BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Joint Area Support Group-Central held a ceremony today commemorating the transfer of Forward Operating Base Freedom to the government of Iraq. The property, which is located in Baghdad's International Zone has been under the control of U.S. Forces since early 2003.

Speaking at the event were Mohammad Salmon, national reconciliation liaison for the government of Iraq and Col. Kenneth S. Schechter, JASG-C deputy commander.

Schechter, who is the head of the IZ transition team, said that the transfer ceremony marks another step in implementing the security agreement that went into effect on Jan. 1 of this year.

"The transfer of FOB Freedom is another strong indication that the security agreement between the government of Iraq and the government of the United States is successful," he said. "Property transfer is a key component of the security agreement between Iraq and the United States and is a significant achievement for both of our nations," he said.

Schechter, a native of Toms River, N.J., also took the chance to commend his Iraqi counterparts for their efforts in the transfer of properties from U.S. to Iraqi control.

"They should take great pride in knowing the citizens of Baghdad can immediately benefit from these properties," he said.

The JASG-C is made up primarily of N.J. Army National Guard Soldiers of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat team who have been deployed to Iraq since September of last year.

FOB Freedom (al-Huriyyah) served as the smallest military base in the International Zone, providing housing for approximately 400 permanent residents. The former Republican Guard compound is highlighted by Freedom Rest, an Army R&R facility located in the former Iraqi Military Officers Club.

Recently, FOB Freedom has hosted several community events for dozens of Baghdad families living outside the International Zone. These gatherings, which were hosted by the JASG-C, gave local Iraqi children and their families a chance to enjoy a day of games, swimming, barbecue lunch and other activities alongside coalition service members.

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