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January 22, 2004
Release Number: 04-01-55
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
101ST BRIGADE TRANSFERS AUTHORITY TO STRYKERS
MOSUL, Iraq - The 1st Brigade, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) handed over control of the Tigris River Valley area of northern Iraq today to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade (Stryker) 2nd Infantry Division in a transfer of authority ceremony at the Qayarrah West Airfield.
The 1st Brigade Combat Team has worked in the area since May. The soldiers spent their time trying to improve the quality of life for Iraqis and capturing individuals who threaten the lives of Iraqis and Coalition Forces. The soldiers destroyed hundreds of weapons and ammo caches around the area. They built and rebuilt schools, factories and other parts of the infrastructure. They also helped hold elections in the Tigris River Valley, and trained and worked with local soldier and militia groups.
"The brigade has not only helped the infrastructure, they've helped improve it," said Maj. Gen. David H. Petraeus, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT) commander, during his remarks. "It's a sign of great success of the 1st brigade that they'll be replaced by a battalion."
Petraeus thanked the soldiers of 1st BCT for all the work that they've done since last spring and offered words of encouragement to the incoming troops.
"This marks the end of (the 1st BCT soldiers) mission here in northern Iraq and I just want to say one more time -- very, very well done," he said. "This is a very doable mission for 5/20."
Col. Ben Hodges, 1st BCT commander, told the assembled crowd his feelings during the transition phase.
"Today is bittersweet. There is no doubt that every soldier in the 1st BCT is anxious to get home, including me," Hodges said. "For the rest of your lives, no matter what you do or where you go you'll be able to look back proudly."
Hodges spoke of the work done jointly by his soldiers and the local government and his thoughts on the future.
"I believe that our shared goal of a prosperous Iraq is very close," he said.
To the Stryker soldiers he shared his belief in their ability to continue the beneficial work done in the area.
"You're going to be extremely effective in every facet of operations here in the Ninevah Province," Hodges said. "I believe that you're going to make history by enabling Iraq to run itself."
Lt. Col. Karl D. Reed, Task Force 5/20 commander, expressed his appreciation of the work done by the 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT) soldiers to make Iraq a better country.
"Their accomplishments will forever go down in history as one our nation's greatest achievements," Reed said.
The soldiers of TF 5/20 are more then up to the task of rebuilding Iraq and will do their best at all times, Reed said.
"It's a great opportunity, we're building a nation," he said. "A nation governed by Iraqi citizens for Iraqi citizens. My soldiers are very excited to do this because they're getting a chance to make a difference."
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