GREYWOLF brigade assumes authority in southern Iraq

Photo By Spc. Sharla Lewis | Col. Douglas Crissman, commander of 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, chats with Maj. Gen. Eddy M. Spurgin, commander of U.S. Division – South and the Texas National Guard’s 36th Infantry Division. The GREYWOLF Brigade assumed responsibility for U.S. military operations in the Muthanna, Dhi Qar, Mayson and Basrah from the 3rd Advise and Assist Bde., 4th Inf. Div. of Fort Carson, Colo., March 12 at a transfer of authority ceremony.  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IRAQ

03.12.2011

Story by Spc. Sharla Lewis 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – The 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division uncased its colors and assumed authority from 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division in a ceremony on Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq March 12.

This marks the fourth deployment to Iraq for the GREYWOLF Brigade. They served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004, 2006 and 2008.

In 2008, the GREYWOLF Brigade was responsible for the Ninawa province in northern Iraq. The brigade conducted operations to improve security, stimulate economic growth, and create enduring stability. When they left, they transferred responsibility for security in Mosul and Tal Afar to the Iraqi security forces.

Fifteen months later, the brigade finds itself back in Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn, with responsibility for helping maintain security and advising, training, and assisting the ISF in the Muthanna, Dhi Qar, Maysan, and Basrah provinces.

“This is GREYWOLF Brigade’s fourth tour in Iraq, and we’re excited to serve as the newest members of the [U.S. Division-South] team during this historic time,” said Col. Douglas Crissman, the brigade commander.

This was the fourth deployment to Iraq for the outgoing 3rd Advise and Assist Bde., 4th Inf. Div. as well, and their first in support of Operation New Dawn. The “Iron Brigade” advised, trained and assisted dozens of local military and security organizations, transitioned 19 military bases to Iraqi control, and helped provide local areas with new and improved infrastructure.

“We are departing, proud of our accomplishments, none of which would have been possible without the blood, sweat and tears of our incredible soldiers,” said Col. James Rainey, the brigade commander.

After applauding the Iron Brigade for their help in the transfer of authority process, Crissman vowed to continue to build on their foundation.

Speaking directly to the Iraqi partners present, Crissman acknowledged the significance of the coming year and said, “Your presence reflects not only your genuine respect for Colonel Rainey and his team, but also your recognition of the importance of our partnership in the year ahead.”

In his speech, Maj. Gen. Eddy M. Spurgin, the commander of U.S. Division-South and the Texas National Guard’s 36th Infantry Division, praised the Iron Brigade for their work and told the GREYWOLF soldiers that he could not think of a better unit to help conclude the U.S. military mission in Iraq with success and honor.

The Greywolf Brigade joins the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and 4th Sustainment Brigade as one of three Texas-based brigades all serving under a Texas National Guard division headquarters in southern Iraq.

• Date Taken: 03.12.2011
• Date Posted: 03.15.2011 09:50
• Story ID: 67084
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IQ