Lightning Strikes Twice

Courtesy Photo | Maj. Gen. Robert L. Caslen, Jr., Task Force Lightning commanding general, gives remarks at the Transfer of Authority ceremony held at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Dec. 9. He spoke after ordering the uncasing of the 25th Inf. Div. colors, which symbolized the start of the Tropic Lightning Division's deployment to Iraq.  

TIKRIT, IRAQ

12.10.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Corps Iraq Public Affairs

By Task Force Lightning Public Affairs

TIKRIT, Iraq — The event on stage at Contingency Operating Base Speicher's main gym must have looked very familiar to many Iraqi and U.S. leaders, military members and civilians in attendance. Only this time the team roles were reversed.

The 25th Infantry Division officially took charge of Multi-National Division – North from the 1st Armored Division during a ceremony, Dec. 9. The proverbial passing of the baton between these two distinguished U.S. Army divisions was a reversal of roles, as the 1AD, "Iron Soldiers," began their deployment in Northern Iraq in 2007 by replacing the "Tropic Lightning" warfighters of the 25th ID.

"This Transition of Authority, like all TOAs, is about the departing unit handing off the relay baton while at full speed. No drops of mission, or tasks," said Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commanding general, Multi-National Corps – Iraq. "The teamwork both division headquarters displayed during this transition is indicative of the race we are all in together, the race towards a stable and prosperous Iraq," said Austin.

Maj. Gen Robert L. Caslen, Jr., the 25th ID commanding general and incoming commander of Task Force Lightning readily accepted the baton to continue the ongoing partnership with the Iraqi government and Iraqi security forces towards a stable and lasting democracy.

"It is my distinct honor to answer the call of duty, as well as to serve alongside the great Iraqi and United States patriots, civil and military alike, in this just and noble cause," said Caslen, after uncasing the 25th ID colors and officially marking the return of Task Force Lightning to Northern Iraq.

Caslen stood before a crowd of more than 200 and described the mission ahead to all the service members under his command.

"Our mission is simple, yet tough," Caslen continued. "It is to defeat [al-Qaida in Iraq] and other anti-coalition and Iraq government elements, to protect and secure the Iraqi people, and to build capacity in the Iraqi security forces and the Iraqi government in order to establish a secure, stable, and growing Iraqi government and economy."

The 25th ID takes responsibility during a critical time in Iraq's history with Iraq at the crossroads of sustained security and democratic rule of law.

"At stake is whether freedom, opportunity, and decency will remain here in Iraq, or whether the darkness of terror, oppression and extremism will blot them out," said Calsen. "At stake is whether those who treasure the rights of free individuals will stand firm against the ruthless and pitiless men who wantonly slay the defenseless."

"You can count on each one of use to do our part to ensure Iraq and her citizens are secure, living within the rule of law, and where each has a hope for the future, for themselves, and for their loved ones," continued Caslen.

Caslen assumed the title of commanding general of MND – North, from Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, commanding general, 1st Armored Division, who returns with the unit colors and headquarters to Wiesbaden, Germany.

Hertling addressed the civilian and military leaders attending the ceremony from all four Iraqi provinces, Salah ad Din, Diyala, Kirkuk and Ninewa that comprise the operational environment of MND-N.

"Together," Hertling said about the legacy of Task Force Iron, "Arabs, Kurds, Shia, Sunni , coalitions forces - we have served the future with liberty for all people of Iraq."

"Today, my good friend Gen. Caslen will take this position, and he is as dedicated to future of Iraq as all of us were." Hertling said. "If you give him the great support and friendship you all gave me; together, there is no goal for the future of Iraq which we cannot reach."

The 25th ID, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, leads other U.S. units in Northern Iraq as the headquarters of Task Force Lightning. Major units in TFL include 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th ID (Fort Wainwright, Alaska); 3rd Infantry Brigadee Combat Team, 25th ID (Schofield Barracks, Hawaii); 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (Fort Hood, Texas) and the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade (Fort Drum, N.Y.).

• Date Taken: 12.10.2008
• Date Posted: 12.10.2008 15:10
• Story ID: 27473
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ