Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

Story by Spc. William Henry

A transfer of authority and activation ceremony was held at Forward Operating Base Morales-Frazier in Kapisa province, Afghanistan, Nov. 2.

Task Force Korrigan, commanded by Col. Francis Chanson, relinquished its command to Task Force La Fayette, commanded by Brig. Gen. Marcel Druart, who will take full control of Kapisa province during its duration in the battle-space.

Many distinguished guests spoke at the ceremony to include Brig. Gen. Lonnie Culver, Task Force Cyclone commander, relinquishing commander of the task force's area of operations in Kapisa province; Brig. Gen. Kurt Fuller, Regional Command - East deputy commander; and Maj. Gen. Jacques LeChevallier, French division commander.

Also in attendance to witness the handover of Kapisa province to Task Force La Fayette was Kapisa governor Ghulam Abu-Baker, Jean de Ponton d'Amecourt, French ambassador to Afghanistan, and ranking area Afghan national army and police officials.

Culver spoke of the great command given by Col. Francis Chanson during his duration as commander of Task Force Korrigan and the great job the task force had done during their term in country by increasing Kapisa's development projects.

"As a Battalion, you have done great things here and you should all be proud of these accomplishments," said Culver.

Culver also acknowledged the sacrifices of Korrigan's six fallen service members and vowed their remembrance during his speech.

"They made the ultimate sacrifice while doing what they knew was right in a cause they knew was just. They were volunteers, in a cause greater than oneself, and they will not be forgotten" said Culver.

Fuller talked about the bond Americans and frenchmen share and the history of their coalition.

"The special affinity that the United States and France share is no secret. America is the land of liberty, because France took a chance on a fledging nation and became the crucial ally needed to help free a people from tyranny," said Fuller. "Through the courage of French heroes like General La Fayette and Admiral De Grasse, our nation was born."

LeChevallier spoke of the history of Gen. La Fayette over 300 years ago, of the recent fallen French heroes and a broader future ahead after the many years of war the people have endured in Afghanistan.

"Because the insurgents want to spread chaos and darkness in Afghanistan, you, together with your Afghan comrades will have to restore confidence and allow the people of Afghanistan to live in a safe environment after thirty years of war, and set the condition for the Afghans to stand in the lights," said LeChevallier.

The mission of Task Force La Fayette will be continuing to aid in the security of Kapisa province by working with the Afghan national army and police forces to contribute to peace in the region against insurgency. The task force will continue to participate in the improvement of living conditions and conducting local support and development projects for the citizens of Kapisa province.

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