FORWARD OPERATING BASE APACHE, Afghanistan – The nine-month tour for 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division came to an official end in Afghanistan during a transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Apache, Afghanistan, Feb. 27, 2014.
The ceremony saw 3rd BCT, 1st Inf. Div., known as Combined Task Force Duke, part of Regional Command (South) in Afghanistan, hand its mission and responsibility in the Zabul area of operations over to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, which will be known as CTF Lethal.
Commanding CTF Duke is Col. William B. Ostlund and the command sergeant major is Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley K. Meyers.
The two cased their unit colors, which were uncased during a ceremony at FOB Apache back on July 1, 2013.
Ostlund spoke about CTF Duke’s mission, which was part of the International Security Assistance Force’s mission of training, advising and assisting, specifically the Afghan National Army’s 2nd Brigade, 205th Corps.
“Together we have accomplished a lot and are very close to successful historic elections (in Afghanistan),” Ostlund said, addressing the ANA leadership in the audience at the ceremony. “I am very proud of each of our partners and very confident you will deliver security to the population of Zabul and Afghanistan.
Combined Task force Duke now hands their mission to Lt. Col. Richard Garey, commander of CTF Lethal, and Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas Scott, who both uncased their units’ colors at the ceremony.
Garey thanked Ostlund for his help in setting up CTF Lethal for future success, while also giving a glimpse into the mission of CTF Lethal.
“Colonel Ostlund and CTF Duke, we recognize the sacrifices that your team has made- they were not in vain,” he said. “Zabul Province remains in capable hands. We look forward to serving the Soldiers, leaders, and people of Afghanistan and Zabul Province.”
Major General Paul J. LaCamera, Regional Command (South) and 4th Infantry Division commanding general, who was in attendance at the ceremony, thanked Ostlund and the rest of CTF Duke for their service to RC(S) and to the people of Afghanistan.
“After nine months of hard work and dedication to the mission, your brigade combat team can walk away proud for a job well done,” LaCamera said. “You capitalized on the hard work of your predecessors of years past, and in concert with your Afghan brothers in arms, your team has set the conditions for a stable future here in Zabul.”
LaCamera went on to address CTF Lethal and their future mission success in Zabul.
“Your unit, taking nothing for granted from its previous two tours in Afghanistan, has trained hard for this mission, and I am confident in your ability to perform the mission, continuing Duke’s momentum and the ANSF’s successes,” he said.
Garey will command CTF Lethal, as they will continue on in support the overall ISAF mission of training, advising, and assisting Afghan National Security Forces as they continue to be the lead force in providing security and stability for the people of Afghanistan.
Ostlund and the rest of CTF Duke will head home to Fort Knox, Kentucky, with what he says is a “job well done.”
“While our mission is not fully complete until we return home safely, I am proud of the work we have done here,” Ostlund said.