Task Force 49 leaves lasting impression in Balad

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

07.22.2008

Story by Sgt. Dale Sweetnam 

Multi-National Division-Central

By Sgt. Dale Sweetnam
Task Force 49 Public Affairs Office

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – There was little room for error when Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Task Force 49 received word it would soon be navigating the Iraqi skies. The headquarters had 60 days to mobilize, deploy and assume their role in Multi-National Corps – Iraq Combat Aviation Brigade at Joint Base Balad.

Task Force 49 touched down in November 2007 and took over MNC-I aviation operations from Task Force XII which, in turn, moved on to Taji to head up the Multi-National Division – Baghdad Combat Aviation Brigade headquarters.

When Task Force 49 originally received the mission in September 2007, it prepared for with a site visit, constant communication with Task Force XII and 60 days of training in Alaska.

HHC, Task Force XII was already preparing for its next mission at Camp Taji, so the training back in Alaska had to be swift and precise.

"When we hit the ground here, we already knew what the mission was," Maj. James Jones, brigade operations officer said. "We were already prepared to do that mission, and that's what made the transition easier for the Soldiers."

The communication between the two headquarters and their ability to work together laid the foundation for success in Balad, said Lt. Col. Richard Crogan, deputy commanding officer for TF 49 and now for TF XII.

"I think everyone did extremely well given the changes that were thrust upon us," he said. "Task Force 49 came in and did a phenomenal job assuming the MNC-I mission."

"The transition between TF XII and TF 49 could not have gone better," Col. Chandler Sherrell, TF 49 commander said. "We've seen nothing but tremendous success, and this is exhibited by less violence and more stability in Iraq. Those that would do us harm or destabilize a growing government have been marginalized and are less likely to threaten progress throughout the country."

Now, eight months later, TF 49 accomplished its mission and is handing responsibility back over to TF XII, the unit it replaced last year.

While in country, TF 49 denied al Qaida safe haven in Iraq and provided stability through an extensive aviation presence, Sherrell said. During the Balad mission, TF 49 moved 20,885,130 pounds of cargo, 206,256 passengers, evacuated 4,243 patients and logged 63,034 flight hours.

"To say our Soldiers made an impact would be an understatement," Sherrell said. "We were asked to come here as a component of the surge; to make sure it was successful. By all accounts, the surge has led to a decrease in violence and an increase in security. I think it's valid to say our Soldiers had something to do with that success."

Jones said much of the credit for that success goes to the units it inherited from TF XII.

"The unique thing was that we were a brigade headquarters taking over units that were not organic (to TF 49) and that we hadn't worked or trained with," said Jones.

While in Balad, TF 49 assumed control of 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation Battalion, 2nd Battalion, 159th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 412th Aviation Support Battalion and 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment. The units fell back under control of HHC, TF XII following the transfer of authority ceremony July 12.

HHC, TF 49 will now move forward to Baghdad International Airport to support the 10th Mountain Division as the MND-C CAB Headquarters.

With TF XII back in place in Balad and TF 49 at BIAP, Crogan said he saw the interaction between the two units as a significant success in the war in Iraq.

"This was highly successful," he said. "It was a great strategy with TF49 and TF XII. It was a lot of great work by a lot of great Soldiers."

When all is said and done and TF 49 is on its way home, the Soldiers of this unit can look back at both their role at Joint Base Balad and BIAP with pride, said Sherrell.

"When we leave here in December, I know we can look back and say we made a difference," he said. "Despite two months warning to leave and being away from our families, we made a difference. And the improved security and stability for the Iraqi people is something our families and Soldiers can take great pride in."

• Date Taken: 07.22.2008
• Date Posted: 07.22.2008 04:02
• Story ID: 21725
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ