IA tank battalion takes over AO in TOA ceremony

Photo By Maj. David Olson | TAJI, Iraq -- These 2nd Tank Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division soldiers guard the entry to the compound during the transfer of authority ceremony marking the Iraqi Army in the lead for an additional 25 square kilometers near Camp Taji, June 3. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. David Olson, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.)  

TAJI, IRAQ

06.09.2006

Courtesy Story

1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq " Soldiers from the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Tank Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, conducted a transfer of authority ceremony with Soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Saturday to celebrate the battalion taking the lead of an area of operations north of Baghdad.

Tankers from 2nd Tank Bn., stood in a combined formation with artillerymen from Battery A, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., to formally recognize the historic moment in Iraqi history as the IA assumed an additional 25 square kilometers of their area of responsibility near Camp Taji.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Craig Newman, commander, 4th Bn., 42nd FA, spoke about the professionalism of the Iraqi tank battalion.

"The 2nd Tank Bn., 2nd Bde. of the 9th IA Div., through hard work and ever-present danger, are assuming control of their area of operations," said Newman. "Their drive allowed them to achieve the highest standards of proficiency, and subsequently they are ready to assume the lead in the fight against insurgents whose only intent is to destroy the future of the citizens of Iraq."

Iraqi Army Col. Majeed Hameed Jassim, commander, 2nd Tank Bn., 2nd Tank Bde., 9th IA Div., agreed and explained some of the missions his unit has conducted recently.

"We have conducted security for the elections (in December)," said Majeed. "We drove our tanks to Baghdad to secure the city (after the Samarra mosque bombing in February). We have conducted patrols in Tarmiya and Hor al Bash. We are sending units to Ramadi."

Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Kasem Jasim Nazzal, commander, 1st Mech. Bde., 9th IA Div. and slated to be the deputy commander for the division, added some comments.

"We thank Col. (James) Pasquarette, (commander, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div.) for his support," said Kasem. "Thank you to our friends from the U.S. Thank you so much."

Newman closed his remarks with praise for the 2nd Tank Bde. soldiers.

"My Soldiers and I have had the honor of working closely with the 2nd Tank Bn., and I have personally observed their dedication to duty and a will to win," said Newman. "I am proud to be a partner with this battalion and proud of their accomplishments, which have allowed this ceremony to occur today. Our partnership for peace in this area of Iraq will continue."

• Date Taken: 06.09.2006
• Date Posted: 06.09.2006 09:46
• Story ID: 6733
• Location: TAJI, IQ