Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Coalition transfers base to Iraqi Army

By Spc. Brian Schroeder
June 14, 2005

BAGHDAD (Army News Service, June 14, 2005) – A ceremony was held in western Baghdad June 9 to officially transfer the authority of Raider Base from Coalition Forces to the Iraqi Army.

“This represents a tremendous growth and ability of the Iraqi Security Forces to assume on their own duties of manning an important outpost,” said Lt. Col. Loepoldo Quintas, commander, 2nd Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

Gen. Aziz Swady, 3/6 Brigade commander and Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division were passed the torch of control for Raider Base. Aziz gave a promise to the Iraqi people that they will defend the base with their lives.

“We will never forget the good that the Coalition Forces have done for our city and the good you have done to help our country,” Aziz said. “To the people of Abu Ghraib and the Iraqi people, we will be faithful Soldiers and protect our base.”

The efforts of the Iraqi Army have had a positive effect on anti-Iraqi attacks in the city of Abu Ghraib. Since the 3-6 IA BDE became a main presence in the area in May, the total number roadside bombs, mortar and rocket attacks have dropped from seven attacks per day to only two per day. Several key targets and insurgents have also been detained.

Raider Base was initially established in June 2003 under the command of Quintas, after the Coalition Forces march to Baghdad in March 2003. The base served as a stopping point for Coalition patrols in and out of the city.

The base was transferred to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT in Nov. 2004.

Pfc. John Rager, a Soldier from 2nd Platoon, B Company, 2-70 AR died July 19, 2003 and many other Soldiers from his platoon were wounded during an attack on a checkpoint near the base. Rager and the Soldiers were memorialized by naming the base after the 2nd Platoon “Raiders.”

Quintas, along with three Soldiers from the “Raider” platoon, who originally guarded the base, participated in the ceremony.

“This is a tribute to all the Soldiers, U.S., Estonian and Iraqi, who have served at this base,” Quintas said. “We are honored to take place in Iraq’s history.”

Located near the Abu Ghraib markets, Raider Base was once the former location of the city's municipal buildings. On Sept. 30, 2004, a disastrous and malicious terrorist attack from a vehicle bourn improvised explosive devise destroyed the main seats of the city government, fire department and police station.

Quintas said because of its strategic location, Raider Base has always been a thorn in the side of the enemy.

“Though the misfortune of a VBIED destroyed the main municipal building of the city, this base lives on,” Quintas said. “The Iraqi Army is here to stay.”

The colors of 2-70 AR and 2-14 IN were lowered, cased and marched off the ceremonial field leaving the Iraqi flag to fly high above the walls of Raider Base.

“Today is a historic day,” said Col. Mark A. Milley, 2nd BCT commander. “We gather for this humble ceremony surrounded by mud, dust and the reminisces of war. From those ashes, Iraq has risen like a phoenix. The Iraqi colors now stand free and tall.”