Courtesy Photo | Gen. George W. Casey, commanding general, Multi-National Force-Iraq passes the...... read more read more
Story by Sgt. Joe M. Battle
MNC-I PAO
Lt. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli accepted authority as the commander of the Multinational Corps " Iraq from Lt. Gen. John R. Vines in a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Victory Thursday.
Vines served as the commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, N.C., before replacing Lt. Gen. Thomas Metz as the MNC-I commander in 2005. From Iraq, Vines will return to his previous position as commander of the 18th Airborne Corps in Fort Bragg.
Chiarelli comes to the MNC-I from his position as the Task Force Victory commander from Heidelberg, Germany.
During the ceremony, Gen. George W. Casey, commanding general, Multinational Forces-Iraq commented on the changes of Iraq during Vines's command of the MNC-I.
"It's been a pretty amazing year for the multinational corps," said Casey. "If you think about where you were and what you were thinking about Iraq on the 19th of January last year, I think you'll admit that the prospects of completing three national polls and building the security forces to well over 200,000 might of looked dim to you."
"But the fact of the matter is, over the course of 2005, the people of Iraq have had three national polls," he added. "And in each case, the participation has gotten greater and violence got lower."
"I attribute that, in large measure, to the spirit of teamwork and partnership between the multinational corps, multinational force, the Iraqi security force and the government of Iraq," said Casey. "To the departing Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines of the 18th Airborne Corps " well done."
Casey also welcomed the incoming MNC-I commander and also expressed his gratitude to the families of the Soldiers who were a part of the MNC-I for the past year.
"My thanks to the families of the multinational corps," said Casey. "We couldn't do what we do here, without your support and we thank you for your daily sacrifices in our behalf."
"The year 2005 was a historic time in an ancient land," said Vines during his farewell speech. "Although, history is ancient here, a new history began in 2005 as Iraq chose its own government, wrote its own constitution and decided who would lead it into a new era."
Vines also addressed the recently arrived troops who will replace the 18th Airborne Corps.
"We will return to friends, family and loved ones," said Vines. "But we will never forget you, we will never forget Iraq, we will never forget what has happened here and we will say a prayer for you, those of us that pray; we will say a prayer for your safety, peace, and success because much rides on this."
"This transfer of authority demonstrates the commitment of the United States to our coalition allies and to the people of Iraq as we continue to partner in every aspect and every respect of this historic mission to achieve a free, democratic and secure Iraq." said Chiarelli during his first speech as the MNC-I commander.
"My Soldiers and I are honored to serve shoulder-to-shoulder with you in history in a historic land," he added.
"In the months ahead, you will find that our Soldiers of the Victory Corps are disciplined, well trained and committed to continue the excellent work done by Lt. Gen. Vines and the Soldiers of the 18th Airborne Corps," said Chiarelli.
"Never again will the forces of terror and tyranny be permitted to rule in this great country," he said.
Editors note: Sgt. Joe M. Battle is assigned to V Corps and is currently supporting MNC-I PAO
| Date Taken: | 01.19.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 01.19.2006 13:07 |
| Story ID: | 5157 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 487 |
| Downloads: | 158 |
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