RCT-8 takes control of FOB Delaram II

DELARAM, AFGHANISTAN

02.06.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Clayton Vonderahe 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

DELARAM, Afghanistan - A change of authority is more than Marines coming and leaving, but rather a trust that the new regiment will take care of the base and its area of operation with the same care and concern as the predecessors.

Forward Operating Base Delaram II, Afghanistan, has developed considerably over the course of the year 2010, the credit belonging to Regimental Combat Team 2. After a year of progress, RCT-2 finished their deployment and handed over the base to the next incoming regiment, RCT-8.

To celebrate the occasion, both regiments gathered together with select VIPs to perform a Relief in Place and Transfer of Authority ceremony, aboard FOB Delaram II, on Feb. 6.

During the ceremony, both regimental commanders were presented with their unit’s battle colors. RCT-2 cased their colors in a bag and shortly after RCT-8 unfurled theirs, symbolizing transfer of authority.

“The ceremony of the colors is probably indicative of what’s going on here today,” said Col. Eric Smith, the commander of RCT-8, during the ceremony. “It takes a lot longer to case those colors then it does to unfold them.”

The ceremony was kept concise and upon completion the leaders were afforded an opportunity to discuss in a less formal environment.

Although the ceremony was brief, the actions spoke louder than words could. With the outgoing regiments colors retired and the incoming regiments colors unfurled, the transfer of authority was complete, and RCT-2 left their home for the past year in the capable hands of RCT-8.

• Date Taken: 02.06.2011
• Date Posted: 02.08.2011 01:04
• Story ID: 64969
• Location: DELARAM, AF