173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Jacob Caldwell

By Sgt. 1st Class Jacob Caldwell
173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan– The last remaining Soldiers of Task Force Eagle conducted a transfer-of-authority ceremony with the Soldiers of the incoming TF White Currahee, July 17, at Forward Operating Base Orgun-E.

TF Eagle was comprised of five companies from the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne) and Alpha Troop from 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne).

Lt. Col. Michael Fenzel commanded the task force during their 15-month deployment to Paktika province, where they worked closely with the provincial government and the Afghan national security forces.

"Both the American and Afghan Soldiers fought bravely against the insurgents, side by side," said Fenzel.

The cost to both TF Eagle and Afghan forces was high.

"Sixty-one Afghan soldiers, police and security guards, and 14 American Soldiers were killed in action," said Fenzel. "Above all, it's the sacrifices of our brothers that have strengthened our resolve over these many months and throughout the operation. Success in our continued mission will be your legacy."

Lt. Col. John Allred, commander of 2nd Battalion (Air Assault), 506th Infantry Regiment and TF White Currahee was thankful for the efforts made by TF Eagle for a smooth transition of authority, he said.

"The 1-503rd has given us everything they could in terms of preparing us for this fight," said Allred during the ceremony. "In our future endeavours, we will attempt to emulate the 1-503rd in terms of their good works, their bravery, and their partnership with the people, the government and the security forces of Afghanistan."

Prior to the transfer-of-authority ceremony, the 2-506th was based at Kandahar Air Field for nearly four months as the International Security Assistance Force theater tactical force.

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