U.S. ARMY EUROPE AVIATORS TAKE ON MISSION AS AVIATION FORCE FOR MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION - BAGHDAD

CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- U.S. Army Europe's 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, organized in

Iraq as Task Force XII, officially assumed the mission as the Multi-National Division-

Baghdad aviation asset at a ceremony here Dec. 17.

The brigade, led by its commander, Col.Timothy Edens, officially transferred authority from 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1stCavalry Division at one minute after midnight Dec. 18.

Task Force XII has served in Iraq for the past five months at Logistical Support Area Anaconda in Balad as the Multi-National Corps -- Iraq aviation brigade. In support of initiatives to bring troop strength in Iraq back to pre-surge levels, Task Force XII was directed to move a portion of its assets to MND-B, joining with Soldiers from the 4th Squadron, 3rd Air Cavalry Regiment from Fort Hood, Texas to create a new aviation task force.

"During our training prior to deployment, and our experience as the corps aviation

brigade for the first five months in theater we've prepared for the flexibility and

capability we are now called on to demonstrate," Edens said in remarks to Task Force XII

Soldiers during the ceremony. "Think and execute ... You are ready and up to the task."

The 1st ACB, led by Col. Dan Shanahan, served 15 months in Baghdad. During their tour

the unit's members saw a notable reduction in violence and tremendous progress in

creating a stable Iraq, Shanahan said.

"The mission has gone better than any of us could have expected," he said. "Personally, I

could not have been any prouder. I have a good feeling about the way aviation is postured

here in Multi-National Division - Baghdad."

Edens expressed his gratitude to the Soldiers of the 1st ACB and challenged his own

Soldiers to continue their legacy.

"You've led a magnificent unit, and left huge 'cav troopers' boots to fill," he said. "God

bless you and keep you as you now return home to a well deserved First Team welcome."