145th Mobile Pubilc Affairs Detachment

Story by Staff Sgt. Melanie Trollinger

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq—Capt. Cory Hoeksema assumed command of the 511th Sapper Company¬, 65th Engineer Battalion in a change of command ceremony at FOB Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, Oct. 20.

Passing the unit guidon to Hoeksema was outgoing commander, Capt. Brad A. Morgan, who served as the 511th Sappers commander since May 9, 2008.

Thanking his first sergeant and his troops for being good people with great talent and great attitudes, Morgan commended them on the outstanding job they have done during this deployment.

The 511th Reapers deployed to Iraq in January to support the 65th Eng. Bn. and Task Force Trailblazer. The company has played a critical role in providing safe passage on roadways for Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Forces, and civilians in Kirkuk province, conducting more than 600 route clearance missions and clearing more than 30 improvised explosive devices. The company has also helped train the Iraqi Army's 12th Field Engineer Regiment in route clearance and engineering operations.

Bidding his Soldiers an emotional farewell, Morgan told them, "This is Reaper Six, out."

Hoeksema is on his third deployment to Iraq. He said he is proud to be a part of the unit, and that assuming command of a company, especially one as distinguished as the 511th Sappers, is the one thing that captains look forward to when they pin on their bars.

"The 511th has set the standard for the 65th Engineer Battalion and the 130th Engineer Brigade," Hoeksema said.

The 511th Sapper Co. has a distinguished history since its activation as the 423rd Eng. Co. in 1942. From action in World War II to Vietnam, the unit continues to serve proudly in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The unit will return to Ft. Campbell, Ky., when it redeploys from Iraq.

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