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KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Task Force Destiny out of Fort Campbell, Ky., officially began its next "Rendezvous with Destiny" when it assumed control of aviation operations from TF Pegasus during a transfer of authority ceremony here, April 15.
The mission of TF Destiny is to conduct combat operations in support of coalition forces in Regional Command South and Regional Command West in order to interdict anti-coalition militia, facilitate friendly force freedom of movement and protect the Afghan population.
"We are honored to be a part of Regional Command South," said Col. William Gayler, TF Destiny commander. "Knowing full well the importance of our efforts here over the next year, both for the coalition, and most importantly, for the Afghan people."
TF Destiny embraces this vital mission, acknowledging the importance of their duty here.
"The command team of TF Destiny assume the tremendously important role of providing U.S. Army rotary wing aviation support to Regional Command South, Region Command West and critical medevac support to Regional Command North," said Col. Paul Bricker, TF Pegasus commander. "If I could select but one CAB to replace us, it would be this team."
The Soldiers and leaders of TF Destiny are confident in their ability to assume this mission which TF Pegasus has successfully accomplished.
"With the uncasing of our colors and assumption of the mission here today, I can confidently report that the Soldiers serving under these colors are extremely well prepared and focused on the important work which lies ahead," said Gayler.
TF Destiny conducted multiple training events focusing on both individual and collective tasks, including: Readiness level progression training for aviators and crew chiefs, performing mission essential tasks to accomplish successful joint and combined operations at the individual, crew and unit levels. High Altitude Aircraft Training at Fort Carson, Colo., challenged aviators with high-altitude flight planning and aircraft operations in mountainous environments, such as Afghanistan.
The brigade conducted multiple rotations through the Joint Readiness Training Center, improving unit readiness by creating realistic, stressful, joint and combined arms training, and National Training Center, a realistic battlefield practice across a range of military operations. They conducted command and control systems training with a brigade level Tactical Operations Center Exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., testing long- range communication capability, training on TOC operations, and verifying battle drills.
Additionally, the brigade's command and control was tested in a situation based Aviation Training Exercise at Fort Rucker, Ala., where all levels of the brigade confirmed their ability to plan, prepare, execute and maintain situational awareness of multiple complex missions.
"The Destiny team is well trained and well manned and certainly most well led," said Bricker.
As TF Destiny assumes the role of TF Pegasus here, there were many achievements and accomplishments to which they pay tribute. TF Pegasus was the only U.S. Army aviation brigade operating in RC South in support of Operation Enduring Freedom X when they arrived here May 15, 2009. Since then, TF Pegasus flew more than 86,000 hours, conducted more than 260 planned air assaults, transporting infantry troops, and executed more than 2,000 air movement operations, designed to move supplies, equipment and personnel.
TF Pegasus troopers moved more than 84,000 Soldiers and 6,000 tons of cargo during their time here. TF Pegasus transported more than 4,000 patients to forward surgical teams, more than 50 percent were Afghan national security forces and Afghan civilians, said Bricker.
"There is no doubt in my mind that Task Force Pegasus, under Col. Bricker's command, has more than lived up to this great divisions distinguished reputation," said Maj. Gen. Nick Carter, the deputy commander of RC South. "The statistics are most telling."
"There is much more that Pegasus Troopers have accomplished," said Bricker. "We are proud to have supported the coalition here in Afghanistan and earnestly pray for their safety and protection as this dangerous work here continues."
Aside from the facts, TF Pegasus accomplished their mission supporting RC South and RC West by being agile and ready.
"You've had to handle an extraordinary change in mindset, because midway through your tour of duty, our approach has switched from one focused on defeating an insurgency to one that is focused on protecting the population," said Carter. "A far more challenging doctrine that places respect, understanding and above all restraint at the forefront of operations. Whereas our generation measured gallantry on the bases of courage under fire, this generation will be judged on its ability to exercise restraint."
TF Destiny is eager and prepared to exceed these standards set by TF Pegasus in their next "Rendezvous with Destiny".
"I am most confident that the new Destiny team will raise the bar even higher in support of Regional Command South," said Bricker. "After having spent the last month overseeing the great team assume their vital role in providing medevac to three-fourths of Afghanistan, armed reconnaissance, air assault, aerial sustainment and general support airlift, you have my word that they are indeed ready to go."
| Date Taken: | 04.15.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 04.20.2010 11:26 |
| Story ID: | 48410 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 301 |
| Downloads: | 249 |
This work, Staging a Rendezvous with Destiny, by SGT Tracy R. Myers, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
