CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq - During the last seven years, U.S. Soldiers stationed at Joint Security Station Heider operating alongside their Iraqi Security Forces counterparts worked to secure the Iraqi border and protect Iraqi residents near Rabiyah.
Soldiers assigned to 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division marked the end of partnered operations at the remote military installation, as they transferred JSS Heider to the Iraqi Army during a ceremony, April 1.
"I couldn't be prouder of the outstanding, hard work and dedication exhibited by the squadron and the troopers here," said U.S. Division-North and 4th Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General-Support Brig. Gen. James F. Pasquarette.
Following the ceremony, U.S. Soldiers opened the base to 1st Battalion, 9th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division as IA soldiers moved equipment into the facilities.
Operated by U.S. forces since 2004, Iraqi leaders now plan to use JSS Heider as a command and control center for border enforcement and security operations.
The third facility transferred to the Iraqis since 4th AAB assumed its mission to advise, train and assist Iraqi Security Forces in northern Iraq, the transfer of JSS Heider demonstrates ISF's proficiency in conducting operations independently of U.S. forces, said Lt. Col. Robert Reynolds, commander, 6th Sqdn., 8th Cav. Regt.
For the past year, 6th Sqdn., 8th Cav. Regt., "Mustang," Soldiers formerly based at JSS Heider, supported the 4th AAB's Stability Transition Teams working to train the Iraqi Security Forces along Iraq's northern borders.
"This is a great opportunity to not only transition facilities, but to see units continue on with their training," said Reynolds, a native of Skipperville, Ala.
As the IA settles into JSS Heider, Iraqi soldiers assigned to 1st Bn., 9th Bde. are preparing to attend the next Tadreeb al Shamil training cycle at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center in April.
During Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for all inclusive training, IA soldiers develop and strengthen fire and maneuver skills as part of an Iraqi Ground Forces Command initiative to modernize military capabilities to defend against external threats to the nation.
After leaving JSS Heider, Troop B Soldiers rejoined the rest of the squadron at Contingency Operating Site Sykes to continue the advise, train and assist mission of Operation New Dawn as U.S. forces continue to transition operating areas to Iraqi control.
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