22nd Georgian Light Inf. Bn. joins MND-B, assumes security operations in IZ

Photo By 1st Sgt. Brent Williams | Signaling a new start Capt. Lasha Karmazanashvili, commander, 22nd Light Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade, unfurls his units colors during a transfer of authority ceremony at the 4th Infantry Divisions 4th Brigade Combat Teams Forward Operating Base Union I located in Baghdad's International Zone. The ceremony officially signified the start of the incoming Georgian Army battalions mission to assist coalition forces in securing the IZ.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

05.03.2006

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Williams 

4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

BAGHDAD --Multi-National Division " Baghdad gained a new partner in securing the new Iraqi government in the International Zone during a transfer of authority ceremony.

Attached to the 4th Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team, the Georgian army's 22nd Light Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade, uncased its unit colors during the ceremony at Forward Operating Base Union I.

The ceremonious act signified the successful completion of the Georgian Armed Forces" 21st Light Battalion, 2nd Brigade's seven-month mission to provide force protection and stabilization operations within the International Zone and Iraq.

"This is a special day," said Col. Michael Beech, commander, 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div. "I"d like to especially recognize and congratulate the 21st Bn. on their successful tour of duty completing seven months here in Iraq."

Beech thanked the Georgian soldiers for their disciplined and professional performance, wishing Capt. Nikoloz Nemsitsveridze, the outgoing battalion commander, and his soldiers luck and speed during their redeployment.

"Over the past seven months, the 21st Bn. has more than just accomplished this mission, but has built for itself a reputation for being a tough and well disciplined military force," Beech said to the company commanders standing in formation before him.

The brigade commander also used the ceremony as an opportunity to officially welcome the incoming unit to its mission in Baghdad's IZ.

"The 4th BCT stands willing and ready to stand by your side and support you in your new mission," he said to Georgian Capt. Lasha Karmazanashvili, commander, 22nd Lt. Inf. Bn., 2nd Bde.

With the casing of their colors, the commander of the 21st Lt. Inf. Bn. officially transferred his mission in Iraq to the incoming unit and congratulated his troops on a mission well done.

"During the seven month stay here, we gained a lot of experience and knowledge that we will use back home," Nemsitsveridze concluded.

New to Iraq, the 22nd Lt. Inf. Bn. arrived in Kuwait March 24 to begin training for its mission to secure checkpoints and guard key government sites in the IZ.

The incoming battalion is eager to begin its new mission in Iraq and looks forward to serving with the 4th BCT in its mission to rebuild Iraq, said the incoming battalion commander.

"The 21st Bn. has completed the given mission competently, and from today, we have the responsibility to perform the mission successfully," Karmazanashvili said. "The 22nd Bn. is ready to make the contribution to development and stabilization of the Republic of Iraq first."

• Date Taken: 05.03.2006
• Date Posted: 05.03.2006 15:52
• Story ID: 6249
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ