|
181st Support Battalion transfers
authority
BALAD, Iraq - 181st Support Battalion, 81st Brigade Combat
Team conducted a Transfer of Authority with 29th Support Battalion,
29th Brigade Combat Team on March 2 at Logistics Support Area
Anaconda, Balad, Iraq.
The 181st Spt. Bn. has excelled during Operation Iraqi Freedom II
with a diverse mission set. 181st Spt. Bn. conducted security
operations at LSA Anaconda since April 2004.
The 181st Spt. Bn. assumed the security mission for all the entry
control points into the base. The battalion's top priority was
preventing penetration of the LSA perimeter by either a
vehicle-borne improvised explosive devise or suicide bomber.
Other security operations included conducting internal perimeter
patrols and manning four high-technology surveillance systems, which
provided 24-hour coverage of the area surrounding the base. The
battalion also worked closely with the new Iraqi National Guard,
training them and conducting joint security operations.
The 181st Spt. Bn. also conducted its typical support operations
such as providing medical services for the Soldiers of LSA Anaconda
at its clinic, medical mission support for tactical operations,
vehicle and equipment maintenance, and management of an ammunition
holding area. In addition, the battalion operated a detainee medical
holding facility for combat-wounded Iraqis.
The 181st Spt. Bn. provided medical support to the brigade combat
team task forces located throughout the theater of operation,
augmenting medical support for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force as
they conducted combat operations in Fallujah.
The 181st Spt. Bn. also conducted 45 logistic re-supply convoys
throughout Iraq in support of the brigade's units attached to other
Army divisions.
Soldiers of 181st Spt. Bn. demonstrated great discipline and
professionalism as they protected more than 25,000 military and
civilian inhabitants of LSA Anaconda from insurgent attacks.
More than 700,000 military and civilian contractors and local
nationals, and 300,000 military and civilian vehicles were processed
onto LSA Anaconda by 181st Spt. Bn.
Despite the efforts of the insurgents, which included bombs attached
to vehicles, sniper fire, and an exploded vehicle-borne improvised
explosive device, there were no successful penetrations of the base.
Lt. Col. George Abbott, Commander of 181st Spt. Bn, summarized their
experiences. "The Soldiers of the 181st Spt. Bn. have distinguished
themselves by accomplishing each and every assigned mission in an
outstanding manner, manning entry control points, conducting
convoys, and providing maintenance and medical support. We even had
a dozen guys flying as Blackhawk door gunners. It's been quite a
year and I couldn't be more proud of our Soldiers," he said.
The 181st Spt. Bn. suffered one fatality during their time in Iraq.
Sgt. Quoc Tran was killed during a convoy mission to Baghdad in
November 2004. An exemplary Soldier, he will remembered by his many
friends for his professionalism and enthusiasm.
The 181st Spt. Bn. is currently in the process of redeploying back
to Fort Lewis and all Soldiers should be out of Iraq by the end of
March.
For more information concerning this release, contact Capt. Anne
Marie Peacock, 81st BCT Public Affairs Officer, at
public.affairs81bct@us.army.mil.
Release #050303c |
