82nd Airborne Division takes command of Regional Command South
By SFC Lyndon Miller, 319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Oct 1, 2011 - 4:34:14 PM
Blackanthem Military News
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| In this photo provided by ISAF Regional Command South, Army Lt. Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, ISAF Joint Command commander, speaks to the incoming and outgoing leadership of RC-South during a transfer of authority ceremony on Kandahar Airfield Oct. 1. This ceremony officially transitioned command of the battlespace from the 10th Mountain Division (LI) to the 82nd Airborne Division. (Photo/U.S. Amanda M. Hils) |
KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Maj. Gen. James L. Terry, outgoing commander of Regional Command South, cased the 10th Mountain Division (LI) colors and officially handed over command to Maj. Gen. James L. Huggins Jr., 82nd Airborne Division and new RC(S) commander, during a transition of authority ceremony Saturday on Kandahar Airfield.
Lt. Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, commander, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command and reviewing officer for the ceremony, addressed the multi-national audience first, emphasizing the partnership of Afghanistan and coalition forces and the positive effect of their efforts.
Our forces, working shoulder to shoulder, "shanah ba shanah," Scaparrotti said using the Afghan phrase, "train, fight, die and win along-side each other. Together, we are creating a better future for the people of Afghanistan," he said.
Following Scaparrotti’s remarks, Terry welcomed the audience and offered his parting thoughts.
"Salam Alaikum," he said, "and peace be upon you," citing the traditional Muslim greeting.
Referring to the overall purpose here, Terry said, "this is not about coalition forces, this is about the Afghan security forces increasingly taking the lead."
Terry went on to say that collectively Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) have reason to be proud and stand tall. In the four provinces of Kandahar, Uruzgan, Zabul, and Daykundi, they have "thwarted hundreds of attacks and beaten back a weakening but still very violent enemy."
An increase in economic activity in the RC-(S) region, Terry said, is evidence of stability and progress, that "melons and pomegranates" have been shipped through Kandahar Airfield to global markets.
Once Terry’s remarks were complete, Huggins walked up to the platform and spoke.
"Our task will be to continue to build on the progress of our ANSF and coalition partners, that the Afghans can take full control of their future in the lead, in their country," Huggins said.
Afghans will achieve sustainable economic development which will result in the peaceful, prosperous and independent future of their country, he said.
Huggins also said that two key factors for success over the next year will be working to develop governance and security and building local inclusive governments, "an area where I’ve already seen much progress."
"It is the Afghan people, themselves," Huggins continued, "who will achieve the form of government that is accountable to the people, a government they deserve."
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| In this photo provided by ISAF Regional Command South, Army Maj. Gen. James L. Huggins and Command Sgt. Maj. Bryant C. Lambert, the incoming RC-South and 82nd Airborne Division commander and command sergeant major, remove the cover from their unit’s flag during a transfer of authority on Kandahar Airfield Oct. 1. This ceremony marked the end of a year-long tour for 10th Mountain Division (LI) in Afghanistan and the uncasing of the 82nd flag officially marked the presence of new division leadership in RC-South. (Photo/U.S. Army Spc. Amanda M. Hils) |
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| In this photo provided by ISAF Regional Command South, Army Maj. Gen. James L. Huggins and Command Sgt. Maj. Bryant C. Lambert, the incoming RC-South and 82nd Airborne Division commander and command sergeant major, unfurl their unit’s colors during a transfer of authority on Kandahar Airfield Oct. 1. This ceremony marked the tour end for 10th Mountain Division (LI) and the unrolling of the 82nd flag officially marked the presence of new division leadership in RC-South. (Photo/U.S. Army Spc. Amanda M. Hils) |
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| In this photo provided by ISAF Regional Command South, Army Maj. Gen. James L. Terry and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher K. Greca, 10th Mountain Division (LI) commander and command sergeant major, roll up the division flag during a transfer of authority ceremony on Kandahar Airfield Oct. 1. Terry and Greca are the outgoing leaders of RC-South and officially transfer to the 82nd Airborne Division as the new unit in command of RC-South. (Photo/U.S. Army Spc. Amanda M. Hils) |
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