'All Americans' advances to Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

02.02.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix V

By: Sgt. Timothy Dinneen
Combined Joint Task Force-76 PAO

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Among the many changes taking place in Afghanistan, none may have more effect on the upcoming year than the Combined Joint Task Force-76 headquarters Transfer-of-Authority ceremony here Feb.2 from the 10th Mountain Division to the 82nd Airborne Division.

The symbolic ceremony represents a continuity of the CJTF-76 mission, which is to conduct full spectrum operations to prevent the reemergence of terrorist organizations and set the conditions for the economic growth and democracy in Afghanistan.

"There's a great window of opportunity, an opportunity to further propel government reconstruction and development efforts," said International Security Assistance Forces commander British Army Gen. David Richards. "Come spring, an ISAF offensive and not a Taliban offensive will set the conditions to defeat the insurgents."

The joint interagency and multinational organization represents the world war-fighting commitment to bring peace and stability in a region that once was host to the perpetrators of the Sept. 11 attacks.

"We must assure the final victory of this noble campaign against the evil of terrorism, which threatens our human civilization," said Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Minister of Defense Abdul Rahim Wardak. "Never before have the cooperation, coordination and partnership been as close, effective and elaborate than with the 10th Mtn. Div. under General Freakley."

The 10th Mtn. Div. assumed command of CJTF-76 Feb. 21, 2006, involving over 15,000 personnel encompassing all four branches of the U.S. military. They have been supported by more than 37 countries involving the U.N., NATO, and ISAF.

"Our partnership with the [Afghan] governors is strong and will remain strong all working together toward the common goal to support the people of Afghanistan with better governance, security and reconstruction," said 10th Mtn. Div. Maj. Gen. Benjamin Freakley, outgoing CJTF-76 commander. "As we depart we're leaving behind 3,200 combat hardened Soldiers to serve with the [Afghanistan National Army] 203rd and 201st under the great leadership of the 'All Americans' of the 82nd Airborne Division."

This is not the first deployment to Afghanistan for the 82nd Abn. Div. The division headquarters took a command and control role December 2002 – August 2003.

"The craft and elite units of the 82nd Airborne Division do not know the word failure in the dictionary," Kardak said. "They know nothing but lightning victories from the beaches of Normandy to the jungles of Panama to the sands of Desert Storm."

Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez, 82nd Abn. Div., had three central themes he emphasized as the incoming commander of CJTF-76. He stressed that there will be continuity for the Afghan people to expect improvement in their security and prosperity as well as establishing good government and reconstruction development.

"The ANA will be proud to partner with the 82nd Abn. Div. as the struggle continues and the campaign endures we will be victorious, Kardak said. "All of the units that have participated in this struggle will be long remembered in the liberation of my war torn country."

The 82nd Abn. Div. is scheduled to be in Afghanistan for a 12 month deployment.

• Date Taken: 02.02.2007
• Date Posted: 02.05.2007 10:36
• Story ID: 9048
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF