Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq Public Affairs

Courtesy Story

By the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq Public Affairs Office

BAYJI, Iraq -- The Iraqi army took full control of the Bayji national ammunition depot from coalition forces during a turnover ceremony, Sept. 29, 2008.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Steven Salazar, Coalition Army Advisory Training Team commanding general, turned over the golden key to Iraqi Brig. Gen. Mohammed Ali Madlom, Commander, Iraqi army ammunition command, to mark the event.

"This is a historical day – the day we receive full responsibility," said Gen. Madlom. "It's an honor for me, and we thank our coalition friends for the supplies and equipment needed for the [Iraqi] army to perform their duties."

The depot is the centerpiece of the national strategic ammunition supply to the Iraqi army. It is the largest remaining depot with more than 1,400 storage locations housing more than 250 million rounds of ammunition that will increase combat capability.

"This small ceremony is a huge step toward the future of the Iraqi army," said Gen. Salazar. "We are proud to watch you take responsibility."

Passing full operational control to the Iraqi army also raises morale for the soldiers.

"The progress increases Iraqi soldier confidence," said Brig. Gen. Sahel, the Bayji Ammunition Depot commander. "They work with higher spirits knowing they can manage it themselves."

The Multi-National Security Transition Command has partnered with the ministry of defense to convert two warehouses into billeting for 656 personnel, fully fund the equipment required to conduct the ammunition mission and maintain security of the complex, explained Commander Pete Bachand, Chief Munitions Management Officer for the Directorate of Defense Affairs Logistics and the action officer for the BNAD project.

The MoD plans to conduct further infrastructure improvements, building a new billeting and dining facility.

Additionally, a continued partnership between CAATT Logistics Management Assistance Team, a Logistics Technical Assistance Team and an element from the 55th Sustainment Brigade will provide Coalition support and training in ammunition operations, maintenance, security and life support.

"This was a true team effort made possible by daily interaction with our Iraqi counterparts within the Joint Headquarters, as well as with the MNSTC-I JHQ-AT, CAA-TT and numerous MNSTC-I J codes," said Commander Bachand.

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