U.S. takes over mission at Mount Goles

Photo By Spc. Brian Holloran | Cpl. Ntanos Apostolos, Hellas Company, lowers the Greek flag during a Transfer of Authority ceremony, Aug. 16, at Mount Goles, Kosovo. During the ceremony the Hellas Company officially turned over command of the communications antennae to the A Company, 1st Battalion, 296th Infantry Regiment.  

MOUNT GOLES, KOSOVO

08.24.2010

Story by Pfc. Brian Holloran 

130th Public Affairs Detachment

MOUNT GOLES, Kosovo - Soldiers from A Company, 1 Battalion, 296th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Multinational Battle Group East, officially took over the mission at Mount Goles from Hellas Coy during a Transfer of Authority ceremony, Aug. 16.

The ceremony, held at the secured site at Mount Goles in Eastern Kosovo, included the lowering of the Greek flag and the raising of the U.S. flag in the center of the camp, signifying the change of responsibility for the mission.

"The soldiers of Hellas Coy did an exceptional job at Mount Goles. They successfully ensured that the safe and secure environment was maintained" said Col. Francisco J. Neuman, commander of Multinational Battle Group East, and a member of the Puerto Rico National Guard. "They have been an instrumental part of the KFOR mission, and were very helpful in transitioning the Mount Goles mission to the U.S. Coy."

"We are looking forward to this mission, it should be a good time for my soldiers," said 1st Lt. Alexis Avellanet, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, platoon leader, 296th. "We will be rotating Soldiers out here throughout our time on Goles."

While on Mount Goles, the soldiers of the 296th will be responsible for maintaining the security of the numerous communication antennae as well as maintaining a safe and secure environment and ensuring locals have freedom of movement throughout the area.

Even though they will be at the secluded location, the soldiers of the 296th are looking forward to the unique opportunities provided by the mission.

"This will be a good experience for my soldiers, "said 1st Lt. Avellanet. "Being away from the base will give my guys time to focus on any schooling they are taking, plus we will be interacting with the Italian and Portuguese armies while here. It'll be a good experience for all of us."

With the Transfer of Authority completed, the Greeks will head back to Camp Rigas Ferros, but they aren't worried about the job the soldiers from Puerto Rico will do while at Goles.

"I'm happy to get my guys back to Rigas Ferros," said Greek 1st Lt. Kostas Karanikolos. "I know the Americans will do a great job here, at least as good as we did, probably a better one and if they need any help or have any questions, my soldiers and I will be there to help them."

• Date Taken: 08.24.2010
• Date Posted: 08.24.2010 12:39
• Story ID: 55109
• Location: MOUNT GOLES, ZZ