FOB LOYALTY " The Iraqi army's 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 6th Division, assumed control of Forward Operating Base Hope during a Transfer of Authority ceremony Thursday.
Relinquishing control of the base during the ceremony was Multi-National Division " Baghdad's 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.
"We stand in the company of those ready to accept the challenge of securing Iraq's future," said Lt. Col. Mark Bertolini, the commander of 3rd Bn.,67th AR, as he passed on the responsibility to Col. Hussain, the commander of 3rd Bn., 2nd Bde., 6th IAD.
"It is our honor to accept responsibility and take over the sovereignty of Sadr City," said Hussain.
FOB Hope is located in the northwest corner of the Thawra district in Baghdad and previously housed units of Saddam Hussein's regime prior to Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Hussain stated that his main objective for 2nd Bde., 6th IA Div. is building a unified, strong and independent Iraq. He thanked coalition forces for their partnership.
"We work side-by-side with the dedicated soldiers of the ISF every day," said Col. Thomas Vail, commander of 506th Inf. Rgmt., 101st Abn. Div. "The 2-6 IA is already patrolling and manning control points on a daily basis."
"To my brother and friend, Col. Hussain, I"d like to say that your soldiers look magnificent today," said Bertolini, a native of Long Island, NY.
The ceremony reflects the increasing responsibility for the Iraqis as their army gains control of more battle space throughout the region.
The ceremony included the playing of the Iraqi National Anthem, the uncasing of the 2nd Bde., 6th IA Div.'s colors, and remarks by both the outgoing and incoming commanders. Also included in the ceremony was a display of the Iraqi army's new motorized equipment, including humvees, and a martial-arts exhibition.
"The turnover of FOB Hope demonstrates the increased capabilities of the "Tiger" Brigade, and thus the Iraqi army," said Bertolini. "The 2nd Brigade has earned the reputation of a tough, well led and well trained unit."
| Date Taken: | 03.10.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 03.10.2006 16:56 |
| Story ID: | 5667 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 190 |
| Downloads: | 23 |
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