By Spc. Jonathan Montgomery
BAGHDAD -- A transfer of authority ceremony marked the completion of the 504th Military Intelligence Brigade's, out of Fort Hood, Texas, intelligence support mission to III Corps and Multinational Corps Iraq, Dec. 16, on Camp Victory in Baghdad.
"The 504th is a first-class outfit that met its challenges head on," said Maj. Gen. Walter Natynczk, deputy commanding general, MNC - I. "I thank every 504th Soldier for his or her service as we prepare for Iraqi elections and continue to defeat the insurgency."
The TOA also signaled the beginning of the 525th MI Bde.'s, out of Fort Bragg, N.C., intelligence support to ongoing missions in Iraq.
Col. Foster P. Payne II, the outgoing commander of intelligence operations for OIF II, hailed those who served under his command.
"In those cased colors are the achievements of thousands of Soldiers and civilians and the blood of our comrades," he said. "The 504th collected intelligence that has led to the capture of many black list operatives."
The achievements, however, have cost a human toll, said Payne.
Two Soldiers, 1st Lt. Michael W. Vega, 223rd MI Battalion, and Sgt. Cari A. Gasiewicz, 202nd MI Bn., made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation throughout the past year, he said.
The 504th represents all tactical intelligence disciplines, explained Cpt. Sara M. Lacy, adjutant, 504th MI Bde.
The unit's capabilities include analysis and production, imagery intelligence, air -- based signals intelligence, and the human intelligence functions of interrogation and counterintelligence, she explained.
The 504th MI Bde. traces its lineage to the early days of World War II as the 137th Signal Radio Intelligence Company (Aviation) where the unit received battle streamers for the campaigns of Northern France, Central Europe and the Rhineland.
At its peak, the 504th has had more than 1,500 Soldiers comprised of one aerial exploitation battalion, three tactical exploitation battalions and one operations battalion all supporting III Corps, MNC -- I and Central Command operations.
"The 504th MI Bde. colors will now remain cased until the brigade returns to its home base of Fort Hood, Texas," said Lacy as the TOA ceremony came to a successful end. "Only then will they be uncased, to be called upon again to answer our nation's call, anytime, anywhere."
| Date Taken: | 01.04.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 01.04.2005 09:21 |
| Story ID: | 771 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 127 |
| Downloads: | 23 |
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