116th IBCT transfers authority of Zabul to 3rd SBCT

FORWARD OPERATING BASE EAGLE, AFGHANISTAN

12.27.2011

Story by Staff Sgt. Joshua Brandenburg 

1-2 SBCT, 7th Infantry Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE EAGLE, Afghanistan - The 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Virginia National Guard, transferred its authority of Combined Team Zabul and the Zabul province to 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Eagle, Dec. 27, 2011.

The ceremony commemorated the hard work that the 116th IBCT has accomplished for the past six months in the Zabul province, as well as the upcoming operations of the 3rd Brigade’s yearlong deployment to the area.

“The area was tough but we went after it,” said Col. Blake Ortner, commander 116th IBCT. “We did a great job, we cleared a lot of IEDs [improvised explosive device] and had very few casualties, and I think that’s a testament to the success of both the Romanian units and the other Coalition Forces that we had."

Provincial Governor of Zabul, Asraf Mohammad Naseri was just one of the local officials to join Maj. Gen. Jim Huggins, commander Regional Command South, Afghanistan, in attending the ceremony for both the “Stonewall” and “Arrowhead” Brigades.

As Ortner and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Yancey rolled the 116th brigade colors, Col. Chuck Webster, commander 3rd SBCT, 2nd ID, and Command Sgt. Maj. Samuel Murphy unrolled their brigade colors to symbolize the Arrowhead Brigade is ready to assume authority of the Zabul province.

“This area [Zabul province] is already well established, it’s been an economy of force mission,” said Lt. Col. Robert D. Halvorson, executive officer 3rd SBCT, 2nd ID. “The efforts that the units before us have put into place whether it be 3rd ACR [Armored Cavalry Regiment] or whether it be 116th IBCT have set this place up for success, so really we’re building on that.”

Naseri expressed his gratitude to Ortner and the soldiers of the Stonewall Brigade. He also welcomed Webster and the soldiers of the Arrowhead Brigade and said he is looking forward to working with them.

“The Afghans and the people of Afghanistan are really stepping up and taking on the enemy,” said Ortner, “and they’re really making a difference.”

• Date Taken: 12.27.2011
• Date Posted: 01.01.2012 09:54
• Story ID: 81959
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE EAGLE, AF