KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division assumed responsibility of Kandahar City from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division during a transfer of authority ceremony held at Camp Nathan Smith, Afghanistan, May 14.
Also known as the Lancers, the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team began deploying from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington in March. Over the course of several weeks, the Lancers worked closely with the soldiers of Combined Task Force Warhorse, also known as 2-4BCT, to assume responsibility for a large area that includes sprawling Kandahar City.
The Lancers adapted rapidly to the complex environment and established close relationships with their partners in the Afghan National Security Forces and government.
CTF Warhorse will be returning to their home station, Fort Carson, Colo., after a year-long deployment. During their deployment, CTF Warhorse worked with their Afghan partners to secure what was once known as one of the most deadly regions within Afghanistan.
In attendance during the ceremony was Maj. Gen. James Huggins, who serves as the Regional Command-South Commander. During the ceremony he praised CTF Warhorse for their hard work and congratulated them for their successful deployment.
“[The soldiers of CTF Warhorse] have been challenged with the most complicated battle space in RC-S, and the most populated terrain, Kandahar City, to operate,” said Maj. Gen. Huggins. “I can say with absolute confidence though, this morning, together, CTF Warhorse and their [Afghan National Security Forces] partners have put Kandahar on an irreversible path to self sustainment for the freedom of the Afghan people.”
CTF Lancer Commander, Col. Barry Huggins, spoke during the ceremony to ensure his new Afghan partners that he would continue the strong working relationship built by CTF Warhorse.
“Today, in front of you all, I pledge myself and my soldiers to stand together with the people of Afghanistan, with their government, with the Afghan security forces, and with our coalition partners,” said Col. Huggins. “And I pledge to bind myself to you with cords of common purpose, and trust, and respect, and I pledge that together, we will never be broken.”
As CTF Lancer moves forward with their Afghan partners in the lead, they look to continue the effort to stabilize the region for a more peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.