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TIKRIT, Iraq (August 30, 2006) -- A Relief in Place ceremony was conducted today to transfer responsibility for air operations in Northern Iraq from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) to the 25th Infantry Division.

The 25th Combat Aviation Brigade from Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, relieved the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade which has served at Contingency Operating Base Speicher since August 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The 25th Aviation Brigade is no stranger to deployment, having supported the Global War on Terrorism in Bosnia in support of Operation Joint Forge in 2002, in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2004 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004. Elements of the Brigade were also deployed to support humanitarian efforts for earthquake victims in Pakistan in 2005.

As part of the US Army's transformation, the brigade was renamed the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade after reconfiguration and acquisition of two new battalions in 2005. The 25th CAB's mission is to provide air support to the 25th Infantry Division units, which have the larger mission of working by, through and with the Iraqi security forces in the interest of a safer and more secure Iraq.

"What I will view as success is our ability to help the Iraqi people in any way possible to stand up their abilities to defend themselves, secure the borders and create conditions for economic prosperity," said 25th CAB Commander Col. A.T. Ball. "One of my main goals during this rotation is I want the other brigade combat team commanders to feel the aviation support is responsive and flexible to meet their daily changing needs."

The ceremony also marks the completion of the 101st CAB's second deployment in three years. The 101st CAB supported the Global War on Terrorism in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from August 2003 to August 2004.

During the past year, the 101st CAB has accumulated more than 110,000 flight hours, by conducting recon missions and air assault missions supporting both Iraqi and U.S. forces.

"Not only am I proud of my Soldiers, but I would like to acknowledge the growth in professionalism, discipline and confidence in the Iraqi Army. They have made considerable progress in the last year," said 101st CAB Commander, Col. Warren Phipps.

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