411th takes helm of corps engineering efforts

BALAD, IRAQ

09.19.2006

Courtesy Story

210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

by Spc. Amanda Solitario
210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

LSA ANACONDA, Iraq —"Hooah," said Brig. Gen. Michael J. Silva, as the 411th Engineer Brigade took over responsibilities from the 130th Engineer Brigade in a Sept. 19 transfer of authority ceremony.

With the unit's colors uncased, Silva, the commander of the 411th Eng. Bde., officially assumed control from his predecessor, Col. Thomas W. Kula, commander of the 130th Eng. Bde.

"For the colors of the 411th, it's our first tour of duty," Silva said. "Our theme for our tour of service is plan, build, protect—assisting Iraq."

The mission of the reserve unit from New Windsor, N. Y. is to provide engineer support for coalition forces throughout Iraq during the next 12 months.

"To the Soldiers of the 411th, take charge," Silva said. "Now is the time to bring forward the leadership that you have exhibited and to demonstrate all of the training you have gone through."

The unit spent the last three months at Fort McCoy, Wis. training for the deployment, and Silva said his Soldiers are excited to undertake the duties that lie ahead.

"We are ready and prepared—tip of the spear," he said.
Silva thanked the 130th engineers for their sacrifices over the past year and noted the unit's exemplary patterns of selfless service.

As the 411th Eng. Bde. takes over, Kula expressed his optimism for the new brigade.

"The 411th assumes the mission as an extremely competent command and staff that is ready to take the engineer support to new heights," he said.

The 130th engineers leave behind a list of noteworthy achievements including the sweeping and clearing of more than 750 improvised explosive devices as well as the emplacement of more than 1,000 meters of bridges.

Kula spoke of the accomplishments of his unit and the sense of pride its Soldiers take home. Together, the unit cleared the way for other groups making the roads safer and more accessible, he said.

The 130th engineers honored the memory of the 16 fallen comrades who will not return home with them.

"We devote our accomplishments over the last year in their names," Kula said.

Maj. Gen. Daniel A. Hahn, deputy commanding general of Multi National Corps-Iraq, welcomed the engineers of the 411th to the team as he bid farewell to the 130th Eng. Bde.

"You have large shoes to fill, but there is no doubt that you are up to the challenge," Hahn said. "You have the confidence and support of all the MNC-I leadership."

• Date Taken: 09.19.2006
• Date Posted: 10.19.2006 09:44
• Story ID: 8063
• Location: BALAD, IQ