Photo By Spc. Jason Dangel | Maj. Besik Janjanidze (left), commander, Batumi Light Infantry Battalion, Georgian...... read more read more
by Spc. Jason Dangel
4th BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers bade farewell to the Georgian army's 22nd Light Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade, and welcomed their counterpart, the Batumi Light Infantry Battalion, during a Transfer of Authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Union I in Baghdad's International Zone Saturday.
Attached to the 4th Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team, the Georgian army's Batumi Light Infantry Battalion uncased its unit colors, which officially marks the start of the unit's mission to provide security for the new Iraqi government working in the International Zone.
"Today is a great day, not only for the Georgian people and the Georgian army but for the Coalition Forces here in Iraq," said Col. Michael Beech, commander, 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
"Today is a new beginning," said Beech. "We welcome the Batumi Battalion to the ranks of the Cobra team. We look forward to standing side-by-side with you as we continue to secure the International Zone," he said to the incoming commander, Maj. Besik Janjanidze.
The ceremony signified the successful completion of the Georgian Armed Forces' 22nd Lt. Inf. Bn.'s six-month mission to provide security within the International Zone and Iraq.
Beech also thanked the soldiers of the 22nd Lt. Inf. Bn. for their disciplined and professional performance and wished the outgoing battalion commander, Maj. Lasha Karmazanashvili, and his soldiers good fortune during their redeployment.
"The 22nd Bn. has earned a reputation for being a tough, well-disciplined and well-led outfit," Beech said to the company commanders standing in formation before him.
"It would be my distinct pleasure and honor to serve with you again, shoulder-to-shoulder, anywhere or anytime," said Beech.
With the casing of the colors, the commander of the 22nd Lt. Inf. Bn. officially transferred his mission in Iraq to the incoming unit and congratulated his troops on a mission well done.
"We will return to our country with the dignity and respect we have earned, and I would like to thank all of my soldiers and the 4th BCT for their support during our mission here," Karmazanashvili said.
The incoming battalion looks forward to beginning its new mission in Iraq and is eager to gain knowledge that will benefit the Georgian army and ultimately their country as they work with the 4th BCT in its efforts to rebuild Iraq, said Janjanidze.
"The 22nd Bn. has completed their mission successfully and with honor," Janjanidze said. "We are ready to take on this mission, and we will continue on with the tradition of success left by all the units before us."
Responsible for force protection and stabilization operations in the IZ, the Batumi Battalion will work directly with the 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
The Republic of Georgia has been a coalition partner in the War on Terror in Iraq since 2003.
| Date Taken: | 09.29.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2006 13:34 |
| Story ID: | 7869 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 313 |
| Downloads: | 124 |
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