BAGHDAD, Iraq — The leaders of 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, headquartered in Fort Stewart, Ga., took command of their area of responsibility in Iraq during a Jan. 22 ceremony at Forward Operating Base Falcon.

Police officers of 2nd Iraqi Federal Police Division, Iraq government officials, and guests joined U.S. Soldiers in saying farewell to 252nd Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Brigade Combat Team, as they cased their colors on Iraqi soil to make way for 5 Squadron, 7th Cav. Regiment.

The 252nd CAB commander, Lt. Col. Dean Davis, gave a quick word of advice for the squadron. "Partnership with the Iraqi security forces is the key to a successful deployment," said Davis. "It all begins and ends with the local population, good luck and God bless."

The assembled soldiers came to attention. Squadron commander, Lt. Col. Kirk Dorr, with his Command Sgt. Maj. William Transue, marched to the color guard at the front of the formation.

The color guard lowered the staff with the cavalry squadron's colors wrapped tight, and with a quick tug by Dorr and Transue, the large gold banner unfurled in the slight breeze. The squadron was officially in command.

Dorr went to the podium faced and addressed the audience, "We will build on the success of the 252nd and their partnership with the 2nd Iraqi Federal Police Division." He continued in Arabic,"Thank you to the soldiers of the 5th Squadron, carry on Iron Soldiers."

The squadron's area is southern Baghdad, surrounding suburbs and rural areas. Their mission is to support and assist the Iraqi federal police in operations and training.

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