Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth Commander Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus bid farewell to Fort Leavenworth during a ceremony Feb. 2 in Bell Hall's Eisenhower Auditorium.
Petraeus was nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed as the next commander of the Multi-National Force-Iraq by the U.S. Senate Jan. 26.
This is Petraeus' third deployment to Iraq. In 2003, Petraeus commanded the 101st Airborne Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this deployment, he served with Gen. William S. Wallace, current commander of the U.S. Army training and Doctrine Command and host of the farewell ceremony. In 2003, Wallace commanded the Army's V Corps during the fight to Baghdad.
"Under his (Petraeus') leadership his division did a magnificent job of defeating a regime and providing the conditions for success in Iraq," Wallace said.
Petraeus returned to Iraq in 2004 as the first commander of the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq. In 2005, he took command of the NATO Training Mission-Iraq.
"His strategic forethought set up framework that is allowing the Iraqi security forces to be capable of defending their emerging nation," Wallace said.
Wallace said the nation has called on Petraeus once again to lead the war efforts abroad in some of the most extraordinarily challenging times of the nation's history.
"Those of us who know Dave, know he is exactly the right man for the job," Wallace said.
Wallace said he was sure the past two weeks had been demanding for Petraeus with congressional testimony, meetings on Capitol Hill and preparing for deployment.
On Jan. 23, Petraeus sat before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his confirmation hearing to become the top commander in Iraq.
The hearing began with committee chairman Sen. Carl Levin stating Petraeus' nomination may be to the single most important command in the nation's Defense establishment.
"General Petraeus is well qualified for this command," Levin said. "(He is) widely recognized for the depth and breadth of his education, training and operational experience
Sen. John McCain told Petraeus his job would be very difficult. He said there is no one in the U.S. military better suited to implement the president's new strategy.
"I hope that following Senate action the president will direct you to take the next flight to Iraq and assume command," McCain said. "Your role is that important."
In his opening statement before the committee, Petraeus spoke about the escalation of the violence in the past year in Iraq. He said a new way ahead was developed and announced earlier this year in response to the deterioration of the situation in Iraq.
"The mission of Multi-National Force-Iraq will be modified," Petraeus said. "Making security of the population, particularly in Baghdad and in partnership with Iraqi forces, the focus of the military effort."
Petraeus said the task would be clear cut, but difficult.
"The way ahead will neither be quick nor easy and there will undoubtedly be tough days," Petraeus said.
After the Senate voted 81-0 Jan. 26 to confirm Petraeus, he met with the president at the White House. Bush said he appreciated the quick confirmation by the Senate and the fair hearing Petraeus was given.
"Get over to the zone as quickly as possible and implement a plan that we believe will yield our goals," the president told Petraeus.
Bush said he worked with the military and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to come up with a plan that is likely to work, the plan that will be implemented by Petraeus.
At the farewell ceremony Feb. 2, Wallace reminded the audience that the United States is indeed a nation at war. Referring to Petraeus' command of CAC, he said there is nothing more important to an Army at war than trained and ready Soldiers.
"As Dave looks at the challenges ahead, it is fitting for us to reflect back on his time here at CAC and appreciate all that he has done and all that he has accomplished during his tenure," Wallace said.
Wallace said Petraeus' drive to improve and transform CAC and its 18 subordinate centers and schools led to a command climate where everyone understands the importance of the role they play in the Global War on Terrorism.
Wallace spoke about Petraeus' leadership in the publication of Army Field Manual FM 3-24, Counterinsurgency.
"It has been unveiled as one of the most forward thinking documents addressing counterinsurgency," Wallace said.
Wallace said he is confident Petraeus and his wife Holly leave Leavenworth knowing CAC will remain a viable and relevant contributor to the Army.
"We've been honored to have you as part of the TRADOC team. You've done a terrific job here at Fort Leavenworth. God bless you both," Wallace said.
Wallace then presented the Distinguished Service Medal to Petraeus and the Secretary of the Army Public Service Award to Holly.
"It has been hectic the past couple of weeks," Petraeus agreed with Wallace.
Petraeus expressed his gratitude to everyone he had worked with in the last 16 months.
"This morning really is as much about you in the audience and those you represent and lead as it is about Holly and me." Petraeus said.
To emphasize that point Petraeus formally recognized a handful of military and civilian personnel later in the ceremony.
"These individuals represent all of you," Petraeus said.
He saved his most important thanks for his wife Holly, Petraeus said. He said she was his most important sounding board and she shouldered far more than her share of the load on the home front.
"Clearly any successes I may have enjoyed over the years must be attributed in considerable part to her," Petraeus said.
Petraeus said commanding Fort Leavenworth and CAC was a tremendous honor. He said that, as he prepares to return to Iraq, he is confident that the civilians and service members at Fort Leavenworth and the rest of CAC will continue to provide exceptional support for Soldiers and family members.
"As I prepare to embark on what clearly will be a challenging, important new assignment, I want you to know Holly and I will always look back with fondness and appreciation on our time at Fort Leavenworth," Petraeus said.
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