Task Force Marauder conducts guidon casing ceremony, hands over mission in Afghanistan

Photo By Capt. Jessica Donnelly | Task Force Marauder conducted a guidon casing ceremony June 23, 2018 to signify the completion of their mission in Afghanistan and officially hand over command to Task Force Panther, headquartered by the North Carolina National Guard, 1-130th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion. Task Force Marauder consists of Soldiers from South Carolina National Guard, Illinois National Guard, Iowa National Guard, as well as active duty component and provides aviation capabilities with AH64 Apaches, UH60 Black Hawks, CH47 Chinooks, and medevac assets in Afghanistan under the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade while deployed. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Jessica Donnelly, Task Force Marauder)  

AFGHANISTAN

06.23.2018

Story by Capt. Jessica Donnelly 

59th Aviation Troop Command

Task Force Marauder conducted a guidon casing ceremony June 23, 2018 to signify the completion of their mission in Afghanistan and officially hand over command to Task Force Panther, headquartered by the North Carolina National Guard, 1-130th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion (ARB).

“You have accomplished so much and you make me proud every day,” said Lt. Col. Brian Pipkin, Task Force Marauder commander. “Throughout this deployment, you never lost mission focus, always ensuring the aircraft were ready, properly maintained, fueled and armed. You excelled during combat operations in Afghanistan, integrating AH64 Attack, UH 60 and CH47 Lift, medevac, UAS, and an Infantry Aerial Reaction Force into a Battalion Aviation Task Force capable of conducting full spectrum aviation operations throughout the [Combined Joint Operations Area – Afghanistan]…Your actions protected the lives of others.”

Task Force Marauder consists of Soldiers from South Carolina National Guard, Illinois National Guard, Iowa National Guard, as well as active duty component and provided aviation capabilities with AH64 Apaches, UH60 Black Hawks, CH47 Chinooks, and medevac assets in Southern Afghanistan under the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade while deployed for 8 months.

“We are replaced by the 1-130th ARB. They are a very capable team of aviation professionals. They have outstanding leadership and I am certain they will excel at every juncture during their mission here,” added Pipkin.

Task Force Marauder conducted aviation operations throughout Southern Afghanistan and Task Force Panther will take on the same mission with Soldiers from the North Carolina National Guard, Maine National Guard, District of Columbia National Guard, Hawaii National Guard, as well as active duty service members from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade.

“You guys have accomplished a great deal…it’s a great deal of a mission to assume,” concluded Lt. Col. Benny Collins, Task Force Panther commander.

• Date Taken: 06.23.2018
• Date Posted: 06.23.2018 10:14
• Story ID: 282059
• Location: AF