Military News
U.S. Commander Presides Over Romanian Transfer of Authority Ceremonies
By Sergeant Francis J. O’Brien, 116th IBCT Public Affairs
Sep 26, 2011 - 3:27:37 PM

Blackanthem Military News

Col. Blake C. Ortner, Virginia Army National Guard 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and Combined Team Zabul commander, presides at a change of command ceremony for Romania's 15th Mechanized Brigade, Operational Mentor and Liaison Team 2 at Forward Operating Base Sweeney, Afghanistan Sept. 14. The Staunton-based "Stonewall Brigade" is deployed to Zabul province as a command and control headquarters in charge of NATO and Afghan National Army troops conducting counterinsurgency operations as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by Sgt. Francis J. O'Brien, 116th IBCT Public Affairs)

ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan, - Col. Blake C. Ortner, Virginia Army National Guard 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and Combined Team Zabul commander, presided over change of command ceremonies for Romanian troops at three forward operating bases in Zabul province, Afghanistan Sept. 14.

The Staunton-based 116th "Stonewall Brigade" is deployed as a command and control headquarters in charge of NATO and active duty troops conducting counterinsurgency operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It is a historic first time for a National Guard Brigade Combat Team headquarters in Afghanistan to command all active duty U.S. and NATO troops. The combined efforts of all three national armies in the province - Afghanistan, Romania and the United States - are designated as Combined Team Zabul.

Both American and Romanian officers spoke of their commitment to a continuing partnership with the Afghan National Security Forces.

"We may be changing - rotating out all units - but we're not leaving," said Lt. Col. Nedelescu of the 15th Mechanized Brigade, Operational Mentor and Liaison Team 2. "Romania is here with the coalition right up to the end. Our goal is to make the country peaceful for people who have known only war all their lives."

Maj. David Gabriel of OMLT 2 added, "We have helped the Afghan National Army to improve security in the area. Over the next six months we will work on improving security with the ANA for their kids."

Ortner thanked and praised all the OMLT 2 Romanian troops for their efforts.

"You built teamwork with the ANA, and that's your great accomplishment. Your troops are on the outskirts of Zabul," he said, "and it's only going to be getting harder. We are truly building a new effort among the coalition with the ANSF (Afghan National Security Forces). That's due entirely to your efforts. You have given the training to the ANA and ANP (Afghan National Police) to be better professionals and provide for their people. So, to the outgoing teams my congratulations, and to the incoming teams my best wishes."

The ceremonies were held at FOBs Athgar, Shamulzai and Sweeney. Awards and certificates of appreciation were handed out to Afghan, Romanian and American troops.



ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:

Romanian troops at Forward Operating Base Athgar form up for a change of command ceremony Sept. 14 in Zabul province Afghanistan. Col. Blake C. Ortner, Virginia Army National Guard 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and Combined Team Zabul commander, presided. The Staunton-based "Stonewall Brigade" is deployed to Zabul province as a command and control headquarters in charge of NATO and Afghan National Army troops conducting counterinsurgency operations as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by Sgt. Francis J. O'Brien, 116th IBCT Public Affairs)

Col. Blake C. Ortner, Virginia Army National Guard 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and Combined Team Zabul commander, presides at a change of command ceremony for Romanian troops at Forward Operating Base Sweeney, Afghanistan Sept. 14. The Staunton-based "Stonewall Brigade" is deployed to Zabul province as a command and control headquarters in charge of NATO and Afghan National Army troops conducting counterinsurgency operations as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by Sgt. Francis J. O'Brien, 116th IBCT Public Affairs)