1-1 STB assumes control of security operations on FOB Warrior

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division
Story by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile

Date: 06.03.2010
Posted: 06.03.2010 03:09
News ID: 50757
1-1 STB Assumes Control of Security Operations on FOB Warrior

KIRKUK, Iraq - For the past seven years, the mission of the 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, made up of more than 300 Airmen from 36 separate installations across the U.S., has been to provide security for more than 7,500 personnel and 1.5 billion dollars worth of equipment on Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq.

During a transfer of authority and inactivation ceremony, 1-1 Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, out of Fort Bliss, Texas, assumed control of this task from 506th ESFS on FOB Warrior, May 28.

"Today, we are witnessing the transfer of authority and inactivation of the 506th ESFS, who has, for the past seven years, performed their duty admirably," said Col. Steven H. Slick, commander of 506th Air Expeditionary Group, during the ceremony.

He continued on to say that the Airmen standing in the formation played a key role in security operations during the Iraqi elections, redesigning of the gates, training, solving of crimes on FOB Warrior, and keeping everyone behind the wire safe.

At the end of Col. Slick's speech, Lt. Col. Theodore S. Ruminsky, commander of 506th ESFS, and Chief Master Sgt. David Provo, chief enlisted manager of the unit, cased the squadron's guidon, signifying the successful completion of their mission, their inactivation and beginning of their redeployment.

After the casing of the squadron's guidon, Lt. Col. Ruminsky spoke of the abilities of his Airmen.

"These Airmen came from 36 different bases and hit the ground running, this is a true testament to their abilities and training," he said.

Following the speech from Lt. Col. Ruminsky, 1-1 STB Commander, Col. Patricia A. Sellers, and Command Sgt. Maj. Dana Mason, Jr., the battalion's command sergeant major, uncased their battalion colors, signifying the formal assumption of authority for defense of FOB Warrior.

Afterward, Col. Sellers thanked the 506th ESFS for their support and professionalism.

The expertise and professionalism of these Airmen is world class, and we appreciate the teamwork, preparing 1-1 STB for the mission ahead, she said.

At the end of the ceremony Lt. Col. Ruminsky said, he wishes quiet nights and peaceful days for those at FOB Warrior.