JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - Two transfer of authority ceremonies took place between the 8th and 51st Medical Logistics Companies, and the 64th and 248th Medical Detachment Companies, at Morale, Welfare and Recreation center east Nov. 27 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

Capt. Stephen R. Spulick, commander of the 8th Med. Log. Co. and Biddeford, Maine, native, said he was grateful for all the Soldiers' hard work in making this deployment a success.

"They are the ones that execute the mission," said Spulick. "They have been asked to perform that mission in all conditions and that's what sets them apart from their peers."

Capt. Deepak Matthew, incoming commander with the 51st Med. Log. Co., said the Fort Bragg, N.C. based unit is responsible for medical logistic maintenance, class VIII medical supplies and optical fabrication.

"My Soldiers have trained hard; they are well prepared and they know it is game time and time for execution," he said.

Matthew reminded his Soldiers to remember their morals, ethics, leadership and discipline in the execution of their plan.

Lt. Col. David S. Galloway, commander of the outgoing 64th Med. Det., out of Kaiserslautern, Germany, said he was proud of his Soldiers for their amazing initiative, despite being asked to do missions by themselves.

"Each of our Soldiers acts as an independent," said Galloway. "They each stepped up and stood forward in the midst of a huge drawdown, and we will continue to do the mission, but with less people."

The 64th passed the torch to the 248th Med. Det., also out of Fort Bragg, N.C.

Lt. Col. Kelley A. Mann, commander of the 248th, said he was excited to join a task force that already contains friends from past assignments, and even fellow units from Fort Bragg.

"All of my Soldiers are looking forward to renewing old acquaintances and forging new friendships as we serve together in the coming year," he said.

In his address, Mann said, "The Dragon Vets of the 248th are proud to serve under the 118th Multifunctional Medical Battalion. I believe you will find that we share the same dedication to duty and commitment to one another."

Mann, an Austell, Ga., native, said the relief in place/TOA process has been a very seamless transition.

"We could not have asked for a better reception or battle handoff at any of our locations in theater," he said. "I sincerely acknowledge the achievements during the past year and I know we have big shoes to fill."

Mann said he looks forward to the next year.

"The Dragon Vets are proud to serve with and for each of you, everyday," he said.