Black Knights assume mission in Adhamiyah

By 2nd Lt. Scott Lewis, 1st Bn., 5th Cav. Regt., 2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div., MND-BFebruary 19, 2009

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WAR EAGLE, Iraq -Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad formally partnered with Iraqi Security Forces in the Adhamiyah district of eastern Baghdad during a transition ceremony Feb.11 at Forward Operating Base War Eagle.

The "Black Knights", currently attached to the 3rd BCT, 82nd Airborne Div., based out of Fort Bragg, N.C., replaced the 1st Bn., 68th Armor Regt., 3rd BCT, 4th Infantry Div., after their 14-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"On behalf of the 'Black Knights', I want to thank the 'Silver Lions' of Task Force 1-68 Armor," said Lt. Col. Scott Jackson, commander of the 1st Bn., 5th Cav. Regt. "In less than a year, the 'Silver Lions' have turned the course in what was once considered the most dangerous place in Baghdad. They have clearly set us up for success."

The Fort Hood, Texas- based Soldiers of 1st Bn., 5th Cav. Regt. will partner with Iraqi Army soldiers assigned to the 3rd Bn., 45th Bde., 11th IA Div. in the safeguarding of the Adhamiyah district and its residents.

The deployment of the 1st Bn., 5th Cav. Regt. comes on the heels of the ISF officially taking over its nation's security, and the recent success of the Provincial Elections. The Iraqi government is set to hold national elections; scheduled for later in the year.

"This year is going to be exciting. The conditions in Adhamiyah are perfect for a decisive shift of authority, and the 'Black Knights' are honored to be a part of it," said Jackson.