Alaska Stryker Brigade Transfers Authority
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, August 6, 2006 – The 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team handed over operations in Mosul, Iraq, and other surrounding areas in the Ninewa province to the 3rd SBCT, 2nd Infantry Division, in a transfer-of-authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Marez today.
The 172nd SBCT soldiers were deployed in August 2005 and since have conducted more than 15,000 missions, including cordon and searches, combat patrols, counter-mortar and rocket missions, raids, escort missions and humanitarian aid throughout Dohuk, Ninewa and Irbil provinces.
“The accomplishments of the 172nd SBCT have been truly remarkable,” said Army Maj. Gen. Thomas Turner, commanding general of Task Force Band of Brothers, during his speech at the ceremony.
“In the Ninewa province, they successfully served during the constitutional referendum and the national elections, which brought democracy to more than 3.8 million people,” Turner said. “They have worked to help restore the damaged infrastructure of Iraq due to years of plight and trained and equipped seven Iraqi Army brigades that are now better prepared to serve the Iraqi people and citizens of Ninewa province.”
This is the 3rd SBCT’s second tour in the Ninewa province in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“For the last year, the ‘Arctic Wolves’ (172nd SBCT) have shed blood, sweat and tears to free the people of Ninewa from the terrorists’ grip and help the Iraqi people have a better life,” said Army Col. Steven Townsend, commander of the 3rd SBCT, as he shook hands with outgoing 172nd SBCT commander Army Col. Michael Shields. “I can only promise we will work hard to fill the boots of the 172nd.”
The ceremony was marked by the traditional uncasing of the colors by the 3rd SBCT.
(Compiled from a Multinational Corps Iraq news release.)
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