BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Two battalion-size units of 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) officially transferred authority of their respective areas of operations to units of 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during two separate transfer of authority ceremonies held Thursday in two different Afghan provinces.
The first ceremony took place at Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam, Laghman Province, between 5th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), and 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
Lt. Col. Matthew Condry handed the reins of authority to Lt. Col. John Lubas, as Dr. Fazullah Mujadeddi, Laghman provincial governor, along with Maj. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, Combined Joint Task Force-10 commander, and Col. Mario Diaz, Task Force Patriot commander, stood in attendance.
As the relief in place begins, the outgoing unit teaches the incoming unit everything they know about their area of operations, its people and terrain, rhythms and struggles, and wants and needs.
They share the knowledge they have gained during their tour, in the hopes their brothers in arms won?'t have to endure the same cahllenges and trials. Each unit looks to their strengths to see them through the transition and meets each day with the same fervor as the last.
Diaz spoke to the crowd gathered in a small alcove on the FOB about the leaps forward made during 5-25 FA's tour.
"They were engaged neighbors, 'Sons of Laghman,' who wanted the best security and prosperity for the people of this province," Diaz said.
During an awards presentation before the ceremony, Mujadeddi thanked the leadership for all they had done to advise, assist and train the Afghan National Security Forces in Laghman Province. He said he hopes the new commander and his team can continue that legacy.
A few hours later on Forward Operating Base Wright in Kunar Province, Lt. Col. James Deore, commander of 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, officially transferred authority to Lt. Col. John P. Kilbride of 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
Diaz opened his remarks with a moment of silence for the 21 fallen Afghan National Army soldiers killed in action earlier in the week.
He highlighted the importance of the continued partnership with the ANSF.
"Indeed, they did whatever they were told to make sure they were successful in supporting the Afghan National Security Forces," Diaz said, "whether it was side by side, over the shoulder or just watching in pride."
Diaz also challenged the incoming 1-75 Cavalry leadership to continue on the path "forged by TF Slugger."
He closed by reminding the Soldiers of 1-75 Cavalry that they are Kunari now, and that they are part of the "winning team."
Kunar Provincial Governor Jalala Kahn spoke about the critical steps forward made during 3-89 Cavalry's tenure in the province and commented that he hoped the new team would continue in their efforts.
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