Subscribe
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — A transfer of authority ceremony was held here Aug. 31, 2009, with Task Force Warrior Soldiers, 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, based in Fort Polk, La., relinquishing its command to Task Force Cyclone Soldiers with the 38th Infantry Division based in Indianapolis.
Many attended the ceremony, including governors from Bamyan, Kapisa, Panjshir and Parwan provinces, to witness Task Force Warrior commander, Col. Scott Spellmon, transition the command element over to Task Force Cyclone commander Brig. Gen. Lonnie Culver.
Task Force Warrior had been in place for about 15 months. During their time of deployment they had commanded over 3,900 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and support agencies from six battalion level commands and coalition partners from France, New Zealand and Singapore, three provincial reconstruction teams and five separate companies all within Bamyan, Kapisa, Panjshir and Parwan provinces.
"You have demonstrated great expertise, valor and sacrifice throughout this challenging 15 month tour. With your partnership with the people of Afghanistan, you have taken the fight to our common enemy and have improved the life of thousands of Afghan citizens," said Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, 82nd Airborne Division commander. He went on to welcome Task Force Cyclone, "You have trained hard, you've studied this country and region and you've come prepared to make a difference."
Spellmon spoke in remembrance of the service members who died during the deployment, of the cooperation and teamwork of the governors, civilians and coalition forces, and thanked all who helped their mission become a success.
Spellmon also spoke of the fresh outlook that Task Force Cyclone members will bring to the fight against anti-Afghan forces. "Task Force Cyclone will bring new energy, new ideas and new talent to the challenges of this region."
"Today is a historic day for us as we uncased our 38th Infantry Division colors in a combat zone for the first time since World War II," said Culver.
Culver went on to thank Task Force Warrior members for their support throughout Task Force Cyclone's training and transition, "We did not travel this journey alone, Scott, and Task Force Warrior supported us at every turn."
The mission of Task Force Cyclone will be to assist the Afghan government with security, construction, economic and agricultural support in Bamyan, Kapisa, Panjshir and Parwan provinces and other outlying bases, as well as facilitate the reception, training, housing, and sustainment of U.S. troops entering the country.
| Date Taken: | 08.31.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 09.03.2009 16:06 |
| Story ID: | 38338 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 209 |
| Downloads: | 193 |
This work, Transfer of authority from Warrior to Cyclone, by SSG William Henry, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT