V CORPS' 18TH MILITARY POLICE BRIGADE PASSES RESPONSIBILITY FOR IRAQ MISSION TO III CORPS MP UNIT
V Corps Release
Release Date: 2/02/2004
By Sgt. Mark S. Rickert 372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- V Corps' 18th Military Police Brigade handed over the responsibility for the MP mission in Baghdad forces to the 89th Military Police Brigade with a transfer of authority ceremony at the Warrior Palace here Jan 31.
The 18th MPs deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Feb 21, 2003.
During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Martin Dempsey, commander of the corps' 1st Armored Division, spoke of the success of the 18th, saying the brigade set Iraq on a course for freedom while providing area support for a military movement "such as the world has never known."
Col. Teddy R. Spain, the 18th MP commander, reflected on his soldiers' courage, hard work and sacrifice. Spain said his soldiers achieved many things while in Iraq, but their accomplishments did not come without tremendous losses.
"Thirteen great Americans (in the brigade) paid the ultimate sacrifice," said Spain. "They gave their life because they believed in something greater than themselves."
The 89th accepted its responsibility with an unfurling of the unit's colors. Col. David D. Philips, commander of the 89th, promised to continue the mission and take the responsibility of making Iraq a safer place.
"We will capitalize on your accomplishments," said Philips. "We will take your success to new levels."
The 89th, home stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, is a major subordinate command of the Army's III Corps. The brigade has deployed around the world in support of Army missions, including operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm; disaster relief after Hurricane Hugo, and Operation Sea Signal in support of Joint Task Force 160 in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
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