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LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Task Force Knighthawk accepted responsibility for conducting air operations in Logar province during a transfer-of-authority ceremony on Forward Operating Base Shank Nov. 15.
The Fort Drum, N.Y.-based 2nd Battalion (Assault), 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, relieved TF Brawler from Hunter Army Airfield’s 4th Battalion (Assault), 3rd Aviation Regiment, which is redeploying after a year of supporting ground troops and protecting the populace in Logar, Wardak and Ghazni provinces. To the task forces, the changing of the guard represents reviewing recent accomplishments and anticipating opportunities to affect positive change.
“Words are cheap, and plentiful; deeds, however, are hard-won and scarce,” said Lt. Col. Robert T. Ault, TF Brawler commander from Orange, Calif. “We came here to make a difference, and we did. You protected the population, Task Force Brawler; you connected them to their government; you ruthlessly, and with great finesse, pursued and killed the enemy.”
During their deployment, TF Brawler conducted more than 100 ground-combat platoon operations, responded to 151 troops-in-contact situations and performed 498 medical evacuations. Also, TF Brawler conducted countless general support and refueling operations and numerous sensitive site exploitations.
Ault told his soldiers their story will be retold by generations of Afghans and Americans alike, that they prevailed regardless of their circumstances and that they should return home, with their shield, in honor. He told TF Knighthawk leadership the fight is now theirs and to carry on.
Lt. Col. Lars A. Wendt, TF Knighthawk commander, congratulated TF Brawler for the tremendous job they did. He said their area of operations is a different place because their efforts, tactics and success truly changed the lives of the Afghan people in the area of operations.
“While true success must be achieved by, with and through the Afghan people, Task Force Brawler has certainly played an integral part by assisting and laying the groundwork for a transition to the Afghan government in what has been described as one of the most challenging environments in the world,” said Wendt. “Have a safe trip home, and thank you for making this such an easy transition.”
Wendt said the TOA ceremony is “a tribute to the service, commitment and sacrifice of all the great Soldiers of Task Force Knighthawk.” Since redeploying to Fort Drum from an Operation Iraqi Freedom rotation only one year ago, he said they conducted more training than most units do in twice that time to prepare for this deployment.
“This meant not only sacrifice on their part but that of their Families as well,” said Wendt. “They did this all without hesitation and truly demonstrated the resolve and desire to be the absolute best the Army has to offer.
“They are the finest our country has to give, making our nation safe by fighting terrorism and helping the citizens of Afghanistan to be free and safe within their own country,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 11.15.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 11.19.2010 05:29 |
| Story ID: | 60462 |
| Location: | LOGAR PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 292 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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