Sister brigades switch out

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Andrew Porch | Col. Omar Jones IV, left, commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Lethonen, senior enlisted leader, both of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, uncase the brigade colors during a transfer of authority ceremony between the “Warhorse” Brigade and 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Nov. 4, 2013. “We are ready to partner closely with our Kuwaiti brothers as we build on the close bonds formed by the “Raider” team and their predecessors,” said Jones. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch, 2nd ABCT PAO, 4th Infantry Division)  

CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT

11.04.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – The “Warhorse” Brigade officially replaced their sister brigade, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a transfer of authority ceremony on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Nov. 4.

During the ceremony 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, took over the the mission of joint partnership and promoting security and stabilization in the region.

“We are ready to execute theater security cooperation exercises across the region, as we strengthen our relationship and improve our readiness and that of our peers,” said Col. Omar Jones IV, commander, 2nd ABCT, 4th Infantry Division, addressing the soldiers during the ceremony.

For a year prior to the deployment, 2nd ABCT soldiers conducted extensive training, and leadership said they have no doubts on their ability to assume the mission.

“We trained at home, at Pinon Canyon and at the National Training Center, to be experts at our craft; war fighting,” said Jones. “No brigade in the Army is better trained than you are today.”

As the mission for soldiers of 1st ABCT, 4th Infantry Division, is coming to an end, the mission for Warhorse soldiers is just starting.

“I am very proud that it is [2nd Brigade] here, taking over the mission,” said Col. Joel K. Tyler, commander, 1st ABCT, 4th Infantry Division. “You know that I understand what it takes to get here; all the hard work at every echelon, and I know you have made the brigade ready for any challenge. You will take this mission to greater levels of achievement, and you will have opportunities we only dreamed of.”

Throughout the deployment, soldiers will participate in a wide variety of missions across the U.S. Army Central area of operations.

“You will join a great team of land force professionals; experts in the Middle East and Central Asia,” said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, commanding general, USARCENT and Coalition Forces Land Component Command. “This is one of the most volatile and strategically important regions in the world; and I am sure, and I am confident, that you and your soldiers are up for the task ahead of you.”

Through the months ahead, the Warhorse Brigade will start from where their sister brigade left off, by adding to the partnership with the Kuwaitis.

“We are ready to partner closely with our Kuwaiti brothers as we build on the close bonds formed by the Raider team and their predecessors,” said Jones.

Jones ended the ceremony with words of encouragement for all soldiers of the brigade.

“Remain ready, and be the best professional partner you can be to our friends in Kuwait and across the region. Disciplined units and engaged leaders will be successful in any mission, and will always take care of their soldiers. It is my honor to be a part of your team.”

• Date Taken: 11.04.2013
• Date Posted: 11.06.2013 05:44
• Story ID: 116359
• Location: CAMP BUEHRING, KW