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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Jul 4, 2009 - 6:56:05 PM |
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Service members from Task Force Ramadi return after a nine-month deployment in Iraq.
Blackanthem Military News
NORFOLK, Va. - Friends and family members gathered at the Navy Air Mobility Command terminal here today anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones after a nine-month deployment to Iraq as part of Task Force (TF) Ramadi.
The 77-member task force deployed from U.S. Joint Forces Command's (USJFCOM) Joint Enabling Capabilities Command (JECC) to Al Anbar Province, Iraq, in mid-February. Task Force Ramadi provided joint forces with enabling capabilities as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, to include combat service support, rear area and base security, movement control, terrain management and infrastructure development for Multinational Forces-West.
USJFCOM Deputy Commander Navy Vice Adm. Robert S. Harward expressed his gratitude for the family members supporting their loved ones while they were deployed.
"I don't think that this country recognizes the debt you all pay and the decisions that you make day in and day out," said Harward.
Joint Enabling Capabilities Command Commander Marine Corps Brig. Gen. William D. Beydler praised the task forcefor their ability to come together rapidly and function as a unit to perform day-to-day operations in theater.
"We met the requirement on short notice. It was a joint team made up of all services and reservists from all over the country. Their accomplishments were significant," Beydler said. "Now the area is far more secure than what it was. Camp Ramadi is in far better shape than it was to support the Marines and sailors there conducting combat ops."
The Task Force Ramadi commander, Army Col. Todd J. Ebel said that over time the relative peace in Al Anbar came from the task force working together with their Iraqi counterparts in the area.
"I have learned that all communities, all ethnicities, all genders, all races can work to achieve a common goal and that's just to better the quality of life to individuals in our areas," Ebel said.
Since arriving in Iraq, TF Ramadi made a number of contributions throughout the community and Camp Ramadi. The task force removed more than 1,000 truckloads of debris from the camp and renovated more than 280,000 sq. ft. of camp buildings.
During the past nine months, the task force facilitated $3.5 million in force protection improvement projects, managed $36 million in contracts and leases, and improved communication capability by recovering and installing more than 45 miles of communication cables.
Out in the community, the task force facilitated repairs to water main breaks supplying clean water to hundreds of households and recapitalized the Iraqi Microfinance Non-Governmental Organization with $3 million in grants while working closely with the local provincial reconstruction teams.
Air Force Maj. Ricardo Young, a member of the task force, said it was a great learning experience. Young coordinated with local morale, welfare and recreation officials to keep the troops' morale levels up.
"It was a great experience to help [the troops] out especially after some of the things they had to go through while there," Young said. "This deployment took me outside of my box, my training, with the day-to-day work, but it was good for mind, body and soul."
Friends, family members and TF service members all were in agreement that it was "good to be back home."
Army Spc. Marcela Arnette explained the significance of the deployment for her.
"This deployment is more about trying to get Iraq back together and helping the people not taking over. We helped them to rebuild and make their country better," Arnette said.
Navy Chief Petty Officer David Yee said this deployment, "just shows that all of our branches with a common goal, what we can accomplish when we work together."
The task force will be disestablished on Nov. 19.
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