KABUL, Afghanistan – Georgia Army National Guardsmen participated in a Transfer of Authority Ceremony at Camp Phoenix here, Jan. 27.
Col. Andy L. Hall, Commander of the 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, a Georgia Army National Guard unit from Columbus, Ga., assumed command of the Task Force Hydra and responsibility for the Kabul Base Cluster.
More than 11,000 service members, contractors and coalition forces live and work on the KBC. The 648th “Hydra” Brigade provides command and control, security and support operations for the nearly 9,000 U.S. and coalition forces operating in the capital region.
Attending the ceremony were contractors from several organizations as well as coalition forces from Bulgaria, Canada, France and Mongolia.
Deputy Commanding General of United States Forces Afghanistan, Maj. Gen. William E. Rapp, discussed the expectations he has of Task Force Hydra. “You have the technology, the tactics and the know how to excel,” said Rapp.
Hall commented on the magnitude of mission ahead of the 648th and the unit’s readiness for it. “We have been well prepared to assume this mission, we are a professional organization, we will run hard and work smart and we will play a major role in sustaining the momentum of this campaign,” said Hall.
The 648th replaced the 26th “Yankee” Brigade, Massachusetts Army National Guard, commanded by Army Brig. Gen. John A. Hammond. The 648th and the 26th Brigades have worked together to ensure a smooth transition of authority in the KBC for over 18 months.
“I look forward to observing your success form the United States this following year,” said Hammond.
Hall also recognized the strong partnership that had been built between the two Brigades saying, “Others have already spoken of the great job you have done. We would like to express our gratitude for the way in which you approached this transition. You began transition with us before you even got here yourself. Unprecedented,” said Hall.
| Date Taken: | 01.27.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 01.27.2012 12:39 |
| Story ID: | 82933 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 371 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Georgia Army National Guardsmen begin mission in Afghanistan, by MAJ Jacqueline Wren, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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