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RCT-1 takes command in Al Anbar

Multi-National Force-Iraq

Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080129-01
January 29, 2008

RCT-1 takes command in Al Anbar
Multi National Force – West PAO

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Regimental Combat Team 6 officially transferred authority of its area of operations to Regimental Combat Team 1 during a ceremony aboard Camp Fallujah, Jan. 27.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with the Marines of Regimental Combat Team 6 for the last 13 months,” said Col. Richard L. Simcock II, commanding officer, RCT-6. “Our Marines have faced many challenges but have also made immense progress in brining stability and security to the region.”

RCT-1, commanded by Col. Louis A. Craporatta, was handed a region in transition. Great strides in Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police readiness and cooperativeness with Coalition Forces were made during RCT-6's tenure in Al Anbar province. Craporatta said his 1st Marine Regiment is intensely focused on perpetuating the standard set by its predecessor.

“Over the past year, like thousands of other Marines, I watched with great pride, the success of RCT-6 and [II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)], I’m hopeful that we can maintain the momentum and continue progress that will eventually lead to a stable and prosperous Al Anbar.”

With the handover complete, RCT-1 takes control of numerous subordinate units, each of which will rotate separately into and out of the area of operations. These subordinate units include infantry battalions from both East and West Coast commands, as well as support units such as artillery, engineers and tanks.

The command and control provided by RCT-1 and the tactical abilities of each of the subordinate units combine to provide the security and resources necessary to transition responsibilities to Iraqi Police and Army units.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FOR HIGH-RES PHOTOS, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE – WEST PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER BY E-MAIL AT: CE_PAO_WATCH_OFFICER@MNF-WIRAQ.USMC.MIL.