Photo By Sgt. Kimberly Drier | CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - Maj. Gen. William Webster Jr., commanding general, 3rd Infantry...... read more read more
By Master Sgt. Eric Lobsinger
Task Force Ironhorse PAO
BAGHDAD --As Iraqi Army and coalition partners looked on, the 3rd and 4th Infantry Divisions commemorated the completion of their "Transfer of Authority" during a ceremony at the Multi-National Division-Baghdad headquarters at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Maj. Gen. William Webster Jr., the commanding general of 3rd Inf. Div., along with Command Sgt. Maj. William Grant, officially cased the "Marne" Division's colors, signifying the successful completion of the division's mission as the Multi-National Division-Baghdad from Feb. 28, 2005 through Jan. 7, 2006. The division colors will again be uncased during a ceremony after its redeployment back to Fort Stewart, Ga.
Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman, the commanding general of 4th Inf. Div., along with Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Riling, uncased the "Ironhorse" Division's colors, signifying the division assuming the mantle of responsibility as Multi-National Division-Baghdad. The division cased its colors before deploying from Fort Hood, Texas, during a ceremony Oct. 28.
Lt. Gen. John Vines, the commanding general of Multi-National Corps-Iraq, served as the reviewing officer for the ceremony. Also attending were several senior Army leaders from throughout the theater as well as Gen. Babader Zebari, the Chief of Staff of Iraqi Armed Forces; Lt. Gen. Abadi, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Iraqi Joint Staff; and Maj. Gen. Mobdir, commander of the 6th Iraqi Army Division.
"This ceremony symbolizes the transfer of authority. There's another symbolism of course " the Soldiers who serve under those colors are conducting operations throughout the Multi-National Division-Baghdad sector," said Vines, commenting on the fact the 3rd and 4th Infantry Division Soldiers were continuing to conduct operations even as the ceremony progressed.
Baghdad is the most complex environment in the world, he continued, as it steadily moves toward democracy. The two divisions have served brilliantly in the Iraqi theater.
"The 3rd Infantry Division is the first U.S. division to serve two complete tours in Iraq, he said. "No unit in the United States Army has been busier, more deployed or has seen as much combat as the 3rd Infantry Division.
As they return home to their families and loved ones, he said, they go with the thanks of a grateful nation of Iraq, and the United States, and with the knowledge that they have done their duties brilliantly.
The ceremony signifies a day marked with both happiness and sadness, said Webster, after casing the Marne Division's colors.
"We are happy to have shared in the successes of the Iraqi people this year and proud to have served the cause of freedom alongside so many brave Iraqi men and women," he said.
Much has been accomplished between the coalition and Iraqi forces together, he added.
"We have worked together to fight within the rules of law to beat these terrorists and to put them in jail," he said. "Together we will win this fight for democracy.
"We wish you well in the year ahead. Freedom, peace and prosperity will come with continued hard work and sacrifice. We are proud to have been a part of it. Thank you. Rock of the Marne!"
Thurman followed Webster at the podium and said it was an honor to be in the great country of Iraq and the historic city of Baghdad and an honor to assume command of the 30,000 Soldiers of Multi-National Division-Baghdad from his close friend, Maj. Gen. Webster.
"To Maj. Gen. Webster and the Marne Division Soldiers: We have watched your selfless service and professionalism from afar," he said. "On behalf of the 4th Infantry Division, I want to thank you for the magnificent job you have done over the past 12 months. I also want to thank you for the seamless transition between our two divisions.
"We will never forget the sacrifices made by Marne Division Soldiers and the people of Iraq. We admire the courage of the Soldiers and police patrolling the streets and villages, and we admire the courage of the Iraqi citizens who bravely went to the polls to vote."
Over the next year, he added, Task Force Ironhorse Soldiers will continue to build on the Marne Divisions successes and will continue to foster the partnership with its Iraqi brothers as it continues to move forward.
"This year will be the decisive period for the campaign in Iraq. I look forward to working with the newly elected government, the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Police. Together, we will be successful.
"On October 28, 2005, we cased our division's colors at Fort Hood, Texas, signifying the start of our deployment to Iraq. Today we uncase those colors and assume the responsibility for the Multinational Division " Baghdad Area of Operations. Ironhorse! Steadfast and Loyal!"
| Date Taken: | 01.09.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 01.09.2006 09:58 |
| Story ID: | 5012 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 134 |
| Downloads: | 27 |
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