40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion hands over final mission

Photo By Spc. Charlene Apatang Mendiola | Lt. Col. Troy Douglas, commander 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion and Command Sgt. Maj. Perry Summerville, command sergeant major, 40th ESB, case the battalion colors signifying the end of a successful mission as they render authority and responsibility to the 62nd ESB during the transfer of authority ceremony on Camp Victory, May 30.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

05.30.2011

Story by Spc. Charlene Apatang Mendiola 

U.S. Forces Iraq

BAGHDAD - The 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion out of Fort Huachuca cased its colors signifying a successful mission and the transfer of responsibility to Fort Hood, Texas’ 62nd ESB during a transfer of authority ceremony on Camp Victory, May 30.

The ceremony began with the color guard, which included soldiers of the 40th ESB and the 62nd ESB, officiating the transfer as both commanders and command sergeants major of each battalion cased and uncased their flags to signify the start and end of a prosperous journey.

The primary mission for the 40th ESB was to provide support and assist all United States Divisions, ensuring pocket areas were equipped with organic communications while providing enabler capabilities for the United States Forces – Iraq, said Lt. Col. Troy Douglas, commander 40th ESB.

As the keynote speaker for the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Edward C. Cardon, deputy commanding general for support, USF-I, pointed out critical accomplishments of the 40th ESB throughout its tour.

With only 37 percent personnel strength, the 40th ESB replaced the brigade headquarters and two battalions. They manned 50 percent of communications sites while taking on 75 percent of the mission load and achieved more than 98 percent reliability rate, Cardon said.

The battalion laid and terminated more than 22 miles of fiber optic and 51 miles of Category 5 cables, ended 34 missions and transitioned four sites to the government of Iraq, he said. It also partnered with Iraqis and trained them on fiber optics, cables, and basic and advanced electronic maintenance.

“We never suffered with communications,” he said. “Our communications are actually better here than many of our locations in the U.S.”

“Never have so few done so much with a no-fail mission of operational communications,” Cardon said. He encouraged the soldiers of the 40th ESB to keep up with updates on the mission when they return home as they will witness all the fruits of their labor and to be proud of what they have accomplished.

As a tradition in the Army, losing one team and gaining another powerful team can be challenging but equally fortunate, Cardon said as he welcomed the 62nd ESB team into the Task Force Signal mission.

Douglas’ advice to his replacement was to always be flexible as the battlefield is fluid and ever changing. He encouraged the troops of the 62nd ESB to enjoy their time while deployed and use the deployment as a learning environment for greater experiences and opportunities.

“I want to say to my troops of the 40th ESB,” he said. “Thank you for setting the standards of taking care of soldiers and our customers, I am extremely proud of each and every one of you.”

Following Douglas’ remarks, the commander of the 62nd ESB, Lt. Col. Willie J. Locke III thanked the 40th ESB team for their warm welcome and efforts during the transition process.

“Going the extra mile wasn’t necessary but was greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten,” Locke said. “I am very proud of my unit and we are ready to execute this mission.”

“Task force messenger looks forward to continuing our partnership role,” Locke said during his speech. “Without a doubt, the 40th ESB team set a high bar, but I assure you, we are eager to meet the challenges that lie ahead.”

“The sun never sets on the thunderbirds, forewarned is forearmed,” he said.

• Date Taken: 05.30.2011
• Date Posted: 06.05.2011 10:40
• Story ID: 71624
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ