Bulldog Troop Host Change of Command of the Front Line

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Stephen Hickok | Capt. Tyrek Swaby, outgoing commander of Bulldog Troop 7th Squadron, 10th U.S. Cavalry Regiment Ghost Squadron, and Capt. Brice Roberts, the incoming commander, stand at parade rest in front of their soldiers during the Bulldog Troops change of command ceremony at Forward Operating Base Todd, Bala Murghab, April 20, 2011.  

BALA MURGHAB, AFGHANISTAN

04.23.2011

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Stephen Hickok 

U.S. Navy           

BALA MURGHAB, Afghanistan – The Bulldog Troop of the 7th Squadron, 10th U.S. Cavalry Regiment Ghost Squadron said goodbye to their commander, Capt. Tyrek N. Swaby, and welcomed Capt. Brice Roberts as his replacement during a change of command ceremony at Forward Operating Base Todd, April 20, 2011.

FOB Todd is located in the middle of the Murghab security bubble comprised of multiple combat outposts providing security for the Murghab valley. Under the leadership of Swaby, Bulldog Troop built four additional COPs, increasing security in the valley.

Bulldog Troop soldiers are positioned at COPs along the security perimeter and could not leave their posts for the change-of-command so Swaby and Roberts traveled out to the remote locations allowing Swaby to say goodbye and introduce Roberts.

Swaby’s dedication to Bulldog Troop soldiers was not only appreciated by those under his command.

“Ty Swaby is the last of a dying breed here in the squadron,” said Lt. Col. Scott Mitchell, Task Force-Ghost commander, during the change of command. “First, he has participated in every deployment with 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry. Second, he commanded a troop where he was a platoon leader. He embodies all the elements of the quiet professional.”

Bulldog Troop will remain in Afghanistan for roughly two months.

“While I am saddened by not being able to finish this journey with you, I could not ask for you to be put in better hands than Captain Roberts,” said Swaby.

Roberts served most recently as the commander of Headquarters Troop, 7-10 Cavalry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 2010-2011.

Roberts’ remarks were concise and to the point.

“I look forward to very much being a continued part of the great success here in Bala Murghab,” Roberts said. “All policies and procedures remain in effect. Raider Brigade, Ready-Forward-Bulldog.”

Further, Swaby said he will be waiting by the plane for his troops when they arrive back to Fort Carson, Colo.

• Date Taken: 04.23.2011
• Date Posted: 04.23.2011 01:57
• Story ID: 69216
• Location: BALA MURGHAB, AF