ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Col. Eric W. Barr, Virginia Army National Guard 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and Combined Team Zabul deputy commander presided over a change of command ceremony for Romanian troops at Forward Operating Base Wolverine in Zabul province, Afghanistan Sept. 24.
Col. Barr told of the accomplishments of the Operational Mentor and Liaison – Combat Support Team and his confidence in the new Romanian OMLT-CS to continue the mission of Combined Team Zabul.
“You did inspiring work and a fine job,” said Barr. “You were the first to fire artillery with the Afghan National Army.”
“It’s time for you to make your statement,” said Barr. “The real training begins when you are shoulder to shoulder with the Afghan National Army.”
The outgoing and incoming commanders told of the accomplishments of the OMLT-CS and the continued progression of the ANA in the future.
“We became close friends with the Afghan National Army”, said Lt. Col. Danut Coras, outgoing commander. “We worked together to improve security and cooperation. I wish the new team successful mission and to return home with good health.
“We are here to improve the Afghan National Army skills,” said Lt. Col. Ahghel Ioana, incoming commander. “We are ready to work shoulder to shoulder with the Afghans for the progression of Afghanistan, and to perform the mission together.”
Lt. Col. Christopher E. Albus, Task Force Wings commander, talked of the great job that the outgoing unit did and how is looking forward to working with the incoming unit.
“You have left a lasting effect in this district,” said Albus. “You worked hard to increase the security for the region and you set the example for the ANA.”
“I look forward to working with you to provide a free and prosperous Afghanistan,” said Albus.
An officer from Afghan National Army’s 4th Kandak hoped for a safe journey home for the outgoing unit and looked forward to working with the incoming unit.
“We gained a lot of experience and we look forward to promoting more responsibility of our forces,” said the ANA officer.
The Staunton-based 116th “Stonewall Brigade” is deployed as a command and control headquarters in charge of NATO and active duty troops conducting counterinsurgency operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It is a historic first time for a National Guard Brigade Combat Team headquarters in Afghanistan to command all active duty U.S. and NATO troops. The combined efforts of all three national armies in the province – Afghanistan, Romania and the United States – are designated as Combined Team Zabul.
Awards and certificates of appreciation were handed out to Afghan, Romanian and American troops.
| Date Taken: | 09.24.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 10.08.2011 11:05 |
| Story ID: | 78227 |
| Location: | ZABUL PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 117 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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