Transfer of Authority in Afghanistan

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN

12.11.2011

Story by Sandra Ates 

102d Public Affairs Detachment

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - A relief in place/transfer of authority was held here Dec. 11, for the 223rd Engineer Battalion, headquartered in West Point, Miss., who replaced the 8th Engineer Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas.

Lt. Cols. Morgan D. O'Rourke, 8th Eng. Bn. commander, and Michael N. Cleveland, 223rd Eng. Bn., commander, worked closely together to ensure that every soldier completed training for their respective duty assignment. Both O'Rourke and Cleveland said they were fully confident in the success of the RIP/TOA for the 223rd to continue the mission of route clearance in Afghanistan.

The RIP/TOA ceremony is a long standing tradition between units of the United States armed forces, who while deployed transfer authority of their line units and area of operation to a new, arriving unit in theater. The process of RIP/TOA takes several weeks, but ensures that the change of authority between the outgoing and incoming units is done smoothly.

On hand for the exchange was Brig. Gen. Bryan Watson, director of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan. He complimented the 8th Engineer Battalion Task Force Trojan Horse for their bravery, professionalism and mission-first attitude and told the 223rd Engineer Battalion that he was confident in the capabilities of their leadership and unit personnel.

In a closing speech, Cleveland said, "The Task Force Knight will continue to make a firmer foundation for this important mission with the steely glare of ever constant Sapper, and the professionalism and adaptation of the Engineer Corps."

The 223rd Engineer Battalion was mobilized, Oct. 1, 2011, to help continual efforts of the U.S. Army during Operation Enduring Freedom.

• Date Taken: 12.11.2011
• Date Posted: 12.28.2011 12:22
• Story ID: 81813
• Location: KANDAHAR, AF