TF Gambler transfers authority to TF Attack

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

06.24.2011

Story by Pfc. Michael Syner 

10th Combat Aviation Brigade

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Task Force Gambler, a battalion-sized element under 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, transferred authority to Task Force Attack, which is comprised of soldiers with 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, during a ceremony held at Forward Operating Base Sharana here June 24.

Gambler soldiers, from 4th Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, have been deployed to Forward Operating Base Sharana in support of Operation Enduring Freedom since June 2010.

“We’re impressed with your accomplishments, professionalism and dedication to mission accomplishment,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Douglas Brockhard, the commander of Task Force Attack.

TF Gambler, and now TF Attack, are responsible for a broad mission, providing aviation assets for everything from medical evacuation to fire support and resupply. Both task forces have a variety of aircraft, including the AH-60 Apache, OH-58 Kiowa, CH-47 Chinook, and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters

Gambler soldiers have flown over 1,600 air operations and movements, more than 400 medical evacuation missions, and helped build an airfield at their location, Forward Operating Base Sharana.

“I am extremely proud of the soldiers in TF Gambler. Without you, we would never have been able to complete our mission,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeffery Thompson, the commander of TF Gambler. “We had a good time here, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t happy to see TF Attack replacing us, allowing us to return home knowing that a capable group of soldiers is taking over the mission.”

The 4th Bn. soldiers will be returning to Fort Carson, Colo., this summer.

The 1st ACB soldiers, which deployed from Fort Hood, Texas, assumed the duties and responsibilities of Task Force Gambler, and are focused on mission accomplishment.

“I have full faith and confidence that we will successfully accomplish the task we’ve been given,” said Brockhard. “We will do everything within human and mechanical limitations to support the efforts of our brothers in arms.”

• Date Taken: 06.24.2011
• Date Posted: 06.25.2011 08:12
• Story ID: 72723
• Location: PAKTIKA PROVINCE, AF