CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq - In a ceremony that marked a historic moment in the Iraq campaign, the 4th Infantry Division furled and cased their division colors before a crowd of senior U.S. and Iraqi officers, distinguished guests and civilian news media Oct. 20 at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq.
Division leaders Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins and Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey cased the Ivy Division’s colors Wednesday, signifying the end of its 13-month mission to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.
The 4th Infantry Division was activated November 17, 1917 at Camp Greene, N.C., and has been answering America’s call for freedom for nearly 100 years.
The Ivy Division took part in World War I, stormed the beaches of Normandy in World War II, patrolled highlands and villages during the Vietnam War and played a multi-faceted role during the war in Iraq.
Last September, the Colorado-based unit made its fourth deployment to Iraq and assumed control of the United States Division-North effort from the 3rd Infantry Division.
As the sole commanding general in northern Iraq, Perkins and the Iron Horse Task Force were charged with maintaining the momentum of Iraq’s security forces and setting conditions for the smooth transition to an embassy-led mission, said Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of United States Forces-Iraq.
“The Iron Horse Division, under the able leadership of Maj. Gen. Dave Perkins, has certainly delivered on both of these priorities,” he said.
With seven provinces and three bordering countries, northern Iraq is a critical region that greatly impacts the security in other parts of the country, said Austin.
By advising and training Iraqi security elements on intelligence collection, medical training and counter-terrorism tactics, the task force continued to strengthen the enduring bilateral partnership between the two nations.
“Thanks to the leadership and team building efforts of Maj. Gen. Dave Perkins and U.S. Division-North, 22 combined checkpoints transitioned to bilateral control,” said Austin.
“Iraqi Security Forces and Peshmerga forces having been working together to provide security for the Iraqi people in the absence of a direct U.S. presence,” he continued.
As a result, Iraq’s security forces have significantly grown in areas of effectiveness and capability, establishing a foundation for successful security missions and increased stability for the country’s citizens.
The task force also continued America’s ongoing commitment to the people of Iraq by transitioning more than 30 U.S. military installations and reposturing ground forces in preparation for a Dec. 31 departure.
“The 4th Infantry Division’s accomplishments in strengthening the ISF and improving the security situation are indeed remarkable,” said Austin. “They are even more remarkable when you consider that they did it all while coordinating the division’s efforts to conduct transitions and reposture forces.”
Following the conclusion of a military presence in Iraq, U.S. embassies and consulates will work to expand and deepen their ties with Iraq. The Office of Security Cooperation-Iraq will also play a vital role as it continues to strengthen the military-to-military relationship after the year’s end, said Austin.
Perkins, a 31-year veteran, attributed the successes of the USD-North mission to Task Force soldiers, who produced the biggest impact on Iraq.
Their selfless service, sacrifices and discipline were a manifestation of the American people and exemplified what a free and democratic nation can do, he said.
Through their actions and dedication, the 4th Infantry Division created an opportunity for continued progress in northern Iraq, explained Austin, who was honored to serve alongside the Ivy Division.
“You have performed magnificently and your efforts will have a positive impact on this area for many, many years to come.”
| Date Taken: |
10.22.2011 |
| Date Posted: |
10.22.2011 02:20 |
| Story ID: |
78831 |
| Location: |
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, IQ |
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236 |
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