101st Airborne's Strike Brigade sends Dagger Brigade homeward bound

Photo By Staff Sgt. James Hunter | Col. J.B. Burton, commander of the 2nd "Dagger" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry...... read more read more

Photo By Staff Sgt. James Hunter | Col. J.B. Burton, commander of the 2nd "Dagger" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, speaks to Soldiers at a transfer of authority ceremony, Nov. 17, in the Camp Liberty Field House in western Baghdad. Burton's Dagger Brigade handed over responsibility for the security of northwestern Baghdad to the 2nd "Stryker" Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), who arrived in the Iraqi capital from their home station at Fort Campbell, Ky.  see less | View Image Page

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

11.19.2007

Story by Staff Sgt. James Hunter 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

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By Sgt. James P. Hunter
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Public Affairs

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – The 2nd "Dagger" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, out of Schweinfurt, Germany, handed over responsibility of northwest Baghdad to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), from Fort Campbell, Ky., during a transfer of authority ceremony, Nov. 17, at the Camp Liberty Field House.

"... It is with great humility, but with great confidence in the abilities of the Strike Brigade Combat Team, that I relinquish responsibility for coalition force efforts in northwest Baghdad," said Col. J.B. Burton, commander, 2nd BCT, 1st Inf. Div. "We have achieved the tasks that you put before us, but we leave knowing that there is still much to do."

The Dagger Brigade helped transition a hostile northwest Baghdad from a heavy, kinetic and costly fight to a secured population, rid of extremists, criminals and terrorists, he said. Throughout their 15-month deployment, they played a vital role moving Iraqis into the political process and the formal reconstruction of Baghdad and Iraq.

Burton said all Iraqis, regardless of sect or religion, received equal municipal services, education, opportunity and a total improved quality of life.

The Dagger Brigade capitalized "on the opportunities provided by the noble efforts and sacrifices of coalition forces, Iraqi security forces and brave Iraqi citizens who have delivered an opening for enduring victory and a future where Iraqis are not measured by religious sect or special group affiliation," Burton said. "Our combined efforts have set the conditions necessary for re-integration, reconciliation and reconstruction here."

Though the day was a great one for the Dagger Soldiers, who will be returning home to their families in Germany, Col. William B. Hickman, commander of the 2nd "Strike" BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT) said, "It is truly a great day to be a Strike Soldier and now a part of the First Team serving in Multi-National Division - Baghdad."

The brigade redeployed from south Baghdad in September 2006 and spent the last 12 months preparing themselves for this deployment where they look to, through combined efforts, set the conditions for a strong, prosperous Iraqi future.

"We know this mission comes at a pivotal time and that our actions will make a lasting impact," Hickman continued. "I know our Soldiers and units are ready for the upcoming challenges and opportunities to serve with the Iraqi security forces."

As the Strike Brigade assumes responsibility of operations in northwest Baghdad, they will have four combat-tested battalions, who have spent the last several months conducting operations throughout northwest Baghdad, fighting by their side.

Joining the 2nd BCT, 101st Abn. Div., will be the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment; 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment; 1st Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment; and the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment.

"Your efforts in this area, partnered with local Iraqi leaders and citizens, has made a tremendous impact and is receiving a great deal of attention throughout the world," Hickman said.

These battalions, alongside 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment; 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment; 526th Brigade Support Battalion; and 2-101 Brigade Special Troops Battalion are ready for the mission, Hickman said.

"Finally, to the Soldiers of the Strike Brigade Combat Team – the next chapter in our distinguished history will be written in the next 15 months," Hickman said. "That history will start with the commitment to serve honorably with the Iraqi security forces for the Iraqi people. Maintain high standards and discipline, and never stop learning. These things will make us successful. In time, we will look back and see the results of our partnered efforts."