1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division hands over Diyala to 3rd Stryker Brigade

Multi-National Force-Iraq

Monday, 14 September 2009

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

www.mnc-i.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20090914-05
Date September 14, 2009

1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division hands over Diyala Province to 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division

Multi-National Division – North PAO

DIYALA, Iraq – With a combined Iraqi – U.S. color guard and leadership from the Iraqi Security Forces, Diyala Governance and U.S. Forces present, the responsibility for the partnership and security of Diyala Province was transferred from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Arctic Wolves”, to the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, “Arrowhead” in a transfer of authority ceremony held on Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Sept. 12.

“Today marks the official day of transfer of authority between two great, battle-tested brigade combat teams. Both units have great and storied traditions and I could not be more proud of both of them,” said Maj. Gen. Robert L. Caslen Jr., Commander, Multi-National Division – North.

“The ?Arctic Wolves’ deployed out of the frozen tundra of Alaska to enhance peace and stability in the extreme heat here in Iraq; while the ?Arrowheads’ left the great Pacific Northwest to join this cause and run the anchor leg of our mission in Diyala,” he said.

After spending 11 months in Diyala province, the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division relinquished control of the province where the “Arctic Wolves” patrolled, fought and shed blood. Taking control of the province is the 3/2 SBCT, based out of Fort Lewis, Wash. which is beginning its third deployment to Iraq and second to Diyala province.

“Col. Burt Thompson and Command Sgt. Maj. Cervantes have guided and challenged their 5,600 Soldiers of the ?Arctic Wolves’ to remarkable achievements this past year. We have all watched with pride and appreciation as the ?Arctic Wolves’ exceeded all expectations in this ever-changing environment of Diyala province,” said Caslen praising the 1/25 SBCT, adding that the adaptability of the Soldiers was key during to the successful transfer of responsibility with the Diyala Security Forces and the change of mission as U.S. forces moved out of cities and villages as part of the security agreement.

Col. David Funk, Commander, 3/2 SBCT, thanked the leaders and Soldiers of the 1/25 SBCT for their work forming partnerships, operations they performed and projects they completed in Diyala.

“I must also thank the citizens and leaders, both civilian and military, of Diyala province. You also have sacrificed so much to see freedom and democracy to take hold,” said Funk. “Your courage is and inspiration to all of us. We thank you for your commitment to peace and the principals of freedom.”

During his comments, Funk promised the Diyala leaders his units would maintain and build upon the relationships developed by the “Arctic Wolves”.
“To the warriors and leaders of the Arctic Wolves, those remaining to the end and those already at home or en route, I thank each of you for your dedication, discipline, compassion, sacrifice and selfless service,” said Col. Burt Thompson, Commander, 1/25 SBCT. “Along side your Iraqi partners you never failed, you never faltered, you never wavered from the goals we established and for that I am eternally grateful.”

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