CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- The 449th Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Hurricanes, successfully completes a nine-month deployment in the Middle East as the Brigade Commander Col. Joseph Bishop cased the brigade colors, transferring authority to the 35th CAB Commander Col. Charles Hausman during a ceremony Aug. 28 at Camp Taji, Iraq.
Their mission was to enable partner forces to defeat ISIS and build partner capabilities through unified land operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield providing: medical evacuation support, aerial response forces, attack operations as well as reconnaissance and security operations, to name a few.
TF Hurricanes faced many challenges due to the complex command relationships between the two operations, which spanned thirteen locations and six countries including Iraq, Kuwait, Turkey and Syria.
"The shear distance between operating locations made it a challenge to maintain aircraft and equipment," said Bishop. "The unique ways the Battalions were able to move people and parts to outlying locations was truly remarkable. Utilizing Air Force aircraft, Marine Ospreys, ground convoys and internal missions became a well-orchestrated synchronization effort by every logistic level in the Brigade."
According to the 449th CAB Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Shorter, the Soldiers were well-prepared for this mission.
"The drive, determination and innovative mindset of the highly skilled Soldiers from each organization inside the Brigade resulted in a highly efficient and effective team that was able to overcome the challenges the Hurricanes faced," said Shorter. The Soldiers of the 449th quickly stepped up to the challenge, built a tremendous team in record time and provided top notch aviation operational support to the war-fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria."
Between both operations, TF Hurricanes conducted more than 185 partnership missions to include aviation exchanges in the countries of Oman, Bahrain and Jordan, establishing reliable partnerships with Coalition forces.
"It was an honor to be a key maneuver brigade for 70+ Coalition forces in support of the Iraqi people," said Bishop. "I am very proud of the 449th CAB Soldiers who worked tirelessly to support the mission."
Some of the CAB's notable achievements included conducting 170 MEDEVAC missions, transporting 4M pounds of cargo and 53,000 people, and five deck landing qualifications, which gives the unit the capability to launch an operation from shore to ship and provides their MEDEVAC aircraft a place to land safely in case of emergency. These missions resulted in the CAB flying more than 35,000 hours and leaving the incoming unit, the 35th CAB, with big shoes to fill.
"The 35th CAB is an outstanding unit and is quickly adapting to the mission set here in OIR," said Bishop. "We owe it to our successors to leave no stone unturned, aircraft fleet mission ready and Soldiers ready to take the CAB's mission to the next level. My humble advice to the 35th CAB is to always work toward a solution, never except good enough and always find a way to improve your foxhole for the next team."
The CAB is no stranger to Iraq; it was awarded the meritorious unit commendation in 2009 after a 12-month deployment there for outstanding achievement in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, commanding the largest battle space for any CAB in country as the Multi-National Division-Central Combat Aviation Brigade at Baghdad International Airport.
"Every Soldier that has been a part of this team should head home proud of their accomplishments," said Shorter. "I stand by the National Guard, and it has been an honor being a member of this team of professionals known as Task Force Hurricanes."
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