Task Force ODIN welcomes new crew, commander

By Staff Sgt. Stephanie van GeeteSeptember 2, 2009

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CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq - The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade's Task Force ODIN welcomed a new crew and commander August 14.

Lt. Col. Dave Holt took command of the ODIN mission from Lt. Col. Mark Moser during a transfer of authority ceremony here, heralding the Task Force's third year of operations in Iraq.

"Task Force ODIN IV is an outstanding unit that I am proud and humbled to command," Holt said upon taking command. "Lt. Col. Mark Moser and his team have done an excellent job of training my team and preparing us to take over the critical mission Task Force ODIN conducts."

Task Force ODIN - an acronym for Observe, Detect, Identify, and Neutralize - was formed in 2006 and activated in Iraq in 2007. Created by then-Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Richard Cody, the unit was designed to help defeat the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and give Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA) support to lower-echelon field commanders.

Col. Erik Peterson, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade and Task Force Falcon commander, called the unit a unique and highly-demanded organization.

"They are our Army's first aviation reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition task force," Peterson said. "Their charter is to reach out across the entire expanse of Iraq, boldly and audaciously seek the enemy, and provide vital information and intelligence to the ground force commander."

The unit is comprised of individuals specifically selected from across the Army, Reserves and National Guard to fill slots as pilots, analysts and support operations personnel. Because it is not a traditional standing unit, the Task Force mobilizes and deploys a new team for each rotation.

Peterson lauded the outgoing Task Force ODIN III, who flew more than 29,000 hours during their tour and made history in February when one of the unmanned aerial vehicles they were operating became the first armed Warrior Alpha system to fire missiles in combat.

"These Task Force ODIN Soldiers not only fulfilled their charter and accomplished their mission, but they did so with such consistency and proficiency that it almost appeared routine," Peterson said.

"The criticality of your contribution to the mission across all of Iraq cannot be overstated," Peterson continued, addressing the troops. "Your impact and contribution spanned the entire 167,000 square miles of Iraq. From border to border, you've detected, disrupted and denied freedom of maneuver to terrorists and violent extremists, and set the conditions for legitimate governance, peace and prosperity for the beleaguered people of Iraq."

Task Force ODIN III returns to Fort Hood, Texas, where they will disband.

"The reigns of Task Force ODIN have now been handed over to...a capable, enthusiastic team, well-trained, well-led, experienced and ready for the task at hand," Peterson said. "Lieutenant Colonel Holt, Command Sergeant Major Kautzman, ODIN IV Soldiers: tens of thousands of U.S. Soldiers and 28 million Iraqi citizens are relying on you. I'm confident that you will not let them down."