Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Attila Fazekas | British Army Capt, Adrian R. Craddock, Kineton, Warwickshire, England and U.S. Army...... read more read more
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq -- Members of the multi-national, multi-service team known as Task Force Troy gathered on July 15 at the 1st Cavalry Division's Moral Welfare and Recreation's Field House gym on Camp Liberty to say goodbye to their comrades from the British army with a flag casing ceremony.
Task Force Troy, Multi-National Corps-Iraq's counter improvised explosive device team, is charged with countering the IED threat posed to coalition forces by gathering and examining evidence left by IEDs.
"Our whole mission is to exploit the evidence left on the battle field," Col. Patrick J. Kelly, Fort Carson, Colo., commander of Task Force Troy said. "The Brits were very good at this and passed on their lessons learned in Northern Ireland."
"They have saved countless coalition lives," he added.
The departing British soldiers felt honored to have been called upon.
"It has been a great honor and privilege to bring our skill sets to the fight," British army Capt. Adrian R. Craddock, Kineton, Warwickshire, England, the senior most ranking British officer attached to TF Troy said.
The unit was called to attention and present arms, the Union Jack was lowered, Kelly and Craddock assumed their positions. The two officers, with obvious respect, began to slowly role the flag in preparation for casing.
For their contributions to the Task force, the soldiers received official recognition and awards.
Their departure from the Task Force and Iraq brought the British soldier's varied emotions from pride to disappointment.
British army Warrant Officer 2nd Class Darren J. Hankin, Taunton, Sommerset, England said, "I am sad; I would have liked to stay to the end of my tour. Obviously, with people leaving it is going to leave gaps. Our withdrawal has been hasty and I feel we left the U.S. in an uncomfortable position needing replacements."
"I feel immensely proud, but it is tainted with disappointment to be leaving before the end of my 6 month tour," British army Sgt. Peter J. Hunsperger, Salisbury, England said.
With those feelings in check, their colors cased and an air of military professionalism about them, Craddock had one last statement to make to the Task Force.
"Sirs, Maams, ladies and gentlemen, this is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Out!" he said.
| Date Taken: | 07.17.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.17.2009 09:55 |
| Story ID: | 36477 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 471 |
| Downloads: | 438 |
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