1-141st Field Artillery Battalion Transfers Authority To 1-148th Field Artillery Regiment

Photo By Sgt. Krista Lainhart | Lt. Col. Farin Schwartz, commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Sykes, 1-148 Field Artillery Regiment, uncase their colors during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Prosperity Dec. 6.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.06.2010

Story by Sgt. Krista Lainhart 

10th Press Camp Headquarters

BAGHDAD - Lt. Col. Brian Champagne, commander, 1-141st Field Artillery Battalion, transferred authority to Lt. Col. Farin Schwartz, commander, 1-148th Field Artillery Regiment, during a ceremony Dec. 6 at Camp Prosperity, Baghdad, Iraq.

This ceremony marks the 1-141st second deployment to Iraq, a tour of nearly a year. Early 2010, the unit deployed to Iraq assigned to a mission of providing logistical convoy support from Tallil to Balad, but later assumed the Rear Area Operations Center mission of the International Zone in Baghdad.

“Today marks another milestone for New Orleans Own Washington Artillery,” said Champagne. “For all of us it [deployment] was another opportunity to serve our great country.”

Champagne added that he was truly honored to have had the opportunity to command such a fine group of soldiers and that he believes their heroism shines through their willingness to give a year of their lives so that the people of Iraq could have an opportunity to succeed.

The 1-148th Field Artillery Regiment, or Task Force Scorpion, based out of Pocatello, Idaho, is not new to Iraq. In June 2004, the unit mobilized as part of the 116th Brigade Combat Team to north, central Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III, earning the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

“Our goal is to work ourselves out of a job by laying out conditions to transfer responsibility to other agencies,” said Schwartz.

“To the Task Force Scorpion soldiers, you will serve as ambassadors from the great state of Idaho and the United States and I am very confident that you will represent both very well,” said Schwartz. “I challenge you to work hard and make your operation better every day.”

“Stay vigilant and maintain yourself as the highly trained and disciplined warriors that you are,” he added.

The 1-141st Field Artillery Battalion will redeploy to their headquarters in New Orleans.

• Date Taken: 12.06.2010
• Date Posted: 12.08.2010 04:47
• Story ID: 61538
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ