Task Force 38 transfers authority to CAB, 1ID

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Houx | Indiana Army National Guard Col. David C. Wood, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. John A. Watson, the commander and top enlisted Soldier for the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade, encase the unit's colors during a transfer of authority ceremony, Monday, June 7, at Joint Base Balad Iraq. During the brigade's 10-month deployment, the unit conducted full-spectrum aviation operations including rotary- and fixed-wing direct and general support aviation missions in support of United States Forces - Iraq. These missions included air assault, air movement, medevac operations, re-supply and VIP support.  

JOINT BASE BALAD, IRAQ

06.08.2010

Story by Sgt. Elizabeth Houx 

Task Force 38

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Task Force 38 transferred authority of its corps-level aviation mission to Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division in a ceremony at Joint Base Balad Monday, June 7.

During Task Force 38's nearly yearlong deployment the unit conducted full-spectrum aviation operations including rotary- and fixed-wing direct and general support aviation missions in support of United States Forces - Iraq. These missions included air assault, air movement, medevac operations, re-supply and VIP support.

The Task Force 38 commander, Col. David C. Wood thanked the Soldiers who worked to make those missions successful that helped stabilize Iraq.

"The shift in Operation Iraqi Freedom from combat to stability operations is what success in Iraq looks like," said Wood during his ceremony speech. "Iraq is forming a new government, and Iraqi security forces are increasing their capacity. Iraq's march toward stability and self-reliance are a result of your determination and hard work. Your efforts directly impacted the stability of the region and the security of the United States.".

Task Force 38 executed more than 4,600 tactical missions, more than 26,000 flight hours, and safely transported more than 80,000 passengers and more than seven million pounds of time sensitive cargo.

Wood also thanked 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Regiment; 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment; 244th Aviation Brigade; A Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment; B Company, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment; C Company, 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment; and 597th Ordnance Company; which organized to make the Task Force 38 missions happen.

"These units formed a cohesive task force fully embracing the mission of supporting the ground commander," said Wood.

The CAB, 1ID, headquartered at Camp Taji, assumed those missions with the transfer of authority, and is set to become the only Army aviation headquarters unit in Iraq.

The unit's commander, Col. Frank Muth, remarked on how his unit will complete the missions.

"This will be accomplished by the privates, the sergeants, the warrants (warrant officers), the junior leaders doing the right thing, making decisions, instilling pride and enforcing the standards and discipline," said Muth during his ceremony speech.

He also commented on the breadth and scope of his unit's responsibilities.

"As the largest Army aviation formation in history conducting operations across a vast area, we must entrust our Soldiers and empower our leaders to make decisions, find efficiencies and develop systems that ensure mission accomplishment," said Muth. "And of course while doing this; never forgetting what we do is always focused in support of the Soldier on the ground."

The CAB, 1ID consists of more than 230 aircraft and approximately 3,600 Soldiers. According to Muth, they will cover an area as long as California and as wide as Texas during their deployment in Iraq.

• Date Taken: 06.08.2010
• Date Posted: 06.08.2010 09:14
• Story ID: 51056
• Location: JOINT BASE BALAD, IQ