By Spc. Bill Addison
50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Soldiers from Oklahoma and New Jersey lined the palace lounge walls at the United States Embassy (provisional) as the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team "Thunderbirds" turned over command of the Joint Area Support Group - Central to the 50th IBCT "Jersey Blues," in a transfer of authority ceremony, Sept. 27, 2008.
The members of the 45th IBCT, Oklahoma National Guard have been deployed here since February of this year, administering and securing the International Zone.
Marine Maj. Gen. Kenneth Gluek, Multi-National Force Iraq chief of staff presided over the ceremony, and thanked the 45th Commander, Brig. Gen. Myles Deering and his Thunderbirds for their accomplishments over the previous year.
"You have professionally managed and secured this global village and you have guided its inhabitants through some very difficult times; at one point enduring 41 consecutive days of indirect fire attacks. You have vigilantly kept watch and we owe the 45th a debt of gratitude."
Gluek also took the time to recognize the complexities of the JASG-C's mission, which he equated to performing all the major functions of running a medium sized city.
"To truly understand the scope of this mission, you need to understand that the IZ is no normal city," he said, noting the IZ is a global community with enormously complex administrative, diplomatic and security engagements.
Deering also took the time to recognize his Soldiers' accomplishments over the course of the deployment.
"We've worked together through many events, crisis and issues. We've endured numerous rocket and mortar attacks and we've always looked to the future to ensure a smooth transition to the International Zone," he said.
"While we are going to miss Myles and his team, we are lucky to have Colonel Steve Ferrari and the members of the 50th BCT," said Gluek. "Your mission is a difficult one, but I have the utmost confidence that you and your team will continue the essential work of the Joint Area Support Group."
The 50th, commanded by Ferrari, has been deployed since June of this year, and trained at Camp McGregor, N.M. in preparation for its mission in Baghdad.
"For the 50th IBCT, we stand, manned equipped and trained to assume the duties of the Joint Area Support Group Central. We look forward to the challenges that lie ahead in this complex environment as we transition the IZ back to the government of Iraq," said Ferarri.
"The Jersey Blues have the Con; mission first, people always!"