Signal Command's 44th Expeditionary Signal
Battalion, feeds his infant son, Tyler J., for the
last time before the specialist departed for a 15-
month deployment in Iraq, at the Sul... VIEW ORIGINAL
MANNHEIM, Germany -- The 5th Signal Command's 44th Expeditionary Signal
Battalion conducted its last formation before shipping out to Southwest Asia for 15
months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, at the Sullivan Barracks gymnasium here
Oct. 7.
Hundreds of Soldiers, friends and family members were in attendance to show their
support to the battalion's Soldiers as they loaded up on buses to deploy.
Advance groups of the unit are already deployed, preparing for the arrival of their
remaining 400-plus comrades.
"You are going to battle for the second time in four years in support of the Global War on
Terror and in support of freedom around the world," said Brig. Gen. Susan S. Lawrence, the
commander of 5th Signal Command.
"Whether from the home front or the foxhole, every person here today should be proud to
serve this organization, proud of their sacrifice, and proud of their dedication to duty," added
Lawrence.
The 44th ESB will be deploying as a newly reorganized expeditionary signal battalion
supporting theater elements operating in both corps and division areas.
Unit officials say the battalion has been training for this deployment since returning from
Afghanistan in 2005. The 44th transitioned from the intra-theater signal battalion
configuration, in which they deployed previously, to the new ESB.
The change required a reorganization of personnel, logistics and training, as well as
fielding and certifying new equipment at the same time it trained its Soldiers in required
warrior tasks. The 44th also conducted a convoy live-fire exercise, completed mission
rehearsal exercises, and fielded Joint Network Node technology.
"Many of you have combat experience and have seen first-hand that the digital battlefield
is changing rapidly," said Lawrence. "You must build on this experience and complete
the mission and come home safe."
In support of the home front, the 44th ESB established a rear detachment, made Family
member "battle books" and established lines through which Soldiers can communicate
easier with family members.
"Every husband, wife, son and daughter plays a critical role in ensuring we as one team
meet mission success," said Lawrence. "Let me put it to you this way; you Family
members have the most critical mission in the eyes of our Soldiers."
"Though there will be many challenges over the next 15 months, none will be
insurmountable because you are prepared, dedicated and an outstanding signal force."
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