Written by Sgt. 1st Class Petiobone
MOSUL, Iraq (20 June, 2006) --Transfer of authority ceremonies are becoming common place in Mosul. This indicates a progression toward a more independent Iraq. 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division took command and control of more area of responsibilities from their U.S. counterparts, the 1st Bn., 17th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team from Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
The transition of authority took place at a soccer field near Forward Operating Base Marez.
The event was attended by Mosul’s Governor, Douraid Kashmula and Brig. Gen. Rickey Rife, assistant division commander (support), 101st Airborne Division.
Transitioning areas of responsibilities in the Mosul area to the Iraqi Army is an on-going process with the emphasis on the Iraqi’s completely purging military control from the U.S. Army.
The ceremony was brief but demonstrated a distinct Iraqi presence.
The Iraqi’s put on a first-aid, under small-arms fire demonstration. Afterwards, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Kelly, commander, 1st Bn., 17th Inf. Regt., assisted an Iraqi army officer with unveiling the 1st Bn.’s new flag.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Iraqi’s proudly waved the national flag along with their own battalion flags in a festive reaction to their newly acquired military responsibilities.