Provincial Reconstruction Team Uruzgan transfers authority

URUZGAN, AFGHANISTAN

11.01.2012

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Theresa Gualdarama 

117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (Hawaii)

TARIN KOT, Afghanistan – Military and civilian members from Combined Team Uruzgan gathered at Multinational Base Tarin Kot for the Provincial Reconstruction Team Transfer of Authority ceremony, Nov. 1, 2012.

Members of the PRT observed as Navy Cmdr. Geoffrey C. James handed over responsibility to incoming commander, Cmdr. Ron J. Piret.

In attendance were John Philp Australian Ambassador-designate to Afghanistan; Col. Simon Stuart, CTU commander; Adrian Lochrin, PRT director; Amir Mohammad Akhundzada, provincial governor of Uruzgan; and other guests of MNBTK.

U.S. Navy traditions were displayed during the transfer of authority ceremony that marks a military organization’s change of commander and whose origin can be traced back to Roman times.

“To be given command is an honor. I can think of no greater privilege than to be given a mission centered around service to others,” Piret said.

The PRT is designed to improve stability in Afghanistan by increasing the host nation’s capacity to enhance and strengthen local governments’ ability to deliver public services, such as security and health care.

The outgoing combined team, comprised of American, Australian and Slovakian military and civilians with hometowns around the globe, worked together to successfully accomplish its mission.

“I’d like to thank the men and women of the Provincial Reconstruction Team for their hard work and dedication you have given, making the command a success,” James said. “I wish you and the rest of your team a productive tour.”

Piret will continue the work begun by the outgoing PRT and is confident his team is prepared to execute their mission at hand.

• Date Taken: 11.01.2012
• Date Posted: 11.03.2012 14:40
• Story ID: 97233
• Location: URUZGAN, AF