173rd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) assumes responsibility in Eastern Afghanistan

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Aird | Army Capt. David Rowland, commander Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, leads his Paratroopers during the transition of authority in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, June 6. The 173rd ABCT took authority of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division's area of operation in Eastern Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brandon Aird)  

JALALABAD AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN

06.06.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

JALALABAD AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The 173rd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), "The Herd", took authority of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division's area of operation in Eastern Afghanistan during a transition of authority ceremony here June 6.

During the TOA ceremony, the 3rd BCT commander described the last 16 months.

"It's been a lot of hard work," said Army Col. John Nicholson, commander of Task Force Spartan, "We have sacrificed much, but it has been a great honor to fight beside you. I'm sad to leave, but we are leaving you in good hands."

During their deployment, 3rd BCT, TF Spartan, conducted more than 100 medical engagements, 540 humanitarian-aid missions and brought medical aid to more than 44,000 Afghans.
The 173rd BCT is no stranger to combat operations, the 173rd BCT has deployed three times since 2003. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, "The Herd" made the largest combat jump on a single drop zone since World War II into Bashur, Iraq, in 2003. In the spring of 2005, the 173rd BCT was once again called upon in support of Operation Enduring Freedom VI.

After making the transition from an airborne brigade to an airborne brigade combat team, the 173rd BCT, TF Bayonet, was once again called upon to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

TF Spartan leaves their area of operation after 16 months of successful combat operations in the hands of the 173rd BCT.

"Task Force Bayonet pledges to continue to build upon your legacy of teamwork," said Army Col. Mark Johnstone, deputy commander of TF Bayonet.

The 173rd ABCT looks forward to working with the Afghan people, concluded Johnstone.

• Date Taken: 06.06.2007
• Date Posted: 06.11.2007 12:46
• Story ID: 10768
• Location: JALALABAD AIRFIELD, AF