CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Wyoming's 115th Fires Brigade, handed over command to Florida's 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, in a Transfer of Authority ceremony here March 27.
This event symbolizes the completion of one command and the beginning of another.
Col. Richard Knowleton, Brigade Commander of the 115thFiB and Command Sgt. Maj. Kenton Franklin case their brigade colors as they complete their service here.
Col. Richard Gallant, Brigade Commander of the 53rd IBCT, and Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Corrow, remove the casing of the brigade colors simultaneously and unmask the brigade flag together as they gain command. The Florida flag will be flown for the duration of the deployment.
Florida's 53rd IBCT will continue to support the responsible draw-down of US forces in Iraq.
"After 18 months of Training and hard work its nice to finally be here and to start the mission, knowing that we will do well," said Lt. Col. David Yaegers Jr., Operations Officer of the 53rd IBCT.
This deployment is historical for the 53rd IBCT in that it is the largest single-unit mobilization for the Florida National Guard since World War II.
"The weight has been lifted off the shoulders of the 115th FiB, and put on the shoulders of the 53rd IBCT, and we are prepared for the challenge," said Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Corrow.
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