Task Force Freedom transfers authority to Task force Band of Brothers

Photo By Spc. Anna-Marie Risner | MOSUL, Iraq (Dec. 30, 2005) -- Major Gen. Thomas Turner, commander, Task Force Band od Brothers, and Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey, commander, Multinational Security Transition Command - Iraq, talk after the transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Diamondback Dec. 30.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

12.31.2005

Courtesy Story

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

by Spc. Anna-Marie Risner
133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

MOSUL, Iraq (Dec. 30, 2005) -- The Rendezvous continues. Soldiers from Alaska to Korea gathered at Forward Operating Base Diamondback Dec. 30 to witness the turnover of Multinational Forces-North from Task Force Freedom to Task Force Band of Brothers.

Major Gen. Thomas Turner, commander, 101st Airborne Division and Task Force Band of Brothers, accepted responsibility for Nineveh and Dahuk provinces from Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez, commander, Task Force Freedom -- marking the second time the Screaming Eagles have controlled this region.

"It is with great pride that the Screaming Eagles return to Nineveh and Dahuk provinces and continue our great partnership with the people of this region," Turner said, "a partnership that is certain to make progress within Iraq."

Turner noted that TF Band of Brothers will pick up where TF Freedom left off -- working toward Iraq's independence. Much progress has been made in the region during TF Freedom's time in Iraq.

"In that ensuing period [TF Freedom's command], Iraq has held two national elections, seated a national assembly, drafted a constitution, ratified a constitution, selected a permanent government, and trained over 100 battalions of Army forces and over 100,000 police," said Lt. Gen. John Vines, commander, Multinational Corps-Iraq. "The transition has been absolutely startling and compelling â?¦ it's been unprecedented what's been accomplished in a year."

Rodriguez also reflected on the accomplishments of his task force, not only in battle, but also in working with the people in their region.

"Very early on, with the leadership that we got to work with, we were able to build a tremendous trust and confidence between each other and the Iraqi people," he said. "When one looks into the Iraqi peoples" eyes and search into their souls, you will know why we are here and why we do what we do."

In addition, he noted despite their many successes, it was time for his Soldiers to return home and a new group of leaders and troops to take over.

"The Soldiers of Task Force Freedom have done their part," he said, "and now it's time to transition this battle space to Task Force Band of Brothers."

The ceremony marked the final step in battle space turnover to 101st Abn. Div. command. With the Screaming Eagles poised to embark on their newest Rendezvous with Destiny, Vines reminded leaders of what is needed to truly win the fight for Iraq's freedom.

"The freedom and security of Iraq cannot be won by force," he said. "It must be won through the political process. And because of the sacrifice of the Soldiers of Task Force Freedom and the Iraqi Army force, we are well on our way to doing that."

• Date Taken: 12.31.2005
• Date Posted: 12.31.2005 13:01
• Story ID: 4248
• Location: MOSUL, IQ