Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft
Multi National Division - Center Public Affairs Office
BAGHDAD — One year after its formation, 3rd Civil Affairs Battalion has completed the deployment for which it was created, and is heading home.
A transfer of authority ceremony was held Feb. 28 at Camp Slayer for the battalion to officially hand over responsibility for the Multi-National Division – Center civil affairs mission to 401st Civil Affairs Battalion.
"Over the last year, the 3rd CA Battalion integrated seamlessly with the 3rd Infantry Division, working to rekindle hope for Iraqis in the MND-C area of operations when many thought that the battle was unwinnable," said 360th Civil Affairs Brigade commander Col. Hugh Van Roosen. "They became the masters of the Marne kinetic in the land of the two rivers."
During its attachment to 3rd Inf. Div., the battalion made significant strides in the areas of security, reconstruction, governance, economics and humanitarian assistance.
"Under the steadfast leadership of (Navy) Captain (Donald) McMahon and 1st Sergeant (Robert) Fletcher, the battalion conducted nearly 3,000 missions without incident," Van Roosen said. "Businesses were reopened, infrastructure was refurbished and capacity was restored.
"This period has seen an utterly impressive decline in attacks and violence that is clearly linked to the efforts of the 3rd CA Battalion. Two provinces have been returned to Iraqi control, with two more soon to follow. The professionalism, dedication and valor of the members of the 3rd CA Battalion contributed directly to the success enjoyed by MND-C," Van Roosen said.
The battalion is a provisional unit, made up of 207 service members from all branches of the military, brought together specifically to support MND-C.
"Our vision was to be acknowledged as the world's finest civil affairs battalion, second to none, ready to fight hard and win," said McMahon, 3rd CA Bn. commander. "Organization may have been a bit messy at times, but the leaders and non-commissioned officers worked through the issues and I believe the results speak for themselves."
Among other accomplishments, the battalion disbursed more than $150 million in reconstruction projects such as the Iskandariyah Industrial Complex and worked hand-in-hand with the Babil Provincial Reconstruction Team in supporting the government of Iraq.
The battalion also distributed $2.3 million in humanitarian aid packages made up of food, construction and medical aid materials to local communities.
McMahon thanked all of his Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen for a job well done.
"When we first came together," he said, "I challenged all of us to look ourselves in the mirror ... we'd see wonderful Americans at a specific time in history, committed to making a positive impact in Iraq, in support of our country's goals and objectives.
"I also asked if you wanted to be a 'star' – safety first ... train to fight hard and win; achievement of excellence in all that you do and respect for yourselves and each other ... I think I can answer yes to both of those."
McMahon then addressed his team's successors.
"We turn the reigns over to Lt. Col. (Jon Regan) Walters, Command Sgt. Maj. (Stephen) Coville and the 401st Civil Affairs Battalion," he said. "The battalion is healthy, experienced and ready to go. We look forward to reading about your successes over the next three months."
The colors of the 401st CA Bn. were unfurled and blowing in the breeze, with those of the 3rd CA Bn. re-cased and prepared to depart.
"We're really proud today to be taking over from the 3rd Provisional CA Battalion in support of 3rd ID and Task Force Marne," Walters said. "Because of their hard work and accomplishments, Iraq is a safer place. The Soldiers of the 401st CA Battalion will strive to build upon the foundation that the 3rd CA has left us. They've built a good foundation for us. We intend to work to achieve an irreversible momentum as we go forward."