oct. 1 at Forward Operating Base Duke in the Najaf province. An Iraqis in the Lead ceremony was held before the press conference to officially hand over responsibility of FOB Duke from multi-National Division -- Baghdad to the Iraqi Security Forces. It signals the end of a permanent MND-B presence in the province. MND-B Soldiers will continue to train and support ISF in Najaf and provide assistance when requested by the Iraqi government.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

10.02.2006

Story by Maj. Anna Friederich 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

by Maj. Anna Friederich
2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

FOB KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi officials and Multi-National Division – Baghdad leaders transferred responsibility of Forward Operating Base Duke to Iraqi Security Forces during a press conference at the FOB Duke Sunday.

Col. John Tully, commander, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, officially signed documents to sign the FOB to the Ministry of Interior, which was represented by Maj. Gen. Hussein Aooyiz Al Ghazali, commander, 5th Department of Border Enforcement, and Asaad Sultan Abu Gelal, the Najaf governor.

The transfer of the FOB follows an Iraqi in the Lead ceremony during the past week in which Iraqi Security Forces assumed operational control for the northern Babil province and security of the cities of Al Iskandariyah, Haswah and Al Khudi from 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT.

The FOB and operational area transitions are part of a plan to eventually turn over all southern provinces to the Iraqi government and military control as the ISF continues to grow into a viable force, said Maj. Jeff Avolio, ISF liaison officer, 2nd BCT.

"The turn over of these FOBs and operational areas is a key indicator of ISF success," he added.

Before the press conference began, Tully and Hussein signed a property release, which signifies the beginning of 5th DBE's ownership and assuming responsibility for the security of the FOB as well as the border security of areas that extend from the Iraq-Saudi Arabian border, to the southern portion of the An-Anbar province, and through the Najaf and Al Muthanna provinces, ending at the Iraq and Kuwait border.

The FOB transfers mark significant steps towards normalcy and the transition to full Iraqi control, especially with the large area the 5th DBE is responsible for, said Tully.

"This is a significant step in the ISF stepping to the lead in the Najaf province," he said. "The turnover of FOB Duke to the border patrol shows the ISF is strong and able to handle the security of Najaf. The Najaf province continues to be an example for the rest of Iraq because of its leadership, like Governor Assad and Gen Hussein."

Coalition Forces will not have a permanent presence in the province, but will continue to help train and equip the ISF on a weekly basis so it can continue growing stronger, Tully concluded.

Assad echoed Tully's confidence in the ability of the ISF to provide security in the province, saying the ceremony is a historical day and it stands as proof that Coalition Forces are confident in the ISF's ability to secure the province on its own.

Assad asked the sons of Najaf to stand with ISF and provide a new life, free from the oppression of the old regime, and to support the prime minister.

"We are the Najaf people. We support them, and we stand with them against the terrorists," he concluded.

• Date Taken: 10.02.2006
• Date Posted: 10.02.2006 15:27
• Story ID: 7896
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ