BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – The Jordanian Army’s 3rd (Princess Basma) Mechanized Infantry Battalion, “Task Force 222/J,” finished its six-month mission and handed off to the 1st (Prince Hussein) Mech. Inf. Bn., during a transfer-of-authority ceremony at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, June 25, 2014.
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mark Sherkey, commander of the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, “Task Force Top Guns,” 101st Airborne Division, who presided over the ceremony, praised the soldiers of TF 222J and its leadership of Col. Mohammad Al-khraisha and Jordanian Army Command Sgt. Maj. Mahmoud Al-masri and welcomed in Jordanian Army Col. Habbis Al-adwan, commander of TF 222/K.
“Task Force 222J and its soldiers have been an invaluable part of the security of Bagram Air Field,” Sherkey said. “Because of your access across the greater Bagram area, TF Top Guns has gained influence and a better understanding to a very complex and dynamic environment,” said Sherkey addressing Al-khraisah. “Make no mistake – you and your Task Force have made an instrumental difference and for that, we are grateful.”
During their TF 222/J’s time, they have helped with humanitarian missions such as making inroads into villages, mosques, and madrassas across the Bagram Security Zone in Regional Command-East that have not seen coalition forces in years. Their soldiers reached out to local mullahs, and through their interactions, helped counter Taliban teachings, they encouraged the populace to vote, and reduce tensions between local villages and coalition forces.
“No doubt that Task Force 222/J, during its operational tour here in Afghanistan, gained vast operational experiences in a real operational environment; also, we gained a wonderful friendship,” said Al-khraisha.
Al-khraisha said Jordan has had “strong ties” with the international community and specifically the United States. Their county’s commitment to Operational Enduring Freedom began after 9/11 and has continued on with many of their soldiers deploying to all regions and sectors of Afghanistan.
According to Al-khraisha, Jordan continues the Afghan mission because they believe that global peace and security can be achieved only through ultimate and combined efforts and through the strong ties between nations that believe in democracy, freedom, human rights, and equal opportunity. He said they have one objective in Afghanistan: to fight terrorists and to achieve peace and security for all Afghans.
| Date Taken: | 06.26.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 06.26.2014 03:02 |
| Story ID: | 134463 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 262 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Jordanian Army battalion transfers authority in Afghanistan, by MSG Kap Kim, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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