Bailey assumes command of Company E, 2-69 Armor Regt.

Photo By Staff Sgt. James Hutto | Lt. Col. Troy Perry, from Belfast, Maine, the commander of the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, speaks to the Soldiers of Company E, 2-69 Armor Regt., at the Company's change of command ceremony at Forward Operating Base Rustimiyah Feb. 17. "You are all making a significant impact in our area of operation," he said. During the ceremony, Capt. Richard Bratton, III, from Houston, Mo. relinquished command of Company E to Capt. Stewart Bailey, from Yelm, Wash.  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IRAQ

02.20.2008

Story by Spc. James Hutto 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

By Spc. Ben Hutto
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Capt. Stewart Bailey, from Yelm, Wash., assumed command of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, from Capt. Richard Bratton, III, from Houston, Mo., in a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Rustimiyah, Iraq, Feb. 17.

In October 2006, Bratton assumed command of Company E, leading his Soldiers through a National Training Center rotation at Fort Irwin, Calif., and their current deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom V.

"Under his leadership, Echo Company has performed over 300 route clearance and sanitation missions," said Lt. Col. Troy Perry, from Belfast, Maine, commander of 2-69 Armor Regt. "He has done an outstanding job and truly leads from the front. We all wish you well at your new job. You've left a lasting impression on this company. You will be missed by the battalion immensely."

Bratton will be assuming a position as the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team's engineer planner.
During his farewell speech, Bratton reflected on the accomplishments of his former company and thanked them for their service.

"It has been an honor to serve with such fine Soldiers, officers and leaders," he said. "My time in Outlaw Company has been exciting, interesting and something I'll never forget. When I look back over our last year, I'm astounded by how much the Soldiers of Outlaw Company have accomplished."

Before taking over Company E, Bailey served as chief of operations for the 3rd HBCT.

Bailey previously served in 2-69 Armor Regt. as the battalion's assistant plans officer.

"I'm totally confident that he will continue to lead this company on to great success," said Perry of the new commander.

The 2-69 Armor Regt. is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and is attached to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.

• Date Taken: 02.20.2008
• Date Posted: 02.22.2008 19:07
• Story ID: 16620
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IQ