'Longknife' Squadron troopers support NATO’s transfer of FOB Rustamiyah enclave to Iraqi government

Photo By David Overson | Lithuanian Army Lt. Col. Viktoras Bagdonas, chief of staff for the Lithuanian Army "Griffin" Brigade, stands outside of the Lithuanian Tactical Operation Center during Allied Spirit VII, which took place at the U.S. Army's Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Nov. 18, 2017. Approximately 4,050 service members from 13 nations are participating in exercise Allied Spirit VII at 7th Army Training Command’s Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Oct. 30 to Nov. 22, 2017. Allied Spirit is a U.S. Army Europe-directed, 7ATC-conducted multinational exercise series designed to develop and enhance NATO and key partner’s interoperability and readiness. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. David Overson)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.13.2011

Courtesy Story

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs

By 2nd Lt. Peter Choe
2nd AAB, 1st Inf. Div., USD-C

BAGHDAD—Soldiers with Blackfoot Troop, 5th “Longknife” Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division –Center supported personnel with the NATO Training Mission – Iraq as NATO transferred over its last enclave at Rustamiyah, Iraq, to the Iraqi government, Aug. 18.

Over several days during the week of Aug. 15, the Longknife Squadron secured the helicopter landing zone, provided security around the base, and acted as a quick-reaction force during the transfer of the enclave. In addition, the squadron transported several NATO personnel back to Victory Base Complex in its convoy after the handover.

In 2009, much of Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah was signed over to Iraqi government authority, but a small NATO presence remained to advise officer trainees with the Iraqi Army. Sometimes referred to as the “West Point of the Tigris,” FOB Rustamiyah’s purpose was to advise and mentor Iraqi officers to better serve Iraq.

For many of the squadron’s troopers, this was their first experience with NATO allies.

“We got to talk with the NATO personnel on a daily basis and see a different perspective from the British, Polish and Lithuanian forces,” said Spc. Douglass Gilmer, with B Troop, 5th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt. and a Suwanee, Ga., native. “The brotherhood of arms hails from many different traditions and it was great to hear their origins.”

The NATO force was a diverse collection of member nations—American, British, Lithuanian, and Polish officers and senior non-commissioned officers. When Blackfoot Troop arrived at Rustamiyah, the NATO personnel welcomed them with a barbeque.

“Like any good host, our NATO allies made us feel welcome and integrated into their unit,” said 1st Lt. Brian Peters, a platoon leader with B Troop, 5th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt. and a Canton, Ohio native.

There was still work to do, and Blackfoot Troop and the NATO personnel worked together over the following days to ensure that the withdrawal of personnel from the base went smoothly. On the night of the final withdrawal, the combined rehearsals paid dividends as the allies secured the landing zone quickly and quietly.

Laying in wait, the tension grew until the distinctive whirring of helicopter blades signaled safety and reassurance. Moments later, CH-47 Chinook helicopters touched down, taking the NATO team to their respective countries’ follow-on missions. As the whir of the blades faded into the distance, the Longknife troopers prepared for their own follow-on mission at daybreak.

Rustamiyah’s closure was an operation that included weeks of planning, preparation and coordination culminating in decisive moments of execution. Blackfoot Troop conducted multiple joint rehearsals and briefings so the operation could proceed in an organized and timely manner.

“For two elements that had not worked together prior, it was truly a privilege to witness the spirit of cooperation that enabled the success of the operation,” said Peters.

• Date Taken: 09.13.2011
• Date Posted: 09.13.2011 14:35
• Story ID: 76961
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ