10th Mountain Brigade takes command in Iraq - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

10th Mountain Brigade takes command in Iraq

A transfer of authority took place Oct. 10 in North Central Iraq between the redeploying 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and its replacement, 1st BCT, 10th Mountain Division.

It was the first of several in the area of responsibility of Multi-National Division-North, which spans six provinces in an area about the size of Idaho.

The assumption-of-responsibility ceremony took place at Forward Operating Base Warrior in Kirkuk, about 150 miles north of Baghdad.

“Almost two years ago, my brigade witnessed the courage of the Iraqi people as they went to vote for the first time to determine their destiny,” 1st BCT commander Col. David Paschal said in a press release in reference to the brigade’s previous deployment.

“The courage demonstrated then fuels the commitment of my soldiers to the Iraqi people and our critical mission,” he said. “It was a distinct honor to be a part of that historical event and especially today, as we move forward to help the people of Iraq maintain their hard-earned freedom.”

During its rotation, the 3rd BCT completed more than 1,000 partnered combat operations with Iraqi security forces, conducted numerous civic and humanitarian projects and secured oil pipelines, according to the release.

“Our achievements echo Iraqi security forces’ achievements and would not have been possible without your commitment to stand against hatred and evil,” 3rd BCT commander Col. Patrick Stackpole said.

Paschal vowed that the Warrior Brigade would add to the successes of its predecessors and continue down the same road of professionalism while working toward a better Iraq.