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    JBB welcomes new partner

    Operation Iraqi Freedom

    Courtesy Photo | Lt. Gen. Rashid Flayah Muhammad Al-Halifi, Samarra Operations Center commander, and...... read more read more

    JOINT BASE BALAD, IRAQ

    08.17.2010

    Story by Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield 

    332d Air Expeditionary Wing

    JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Returning home, from an extend leave-of-absence, is a joyous occasion and for a unit of the Iraqi Army and local leaders this homecoming was marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony and words of encouragement.

    Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen welcomed the 4th Battalion, 17th Iraqi Army Brigade, Aug. 16, to Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

    Not since the beginning of 2003, when JBB was known as al Bakr Air Field, did the Iraqi military have a presence here. Now, more than seven years later, JBB is transitioning back to Iraqi control as part of the U.S. forces responsible draw down and redeployment of servicemembers from Iraq.

    “We (the people of Iraq) are thankful for everything the United States has done for our country,” said Iraqi Lt. Gen. Rashid Flayah Muhammad Al-Halifi, Iraqi Samarra Operations Center commander. “We are willing and prepared to take on the responsibility of providing security for Iraq. This is a happy day for the people of Iraq and our U.S. partners.”

    The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Army 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command and the Army 2-11 Field Artillery Regiment has worked as part of a joint team with other organizations across JBB to designate and repair buildings, build security fencing and gates, provide fuel points, and establish communication and access procedures, said Col. Michael Myers, 332 EMSG commander.

    "Together, we have brought this Iraqi Army unit side-by-side with us on to JBB,” he said. “We celebrate every step on the journey to return custody of this base to the Iraqis, and we're proud of our Airmen and Soldiers for all they have done to make this major step possible."

    The 4th Battalion, 17 Iraqi Army Brigade will be the first of several Iraqi military units to enter JBB, continuing the security and prosperity of Iraq as U.S. servicemembers and their commands redeploy home or forward deploy to new operating locations.

    “This is another level of partnership and the first step of many steps leading up to the turnover of this base to the government of Iraq as United States forces withdraw by Dec. 31, 2011,” said Maj. Gen. Craig Franklin, 332 AEW commander.

    With American service members leaving Iraq, the Iraqi people’s well-being will left in good hands.

    “The Iraqi Security Forces have proven to the world to be extremely capable and professional as they provide security for the Iraqi people,” said General Franklin, a native of Chicago, Ill. “The 17 Iraqi Army Brigade of the Iraqi Army demonstrates this daily in the Salah-ad-Din province. This event symbolizes our enduring friendship and that first step of many for the eventual transfer of JBB back to the Government of Iraq. We are proud to serve side-by-side with the 4th Battalion of the 17th Brigade of the Iraqi Army.”

    The Iraqi unit will be working with Army Task Force 2-11. TF 2-11 serves in the supporting role in partnered operations to advise, train, and assist the Iraqi Army.

    “Our focus in all our efforts is to develop the Iraqi Army's capacity in order to better enable them to conduct counter-terrorism operations and provide security for the Iraqi people," said Maj. Mark Sherkey, 2-11 FAR Battalion executive officer


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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 08.17.2010
    Date Posted: 08.17.2010 08:23
    Story ID: 54700
    Location: JOINT BASE BALAD, IQ

    Web Views: 105
    Downloads: 8

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