CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, New Jersey Army National Guard, known as Task Force Warrior, assumed control of security responsibilities from 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, known as Task Force Alamo, for Combined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 15, 2019.
During the ceremony, Task Force Warrior took responsibility for rapidly deploying in response to any potential crisis threatening U.S. personnel or property throughout CJTF-HOA’s combined joint operations area, an area nearly half the size of the continental United States.
The transfer of authority ceremony is a longstanding Army tradition that signifies when a new unit takes over full responsibility for a mission.
U.S Army Maj. Gen. James D. Craig, commanding general of CJTF-HOA and the presiding officer of the ceremony, spoke about the accomplishments of the outgoing Task Force Alamo.
“With all of their accomplishments, training and experience from this deployment, Task Force Alamo is undoubtedly one of the most battle-ready infantry units in the U.S. Army inventory today,” Craig said. “To all the Soldiers and Texans of Task Force Alamo, a job well done.”
“Task Force Alamo has set the bar and left behind a legacy of professionalism for others to follow,” Craig added.
During the ceremony, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sean Ibarguen, battalion commander of Task Force Alamo, welcomed U.S. Army Lt. Col. Richard Karcher, battalion commander of Task Force Warrior.
“Task Force Warrior’s foothold in theater is established, and you will undoubtedly find challenges, which you will turn into respective mission success,” Ibarguen said. “Task Force Alamo bids you farewell knowing that your efforts will carry the torch forward and raise the bar higher. Thank you and always remember the Alamo.”
Karcher accepted the authority on behalf of the Task Force Warrior Soldiers and gave kudos to the Alamo.
“Task Force Alamo, safe travels home, job well done,” said Karcher. “Task Force Warrior, we have trained; we have sacrificed; we understand the mission; we understand the challenge. Now, it's time to execute. I have full confidence; we are ready to assume this mission and move forward. I am honored and privileged to be your commander.”
During their rotation here, Task Force Warrior will contribute to international efforts to enhance security and stability in East Africa by providing security force assistance and fostering the capabilities of partner nations.
“To all the Soldiers of Task Force Warrior, I look forward to working with you as we train, plan and execute your mission in this ever changing and complex environment,” said Craig. “Task Force Warrior, you have big shoes to fill, but I have all the faith and confidence that you will live up to the challenge.”