35th CAB Assumes Responsibility In OIR And OSS Missions

Photo By Sgt. Emily Finn | U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Chad Franks, left, Deputy Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, U.S. Army Col. Charles Hausman, center, Commander of the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), and Command Sgt. Maj. Javier Acosta, right, Command Sergeant Major of the 35th CAB, bow their heads during the invocation at a ceremony in a CH-47 Chinook helicopter hanger at Camp Taji Military Complex, Iraq, Aug. 28, 2018. The ceremony signified the transfer of authority from the 449th CAB to the 35th CAB.  

TAJI, IRAQ

08.28.2018

Story by Sgt. Emily Finn 

35th Combat Aviation Brigade

CAMP TAJI MILITARY COMPLEX, Iraq – During a late-morning ceremony in a CH-47 Chinook helicopter hangar called the “Thunderdome,” the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) cased their brigade colors, signifying the transfer of authority of combat aviation operations in the Middle East to the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade here Aug. 28, 2018.

The 449th CAB, headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina, spent the past nine months supporting Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield.

Since December 2017, the brigade controlled three task forces, which collectively moved more than 4.2 million pounds of cargo and over 60,000 passengers. Between rotary-wing helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and fixed-wing assets, the brigade flew about 37,000 hours, said Capt. Brandon Heimericks, the Air Movement Request Cell Officer assigned to the 35th CAB.

After the 449th’s command team rolled up their brigade colors, or flag, the 35th’s command team, U.S. Army Col. Charles Hausman, Brigade Commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Javier Acosta uncased the 35th CAB’s colors, accepting authority and responsibility of combat aviation operations.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Chad Franks, Deputy Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, addressed the formations following the transfer.

“The 35th CAB is no stranger to combat operations,” said Franks. “Today, they embark on their third deployment to the Middle East, this time in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield.”

The 35th CAB deployed to Iraq in 2002 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and to Kuwait in 2012 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom – Kuwait.

Here, they will be charged with providing command and control of combat aviation operations throughout the Middle East. The brigade will provide air movement, air assault and reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and quick reaction force support to U.S. and coalition forces.

“I look forward to watching Task Force Trailblazer, in close formation with our coalition partners and Iraqi partners, ensure continued success for CJTF-OIR,” said Franks.

Each battalion assigned to the 35th CAB held ceremonies signifying the transfer of authority. The 1-108th Assault Helicopter Battalion, headquartered in Topeka, Kansas, uncased their colors during a ceremony the same day in Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

The 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, from West Jordan, Utah, held their ceremony Aug. 27, 2018, in the “Thunderdome.”

The 248th Aviation Support Battalion (ASB) also recently transferred authority to the 935th ASB, from Springfield, Missouri, in a ceremony Aug. 26, 2018, at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

• Date Taken: 08.28.2018
• Date Posted: 09.04.2018 09:12
• Story ID: 291282
• Location: TAJI, IQ
• Hometown: SEDALIA, MO, US
• Hometown: SPRINGFIELD, MO, US
• Hometown: TOPEKA, KS, US
• Hometown: WEST JORDAN, UT, US