Photo By Lt.j.g. Andrew Carleen | The 3rd Ordnance Battalion out of Fort Lewis McCord took over Combined Joint Task...... read more read more
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The 3rd Ordnance Battalion takes over for the 192nd Ordnance Battalion which has just completed a year-long deployment as a part of Combined Joint Task Force Paladin.
Dozens were in attendance from CJTF Paladin, sister units, and coalition partners at the transfer of authority ceremony as the 3rd took the lead in counterimprovised explosive device operations in RC South.
“Over the past year the members of Paladin South have strived for excellence,” said the commander of the 192nd, Lt. Col. Charles G. Phillips. “[Over the past year] Paladin South safely removed over 21,000 IEDs and increased the number of validated ANSF EOD teams.”
“You did a great job, and I thank you for that,” said Navy Capt. Timothy P. Rudderow, commodore of Navy EOD Group II and commander of CJTF Paladin addressing the 192nd. “I’m overly impressed with your integration of operations and intelligence to accomplish the counter-IED mission.”
In addition to operating EOD teams, Paladin South is responsible for all aspects of the counter-IED fight in the RC. Validation of Afghan EOD teams, training of both coalition and ANSF forces, post-blast analysis to collect forensic evidence to be used in support to prosecution packages against IED perpetrators in Afghan courts, all fall under Paladin’s purview.
“Most people will never know your commitment,” said the commander of the 3rd Ordnance Battalion, Lt. Col. Frank G. Davis. But thanks to you, across America and Afghanistan, fathers will be able to be with their children, husbands and wives will be together, people will be able to go home to their loved ones.
“Duty, honor, country, these are the words that echo across 3rd EOD,” said Davis.
As the 3rd Ordnance Battalion begin what will be a year-long deployment leading the counter-IED fight in one of the busiest regions for IED activity in Afghanistan, they look forward to continuing the Paladin mission safely and successfully.
The 3rd Ordnance Battalion is based out of Fort Lewis McCord, Wash.
| Date Taken: | 08.22.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 08.23.2012 00:47 |
| Story ID: | 93662 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 423 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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