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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Mar 18, 2010 - 5:39:57 PM |
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Task Force "Rangers" reach major milestone in Iraq
By Spc. Shantelle J. Campbell, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs, 1st Infantry Division
Dec 28, 2009 - 5:59:10 PM
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Blackanthem Military News
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| Lieutenant Col. Paul Kreis, commander of 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, signs the deeds to the Bayji Joint Coordination Center over to Sameer Al-hadad, Iraqi Receivership Secretary, Dec. 20, completing the hand-over of that facility to the Iraqi Government. (Photo by 2nd Lt. Benjamin Black, HHC, 2-16 IN) |
BAYJI, Iraq - It is the beginning of the end as units in Multi-National Corps - Iraq begin the responsible drawdown of troops, and start returning U.S. run facilities over to the Iraqi government.
During a joint meeting Dec. 20, between Lt. Col. Paul Kreis, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley, Kan., and Sameer Al-hadad, the Receivership Secretariat for the Government of Iraq, the Bayji Joint Coordination Center was officially returned to the Iraqi government.
Iraqi Security Forces and local government officials will continue to operate out of the JCC as they plan and coordinate activities to secure the community. The center also has an office where the public can come and give tips and information to the Iraqi Police.
The Bayji JCC transfer went quite smoothly, with both parties pleased with the turnover of equipment, said Capt. Christian Durham, the company commander of the Soldiers who operated out of the Bayji JCC. "Overall, both parties feel confident that the location will continue to be secure in the future."
Before returning the coordination center, U.S. forces removed temporary structures and transferred equipment necessary to ensure the Iraqi Police received a fully functional facility.
Bayji is one of the largest cities in Salah ad-Din province, and a major industrial center. Bayji was key terrain for coalition forces during Operation Desert Storm and much of Operation Iraqi Freedom, largely because it is home to the largest oil refinery in Iraq.
The return of the Bayji JCC was a significant milestone for the "Ranger" battalion who deployed to Salah ad-Din province last September.
Second Lt. Benjamin Black, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, contributed to this article.
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