CAMP TAJI, Iraq (Dec9, 2007) - Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Task Force XII officially transferred command of Multi-National Corps - Iraq's key aviation asset to Task Force 49 during a Transfer of Authority (TOA) ceremony conducted on Logistics Support Area Anaconda Dec. 3.
This ceremony welcomed Task Force 49 into their new role, as well as marked the beginning of new mission for Task Force XII.
"With this transfer of authority, we're going to prove that Army Aviation has the same capabilities and flexibility as our ground forces," said Maj. Gen. James E. Simmons, the deputy commanding general of Multi-National Corps - Iraq.
Instead of going home, the headquarters element of Task Force XII is moving to Camp Taji to assume the command of the aviation task force for Multi-National Division - Baghdad. The task force will be comprised of the 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, from Fort Hood Texas; the 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment; and a Forward Logistics Element from the 412th Aviation Support Battalion, both from Katterbach, Germany.
"I am confident that (these battalions) designated in the Task Force XII, in Taji, will exceed all expectations," said Col. Timothy J. Edens, the commander of Task Force XII.
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Task Force 49 comes from Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and will assume command of these units:
- 2nd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment
- 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment
- 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment
- 412th Aviation Support Battalion
Task Force Hawk
B Company, 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment
"We are handing the controls to another outstanding brigade headquarters," said Edens. "I expect, and am fully confident, that the excellence of (the units that will remain here) will continue."
During the ceremony, the colors for Task Force XII were carefully furled and then cased in a blue canvas cover by Edens and Task Force XII Command Sgt. Maj. H. Lee Kennedy.
After the colors of Task Force XII were cased, Task Force 49's colors were uncased and unfurled by its commander, Col. Chandler C. Sherrell, and Task Force 49 Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Mitchell.
The Soldiers of this task force will make this TOA successful because of their continued hard work, dedication and the outstanding leadership they have received, said Sherrell.
"Each and every mission this brigade has undertaken has been done in a professional and effective manner," said Simmons. "Just as (Task Force XII) has succeeded; Task Force 49 will as well under their able leadership."
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