1st Cav. Div. takes the reigns in Baghdad

Multi-National Forces-Iraq

Wednesday, 15 November 2006
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20061115-04
Nov. 15,2006

1st Cav. Div. takes the reigns in Baghdad

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraqi -- Under the clear, morning skies of a promising new day in Baghdad, the 1st Cavalry Division took the reigns for Multi-National Division -- Baghdad from the 4th Infantry Division during a transfer of authority ceremony here Nov. 15.

The ceremony honored the hard work and sacrifices of the departing “Ironhorse Division,” and looked forward to future challenges and successes to be garnered by the “First Team.

Presiding over the ceremony was Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, commanding general, Multi-National Corps -- Iraq. Chiarelli, no stranger to the 1st Cav. Div., was well suited for his role. Less than two years ago, he commanded the “First Team” during their first rotation as MND-B.

“It seems like only yesterday that I led the ‘First Team’ here,” said Chiarelli. “I know you will build on the exceptional success of the 4th Infantry Division. I have complete confidence that you (First Team) will make the difference.“The TOA is a symbol of the commitment of the coalition to the people of Iraq,” said

“This has indeed been a challenging time in Iraq,” he noted. He said in this complex atmosphere, “… few victories happen fast and we can only succeed through perseverance.”

The MNC-I commander said all Soldiers of 4th Inf. Div. should be proud of what they accomplished during their tenure in Baghdad. He said the Soldiers had a direct positive impact on the Iraqi people‘s day-to-day lives, including increased electricity, improved sewage systems and a monumental increase in trained Iraqi Security Forces.

“This is the decisive period in the campaign for Iraq,” said Maj. Gen. James D. Thurman, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. “Fighting side-by-side with Iraqi Security Forces, we have become brothers-in-arms, seeking a common goal.”

The 4th Inf. Div. commander addressed an audience of Iraqi and Coalition leaders, looking back on a year’s worth of successes and sacrifices by his MND-B forces.

“Since January 7, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines of the Coalition Forces, standing side by side with the ‘jundis’ (soldiers) and ‘shurtas’ (officers) of the Iraqi Security Forces, have courageously faced a determined enemy,” he said. “They have fought the terrorists in the streets, farmlands and deserts of four provinces: Baghdad, Babil, Karbala and Najaf.

“Our combined efforts enabled a new, democratically-elected government to form and begin leading the Iraqi people, living in a free nation,” Thurman said.


With the colors of his division cased and ready to accompany him home, Thurman’s thoughts were focused on the efforts of his Soldiers and on the support of their families.

“Our families and friends wait for us in the United States,” he said. “They have been patient and have supported us unfailingly. We return to our homes and families proud of our contribution to bettering the lives of the Iraqi people.”

With the crisp notes of the 1st Cav. Div. band accompanying the ceremony, Thurman passed on the mantle of MND-B with pride for his Soldiers and optimism for his successors.

Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil Jr., commanding general, 1st Cav. Div., uncased his colors and assumed command of the MND-B mission as the division colors changed position in the honor guard procession.

“The First Team is committed to continue to improve the security situation, to build upon the work of the “Ironhorse Division,” to work hand-in-hand with our brothers in the Iraqi Security Forces and to support those Iraqi forces as they move to the lead to assist the Iraqi people in achieving a more prosperous and peaceful future,” said the MND-B commander.

With obvious pride in the troops of his new command, Fil closed by thanking the 4th Inf. Div. for their great efforts in providing a smooth transition with the 1st Cav. Div. and took a moment to recognize all the forces that make up MND-B.

“While it is my honor to lead the First Team back to Baghdad, Multi-National Division -- Baghdad is so much more than just the 1st Cav. Div.,” he said. “The ranks of Multi-National Division -- Baghdad are filled with our Iraqi partners, every service component of the U.S. military and Soldiers from nearly every active Army division in the inventory.

“I look forward to leading this amazing formation,” Fil said, “in an effort to help the good people of Iraq realize their destiny which is a safe and secure Iraqi, where freedom reigns.”