Combat Aviation Brigade protects 240,000 square miles of Iraqi airspace

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Brent Hunt | Lt. Col. Brian Bennett and Command Sgt. Maj. Lloyd Morant, command team, 1st Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, unfurl the battalion colors during a Transfer of Authority Ceremony held at Camp Stryker, Iraq, Jan. 20. The battalion took authority for attack aviation operations from 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.  

TAJI, IRAQ

01.22.2009

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 1st Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, officially took responsibility of the 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Multi-National Division – Central, area of operations for attack helicopter support at a Transfer of Authority ceremony held at Camp Stryker, Iraq, Jan. 20.

Now that the "Dragons" of 1st Bn. have assumed authority for parts of MND-C, the CAB has now expanded its aviation support for more than 240,000 square miles of Iraqi airspace and two divisions on the ground.

The Apache helicopter battalion will now support the 10th Mountain Div. as it conducts operations south of the Iraqi capital with its Iraqi security force partners.

"Let me be the first to welcome 1-4 to the 10th Mountain [Div.] Family," said Col. Paul Barbee, commander of Task Force 449. "I look forward to continuing to win the peace here. Our work is far from over, and we will continue to support the Iraqi government and protect the Iraqi people. Dragons, you must live up to your motto and keep up your vigilance."

The Fort Hood, Texas, based 4th Squadron, are scheduled to redeploy back to Central Texas after completing a 15-month tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The "Dragons," also from Fort Hood, have been deployed to Iraq since June 2008.

"This is a great unit coming up behind us and not only because we come from the same geographical area at Fort Hood," said Lt. Col. Kenneth Royar, commander of 4th Squadron. "I wish 1-4 the same success we have had."

The battalion's Co. C has already moved to Al Kut, in south eastern Iraq, where they will use the Apache helicopter to protect troops on the ground, engage the enemy and escort air ambulance flights.

"This is our second TOA ceremony with the "Longknives," said Lt. Col. Brian Bennett, commander of 1st Bn. "Their attention to detail and hospitality has been fantastic. I wish you a safe trip back to Fort Hood. Col. Barbee, I look forward to working for you. We have the mission."

• Date Taken: 01.22.2009
• Date Posted: 01.22.2009 06:47
• Story ID: 29139
• Location: TAJI, IQ