FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, Afghanistan — The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division handed over responsibility for their operational area in eastern Afghanistan to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division during a transfer of authority ceremony June 26 at Forward Operating Base Fenty, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan.
The 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div., or Task Force Mountain Warrior, assumed responsibility for missions to improve security and development in the Nangarhar, Nuristan, Kunar, and Laghman provinces, from 3rd BCT, 1st Inf. Div., or Task Force Duke, who has been conducting operations in the area for the past 15 months.
The ceremony included an uncasing of the brigade colors by Col. Randy A. George, 4th BCT commander, and Command Sergeant Major Charles V. Sasser, 4th BCT command sergeant major, symbolizing the unit's readiness and authority over the area of operations.
In attendance were provincial governors, local and national media, and the Combined Joint Task Force-82 Commander, Maj. Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti.
Task Force Mountain Warrior is supported by the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, of Fort Drum, N.Y., the 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment, of the Illinois National Guard, and two companies from the 759th Military Police Battalion, of Fort Carson, Colo.
"We have trained hard in the mountains of Colorado for the demanding terrain of this mission," said George. "Task Force Mountain Warrior is ready to get to work."