29th CAB transfers authority to the 449th CAB

Photo By Maj. Briana McFarland | The 449th Combat Aviation Brigade Commander Lt. Col. Joseph Bishop and the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Commander Maj. Gen. Robert White pose for a picture in front of the 449th CAB’s unit insignia to signify the transfer of authority of Operation Inherent Resolve to the unit, In order to prepare for the multifaceted operation, The TOA signals the transference of responsibility for theater aviation operations to the incoming 449th CAB. CJTF-OIR is the global Coalition to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. (U.S. Army Photo by Capt. Briana McFarland)  

IRAQ

12.22.2017

Story by Capt. Briana McFarland 

449th Combat Aviation Brigade

CAMP TAJI MILITARY COMPLEX, Iraq – Col. Mark Beckler of the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade transferred authority of Operation Inherent Resolve to incoming Brigade Commander Lt. Col. Joseph Bishop and Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Shorter of the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade at Camp Taji Military Complex Army Airfield, Dec.18.

The 449th CAB endured a year of rigorous training to prepare for the multifaceted operation. Training included several major events including two warfighters where the unit executed 74 medevac missions, 5,614 movement controls and 2,204 flight hours. The culminating event to prepare for Operation Inherent Resolve was a left and right-seat training held by the 29th CAB.

“We’re glad the 449th CAB is here with us and we know they’re going to do a great job,” said Beckler.

The Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command Commander Maj. Gen. Robert White visited the Camp Taji Army Airfield to meet with Bishop to discuss the evolving mission and the importance of the unit to remain vigilant and flexible in the coming months. He recognized the hard work of the Coalition Forces to assist the Government of Iraq to gain its success over ISIS, but let the 449th CAB know there is more work to do and they must keep the momentum going.

"I appreciate the support from the 29th CAB as they integrated 449th CAB Soldiers into their operations,” said Bishop. “Now it's our turn to take the lead and continue to build upon their legacy. OIR is complex; however, it's a mission we're prepared for. I'm confident in the capabilities of the Soldiers of the 449th CAB who can now be referred to as Task Force Hurricane."

TF Hurricane consists of Soldiers from the National Guard, expanding more than 13 states, active U.S. Army as well as the U.S. Air Force. This total force is comprised of many air assets such as UH-60 Blackhawks, HH-60 Medevacs, CH-47 Chinooks, AH-64 Apaches, unmanned aerial systems and fixed-wing aircraft.

The CAB will conduct unified land operations and provide aviation support to U.S. Coalition Forces in support of OIR. In addition, the unit will provide maintenance and sustainment operations across many countries as the only aviation asset.

• Date Taken: 12.22.2017
• Date Posted: 12.23.2017 06:00
• Story ID: 260127
• Location: IQ