Cavalry squadrons transfer authority

CAMP PARSA, AFGHANISTAN

12.22.2011

Story by Staff Sgt. Jason Epperson 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The U.S. Army 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Raider, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Task Force Duke, handed over authority to the 1st Squadron (Airborne), 40th Cavalry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Task Force Spartan, in a transfer of authority ceremony on Camp Parsa, Dec. 22.

The outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Mark E. Borowski, a native of South Hadley, Mass., cased his unit’s colors as Lt. Col. Christopher J. Cassibry, a native of Gulf Shores, Ala., and commander of the 1st Squadron (Airborne), 40th Cavalry Regiment, assumed control of the region.

Col. Chris R. Toner, 3rd BCT, 1st Infantry Division commander from Topeka, Kan., and Col. Morris Goins, a native of Mount Airy, N.C., commander of the 4th ABCT, 25th Infantry Division, were on hand for the ceremony.

“I knew I could count on the cavalry to hold the high ground and take the fight to the enemy,” said Toner. “Task Force Raider’s accomplishments this past year are impressive. They conducted over 2,000 joint patrols, more than 700 key leader engagements, seven air-assault missions and a total of 16 medium and high risk focus targeting intelligence-driven operations.”

They also located and cleared 114 IEDs, killed or captured 59 insurgent leaders, and found and cleared five significant caches, according to Toner.

This marks the second time that the 1st Squadron (Airborne), 40th Cavalry Regiment has deployed to Camp Parsa, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It is also the second time around for several paratroopers in the unit as well.

“It’s kind of funny because I was in the exact same [billet] that I was in two years ago,” said Sgt. Carey Hall, the automations non-commissioned officer in charge, with Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron (Airborne), 40th Cavalry Regiment, who is a native of Fort Worth, Texas. “Until last night, I was even in the same room.”

The incoming commander said he’s optimistic about his upcoming mission.

“It’s a great day,” said Cassibry. “We’re looking forward to working with the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the [Afghan National Security Forces] and the people of the districts. We’re just excited to be back and to re-establish old relationships

• Date Taken: 12.22.2011
• Date Posted: 12.26.2011 07:34
• Story ID: 81766
• Location: CAMP PARSA, AF