Brig. Gen. Michael R. Nevin, commander, 177th Military Police Brigade, a National Guard unit from Taylor, Mich., turned the keys to detainee operations at Victory Base Complex over to Brig. Gen. Robert Hipwell, commander, 300th Military Police Brigade, a National Guard unit from Inkster, Mich., during a transfer of authority ceremony April 18 at Camp Liberty Field House.
As the outgoing commander and command sergeant major of the 177th MP Bde. cased their colors, it symbolized the end of the unit's time here. However, the changes that the 177th MP Bde. made will remain.
The Soldiers of the 177th MP Bde. brought a level of discipline and responsibility that raised the bar on detainee operations, Nevin said. They turned out moderates who were ready to go back out as peaceful members and citizens of the community.
"This is a very special day for us," Nevin said. "Some are even calling it our happy bus day."
Nevin first thanked the subordinate units that fell under him during his time at VBC. "It was an honor and privilege for us to try and stay in front of you and give you some kind of direction. I'm personally honored and privileged to have been called your leader these past months."
As he continued, Nevin thanked those over him in Task Force 134 for giving the 177th MP Bde. everything it needed to accomplish its mission. "It's been a great relationship for learning and a great environment in which to be a warfighter."
Then Nevin addressed the Soldiers of the 177th MP Bde. "You came into a situation that needed dignity and respect. You brought dignity and respect and it became the baseline. It became the foundation for all of Task Force 134 successes," he said.
"No one from the 177th traveled half way around the world and put his life on the line for anything less than victory," Nevin said.
"If imitation is truly the sincerest form of flattery, I would be proud to replicate the work and spirit of any member of the 177th Military Police Brigade," Hipwell said.
"Today, we face another mission and that mission is to follow in the footsteps of the 177th Military Police Brigade and successfully run detention operations with the same dignity and respect as Task Force MP North," Hipwell said.
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