CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – The 15th Engineer Battalion transferred authority to the 230th Engineer Battalion here Oct. 17.
“It’s been a busy and successful year,” said Lt. Col. Craig Baumgartner, commander, 15th Eng. Bn. and resident of Winchester, Va. “We were primarily in charge of conducting general engineering operations in support of Area Support Group – Kuwait, in order to improve and maintain critical nodes in the Kuwait theater.”
Even though Kuwait was their hub, the 15th Eng. Bn. performed operations throughout the Third Army/U.S. Army Central Command area of responsibility.
“During our 12-month deployment, the 15th Eng. Bn. conducted operations in multiple countries including: Kuwait, Afghanistan, Bahrain and Jordan,” said Baumgartner.
Overall, the 15th Eng. Bn. performed 67 major construction projects throughout the AOR and saved ASG – K more than $6 million in construction costs, Baumgartner added.
Looking back on the year, Baumgartner had good things to say about the soldiers in his command.
“I am extremely proud of the accomplishments and contributions the 15th Eng. Bn. made in support of Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom,” stated Baumgartner. “The Soldiers of the mighty 15th Eng. Bn. served with confidence, always keeping true faith, caring for each other, and relishing the opportunity to make an indelible mark in military history.”
As well as praising the work of the 15th Eng. Bn., Baumgartner spoke to the 230th Eng. Bn., who will be taking over the mission.
“I look forward to hearing about the 230th Eng. Bn.’s enormous contributions,” Baumgartner said.
Lt. Col. Stephen W. Jaco, commander, 230th Eng. Bn. and New Johnsonville, Tenn. native, graciously accepted Baumgartner’s compliments and made a few of his own.
“I would like to commend the 15th Eng. Bn. and its subordinate units on their excellent performance during their deployment and setting the conditions for a seamless transition and transfer of authority,” said Jaco.
Jaco also spoke to the soldiers under his command.
“230th engineers, you have been well trained and are prepared to continue the high quality execution established by the 15th,” Jaco stated.
Jaco continued to speak highly of the Soldiers under his command and expressed his complete confidence in their ability to complete the mission.
The 230th Eng. Bn. is dedicated to continuing the work of the 15th Eng. Bn. and shaping the future of Third Army by executing engineering missions throughout the AOR.