Iron Eagles assume authority of aviation support for MND-B

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Brent Hunt | Col. Timothy Edens and Command Sgt. Maj. Lee Kennedy, command team for the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, roll-up the brigade colors at a transfer of authority ceremony held at Camp Taji, July 15. The 12th CAB transferred authority for aviation support for the Multi-National Division - Baghdad area of operations to the CAB, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B.  

TAJI, IRAQ

07.15.2008

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Hunt 

1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade

By Sgt. 1st Class Brent Hunt
Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, officially assumed responsibility of aviation support operations from the 12th CAB at a transfer of authority ceremony held on Camp Taji, July 15.

The Fort Hood, Texas, based brigade rejoins its parent headquarters, the Ivy Division, with its fleet of Black Hawk, Chinook, Apache and Air Ambulance helicopters.

The 12th CAB, also known as Task Force XVII, has supported MND-B for the last seven months. The Germany based brigade will complete the last three months of their 15-month tour supporting Multi-National Corps – Iraq.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Task Force XVII over the last seven months," said Col. Timothy Edens, commander of the brigade. "Everyone has come together magnificently in support of MND-B. To Col. Pat Tierney and Command Sgt. Maj. [Archie] Davis it is apparent you lead from the front. It is obvious you will add to your already storied career."

This Operation Iraqi Freedom tour marks the third time the CAB has deployed to Iraq since the war began in 2003. The aviators have been in the mix of the fight in 2003, 2006 and now in 2008.

In addition, this tour marks the second time the brigade has deployed under the modular, digital configuration.

Under the configuration, the brigade brings two Apache attack helicopter battalions, a Black Hawk helicopter battalion, a general support aviation battalion and an aviation support battalion, to the fight and is capable of a wide array of combat and logistical operations.

With more than 2,700 Soldiers deployed to the region, the CAB has completed the relief in place with the 12th CAB and is set to continue full-spectrum combat aviation operations.

"To all the Soldiers of Task Force XVII, thanks for supporting MND-B and the 4th ID while we were preparing for this rotation back at [Fort] Hood," said Tierney, commander of the CAB. "The transition we have enjoyed with you was the most professional display of teamwork I have ever seen. On behalf of every Soldier in the 4th CAB, we are honored to rejoin the 4th ID and MND-B team. Steadfast and Loyal."

• Date Taken: 07.15.2008
• Date Posted: 07.17.2008 09:48
• Story ID: 21570
• Location: TAJI, IQ