CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait -- When the ceremony was complete, one brigade began its new mission in the U.S. Army Central (USARCENT) area of responsibility and another brigade headed home after a nine month deployment, March 4, 2015.
The transfer of authority ceremony, held on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, officially signified the passing of mission from 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team "Devil" brigade, 1st Infantry Division, to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team "Iron" brigade, 4th Infantry Division beginning the next chapter in the U.S. and regional partnership mission in the region.
During the ceremony, the command team of 3rd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div., Col. Gregory Sierra and Command Sgt. Maj. Todd Sims, uncased the brigade's colors after the commander and command sergeant major of 1st ABCT, 1st Inf. Div., Col. John Reynolds, III and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Evans, cased their brigade colors indicating the completion of their mission.
3rd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div., out of Fort Carson, Colorado, deployed to Kuwait over the past few weeks in order to begin its security cooperation mission, replacing the 1st ABCT, 1st Inf. Div., out of Fort Riley, Kansas.
"It is great to be here today with two fine brigades," said Maj. Gen. Dana Pittard, deputy commanding general, USARCENT, during the ceremony. "It is an honor to say goodbye to one fine brigade and welcome another."
3rd ABCT assumed the responsibility of providing combatant commanders a versatile, responsive and consistent available Army force to meet requirements across a range of military operations in the region. These military operations include ongoing operational and contingency operations, operational support and theater security cooperation activities, as well as bilateral and multilateral military exercises.
Pittard presided over the ceremony, welcoming the "Iron" brigade and thanking the "Devil" brigade for their efforts during their deployment.
"1st ABCT is one of the most versatile brigades any one of us here has seen, and we wish them God speed and good luck," said Pittard. "Although they have some big shoes to fill, I know that 3rd ABCT is ready for the task and welcome them."
Over the past year, the 3rd ABCT has conducted extensive training to prepare its Soldiers and leaders for this deployment which is part of the regular rotation of forces and a longstanding bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Kuwait.
"The training we have conducted prior to coming here has prepared us for our mission here and we are ready," said Sierra. "We are experienced and will again prove ourselves in this region as we have multiple times before since 9/11."
During the duration of their deployment, 1st ABCT partnered with the Kuwaiti military, conducted several combined training events and provided combat forces to assist in the "build partner capacity" mission in Iraq, among many other missions.
"Although partnering with the Kuwaiti military was a main focus for our partnership here in Kuwait, we didn't limit ourselves to just one location," said Reynolds. "Our Soldiers have enjoyed their time here and have experienced the true culture of this beautiful country. We are thankful to our Kuwaiti partners."
Upon arriving to Camp Buehring, 3rd ABCT Soldiers and leaders were welcomed by their respective 1st ABCT counterparts and immediately began receiving overviews and briefings on the new area of responsibility in which they will be operating in and duties they will be fulfilling. By preparing 3rd ABCT for what lies ahead, 1st ABCT set the groundwork for another successful deployment in the region.
"I am grateful to the Devil brigade for the tremendous support they have given us both prior to getting here and once arriving," said Sierra. "We wish them the best of luck as they return home to their families and community."
As these two brigades with significant histories change missions, they depart one another with a greater appreciation for one another and the region, as well as a stronger bond.
"No one can do this alone in our line of business, it takes building strong relationships and partnership to be successful in accomplishing your mission," said Reynolds.
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