Provincial Reconstruction Team Paktika changes hands

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

03.11.2010

Courtesy Story

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

By USAF 2nd Lt. Mark Lazane

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan — In a morning ceremony attended by the provincial governor, several line directors and many other influential government leaders of Paktika province, commander Brian Hoyt assumed command of Provincial Reconstruction Team Paktika here Wednesday.

"This is a noble cause and it’s worth fighting for," said Hoyt. "Everyone who is here today, whether American or Afghan, has made a commitment to this fight."

The mission of the PRT is to assist in the stabilization and security of Paktika province by concentrating on development, governance and agriculture initiatives. The PRT will provide the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan with the tools necessary to provide for the long-term needs of the provincial population, said Hoyt.

Hoyt, a native of Phoenix, Ariz., leads a team of roughly 100 Air Force, Army and Navy service members from active duty, Reserve and National Guard units across the country. In addition, the PRT has several civilian workers from the Department of State, United States Agency for International Development, the United States Department of Agriculture and the local Afghan populace.

"Coalition forces have done outstanding jobs on security for Paktika," said Governor Abdul Qayum Katawazay," the governor of Paktika and the guest speaker for the ceremony. "A long time ago, Paktika didn’t have very good development. But now we can see development here. Paktika didn’t have schools, roads and bridges. But now we can see these developments for Paktika."

Hoyt takes command of the Paktika PRT team from Commander Timothy Cauthen.

"The Afghan people have a saying, ‘One flower does not Spring make," said Hoyt. "But when I look around, I see many flowers and I know that spring is coming."

Hoyt also directed some comments at the provincial governor.

"The team that stands before you represent the best America has to offer. I stand shoulder to shoulder with you. You have our full commitment that we are dedicated to defeating this insurgency. I cannot know for certain what steps we will take together, but I assure you we are ready to assist you in your job."

• Date Taken: 03.11.2010
• Date Posted: 03.11.2010 04:44
• Story ID: 46505
• Location: PAKTIKA PROVINCE, AF