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    44th IBCT relieves 10th Mountain’s 2nd BCT in command of Task Force Guardian

    Task Force Guardian TOA

    Photo By Staff Sgt. Bruce Daddis | A transfer of authority for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve’s...... read more read more

    Erbil Air Base, Iraq – The transfer of authority for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve’s Task Force Guardian was conducted between the commands of the New Jersey Army National Guard’s 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and 10th Mountain Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team at Erbil Air Base, Iraq, April 4, 2024. The ceremony was presided over by CJTF-OIR commander Maj. Gen. J.B. Vowell.

    The 44th IBCT, commanded by Col. Brian J. Stramaglia, assumes command of Task Force Guardian from the outgoing 2nd BCT, 10th Mountain Division commander, Col. Scott D. Wence. This command provides force protection and helps to advise, assist, and enable partner forces to defeat Daesh in designated areas of Iraq and Syria as part of the CJTF-OIR mission, setting the conditions for long-term security and stability in the region.

    “This is a great responsibility that I’m confident in meeting. This is our brigade’s largest deployment since 2008, and we’re ready to meet the challenges in front of us in order to continue the great legacy of our organization,” said Stramaglia. “I look forward to continuing the excellent work of Col. Wence, as well as our ongoing partnership with our host nation and coalition partners during our time here. Our work will go a long way in ensuring long-term security and prosperity for the people of Iraq and Syria. We are absolutely one mission, many nations.”

    Col. Wence and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Donaldson were both awarded the Legion of Merit for their service in support of CJTF-OIR from Maj. Gen. Vowell.

    “We need leadership who can perform and adapt under external pressure in an environment like this, and these two are the epitome of that and they performed superbly,” emphasized Vowell. “Nobody is in contact across the globe like this unit. This leadership unit had to adapt, had to overcome, had to improvise, and innovate during all this contact, and that is a testament to the leadership of these individuals.

    “In the Jersey Blues, their tradition dating back to the Revolutionary War, with Col. Stramaglia and CSM Kirkpatrick, we have an incredible team who have done this before. I am confident that they are proven, competent, and committed to continue this mission and the legacy of those before them, and I know they are up to the task.”

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 04.04.2024
    Date Posted: 04.07.2024 07:25
    Story ID: 467857
    Location: IRBIL, IQ
    Hometown: LAWRENCEVILLE, NEW JERSEY, US

    Web Views: 1,920
    Downloads: 0

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