In preparation of their upcoming deployment in support of operations in Southwest Asia, the 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion "Renegades" cased their colors April 17, on Fort Huachuca's historic Brown Parade Field.
The 40th ESB is currently organized as a rapidly deployable expeditionary signal battalion consisting of 516 Soldiers, capable of worldwide deployment in response to Joint Chiefs of Staff, Department of the Army, Forces Command and Army Signal Command mission directives across the spectrum of conflict.
A brief history was given about the unit outlining the many prior deployments that 40th ESB has performed, as recent as June 2011 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.
Following the national anthem, Lt. Col. David Thomas, commander of the 40th ESB, and Command Sgt. Maj. John Reinburg, 40th ESB command sergeant major, cased the battalion's colors.
Col. James Parks, commander of the 11th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade, said, "Today begins another proud chapter in the book of the brigade of the mighty Renegades. Let me take a moment to say how proud I am, and how proud the sergeant major is, of these great Soldiers you see before you today. We're always proud to come back to Fort Huachuca, a place we can still consider the home of the Thunderbirds."
Parks went on to explain that over the past eight months, the unit has completed both individual and collective training that has prepared them to provide critical communication support needed in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, adding that "They have trained and they are ready."
Thomas then spoke, detailing the arduous training the Soldiers received.
"The Soldiers standing on the parade field today performed exceptionally and continuously went above and beyond the standards set for them," he said. "These Soldiers are trained and prepared to go to war. Our mission in Southwest Asia will be tough and challenging … but Command Sergeant Major Reinburg and I are very comfortable that Team 40th will be successful."
More than 200 Family members and Soldiers were in the audience showing support for the unit, and Thomas took a moment to recognize them.
"Many of the Soldiers standing on the parade field have multiple combat tours, but I truly believe it is harder on the Family that stays behind than the Soldier that goes forward," he said. "So to our Families, thank you for your part in supporting your Soldier, Team 40th and our Army."
Team 40th trained diligently over the past eight months, and as a result they were rewarded with a well-deserved block of leave that ended April 13.
The 40th ESB is prepared to deploy in the spring.
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