Spartans take official command of Wardak, Logar provinces

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

02.18.2009

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 101

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Spartan, recently took over command in Logar, Feb. 5, and Wardak, Feb. 7, within Regional Command - East.

Ceremonies at Forward Operating Bases Shank and Airborne officially marked the transfer of authority from 4th Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, TF Currahee to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, TF Spartan.

Forward Operating Base Shank is now commanded by Army Lt. Col. George Pitt, commander of 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Army Lt. Col. Kimo Gallahue, commander for 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment and Army Lt. Col. Michael Gable, commander for 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment, took command at FOB Airborne.

TF Currahee will continue its mission with Khost, Gardez and Paktya provinces.

The transition between units was smooth, as the outgoing unit provided strong support and guidance while Spartan troops settled into their new areas of operation, according to the inbound leadership.

"The Soldiers of Apache Battalion, 4th BDE, 101st Airborne Division will leave here having ensured the Soldiers of Task Force Spartan will seamlessly continue the work they have started," said Pitt.

As Spartan leaders bid farewell to Currahee Soldiers, they said they look forward to the rapport they will form with Afghan leaders.

"I'd like to thank [Task Force] Currahee for the outstanding work they have done over their time in [these provinces]," said Gable. "They have established a firm foundation which we can build upon to bring security, stability and sustainability to the people of Afghanistan."

Provincial governors of Logar and Wardak each attended their respective TOA ceremonies. Governors Atiqullah Ludin, Logar province, and Mohammad Halim Fidai, Wardak province, were each honored guests during the ceremonies. They expressed their gratitude to TF Currahee for their efforts during the last year and welcomed TF Spartan into Logar and Wardak.

"The hope has returned to Afghanistan," said Fidai, governor of Wardak province. "With your coming you have discouraged the bad guys -- the enemies of peace, stability and prosperity."

"We look forward to working side by side with all the citizens of Wardak [and Logar]," said Gable. "We look forward to supporting their efforts to develop the villages and towns into communities full of opportunities for its citizens and a better life for its children."

TF Spartan will remain in the Wardak and Logar provinces until the beginning of next year as the first unit to illustrate the influx of military troops into all areas of Afghanistan.

• Date Taken: 02.18.2009
• Date Posted: 02.18.2009 11:02
• Story ID: 30162
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF