Steel Brigade assumes ARCENT FFAHQ mission

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

01.18.2019

Story by Capt. Natasha Fultz-Castro 

18th Field Artillery Brigade

AL MINHAD AIRBASE, United Arab Emirates — Soldiers with 18th Field Artillery Brigade, 65th Field Artillery Brigade, Emirati Artillery Corps and other coalition forces assembled for the transfer of authority ceremony, Jan. 17, at Al Minhad Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The ceremony solidified the transfer of authority as the U.S. Army Central Force Field Artillery Headquarters from the 65th Field Artillery Brigade to the 18th Field Artillery Brigade.
As Col. Adam Robinson, 65th Field Artillery Brigade commander, reflected on his mission end state, he spoke about the relationships built, and the partnerships strengthened within the region. Robinson looked around the auditorium and told the Soldiers of his unit that he was humbled by their dedication to the mission, the U.S. Army and the nation.
Maj. Gen. Benjamin Corell, the 34th Infantry Division commanding general, highlighted 65th Field Artillery Brigade, America’s Thunder, and its success in the region.
The role of our field artillery brigade in Task Force Spartan is to provide targeting capabilities, precision lethal fire options, and provide key subject matter expertise as we work with our regional partners, he said. The 65th Field Artillery Brigade has performed at a high level from start to finish, taking the value of Task Force Spartan’s field artillery brigade to the next level during their time in theater, said Corell.
Corell welcomed Col. Joseph Roller, 18th Field Artillery Brigade commander, and the Steel Brigade while challenging them to the task that lies ahead. The responsibility for this important mission; one that has been carefully and successfully managed by the 65th Field Artillery Brigade, is now placed squarely on the shoulders of the 18th Field Artillery Brigade, he said. Corell expressed his confidence in the brigade, and its leadership, by stating that he knows the unit is prepared for the challenge.
We look forward to working alongside our allies and friends in the coming months and further building partnerships and camaraderie, said Roller, during the ceremony. The troopers of the Steel Brigade are excited for the challenges and opportunities that come with this diverse and critical mission, he said.
Leading up to the deployment, the 18th Field Artillery Brigade conducted multiple training exercises to prepare the unit for its mission in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Operation Spartan Shield is the U.S. effort to strengthen defense relationships, build partner capacity, maintain readiness and when necessary, execute contingency plans. These efforts are facilitated through theater security cooperation activities, such as key leader engagements, exercises, conferences, symposiums and humanitarian assistance and disaster response planning.

• Date Taken: 01.18.2019
• Date Posted: 02.18.2019 01:57
• Story ID: 308452
• Location: AE