Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commanding general, 25th Infantry Division, greets the Iraqi Army division commanders for the first time as he takes charge of Multi-National Division – North at Contingency Operating Base Speicher. Department of Defense photo by Army Spc. Michael Pfaff, 133rd MPAD.
TIKRIT –Following a year marked by noteworthy successes in growing the size and capabilities of the Iraqi security forces, rebuilding Iraq and providing security for a vast region of the country, the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division on Wednesday transferred control of Multi-National Division North to the Army’s 25th Infantry Division.
“Our mission here is clear,” said Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commander of the 25th Infantry Division and Task Force Lightning, during a ceremony to mark the assumption of control. “To provide our Iraqi friends and counterparts the assistance they need to take over their own security and create a safe and secure environment so the Iraqi people can live a free, prosperous and terror-free life.”
The 25th Infantry Division and Task Force Lightning – which include elements from the 82nd Airborne Division, 4th Infantry Division and 2nd Infantry Division – will continue the mission of transitioning areas of operation to the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and other Iraqi security forces in the region.
Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, and Gen. George Casey, commanding general, Multi National Force – Iraq, attend a Mission Assumption Day ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Speicher. Department of Defense photo by Army Spc. Michael Pfaff, 133rd MPAD.
While Soldiers uncased the Division’s colors, Mixon deviated from his prepared speech to speak “from the heart” to attending Iraqi dignitaries and Iraqi security forces officers. He focused on maintaining the relationship between Coalition forces and continuing efforts to secure the region and its people.
Attending the event were Gen. George Casey, commanding general of Multi-National Force – Iraq, Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, commanding general of Multi-National Corps Iraq, and Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq.
During their year-long tour in Iraq, the 101st Airborne and the Task Force Band of Brothers assisted two Iraqi Army divisions in assuming responsibility for security in their provinces. Two other Iraqi divisions in the region are projected to assume responsibility for security in their provinces over the next three months.
In addition to transitioning security, the 25th Infantry Division will focus on continuing the efforts of the 101st Airborne Division to help rebuild Iraq’s infrastructure and further the democratic process.
Celebrating a job well done, Soldiers of the 101st Airborne will return to Fort Campbell, Ky., in order to prepare for their next “rendezvous with destiny.”
Wild Thing’s comment…….
God bless and keep all of our troops safe! A big thank you to all our troops!!
Ah, my old division from Schofield. CuChiEddie will remember, too.
God bless the great 101 I will keep praying for our troops.
Rhod I love it and appreciate so much all those that served with them. Thank you!
Jack H. they had good guys like you in all our banches and divisions to lead the way too. It all comes together the band of brothers….so awesome all of you Veterans and our troops today.
It’s about time the 25th got back into the fray, now we’ll see some serious butt kickin. Thank you Rhod. And Jack, we love ya too!
HOOAH!
Eddie:
They’ve already been in the fray. The 25th is an LID now; one of my son’s buddies, a Wolfhound Medic, picked up a Silver Star in Iraq last year. They were in the first push into Baghdad.
The 25th was also at FOB Sharana, in Afghanistan, where another of my kids (from the 82nd…oh well) is now. I think they’re all back at Schofield, but I’ve heard some of them are at Fort Lewis, and some at Fort Hood (?).