PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 19, 2017
Air Assault, All American brigades complete Transfer of Authority in Iraq
CJTFOIR

January 19, 2017
Release # 20170119-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The U.S. Army’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division completed their transfer of authority with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division – Air Assault, at forward operating base Union III, Iraq, Jan. 19, 2017.

101st Abn. Div. “Blackheart” Soldiers, commanded by U.S. Army Col. Brett Sylvia, deployed to Iraq in May 2016 to serve as the lead element for the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command’s advise and assist mission for Operation Inherent Resolve.

“I am incredibly proud of how Strike Soldiers adapted, endured and persevered. From austere outposts to newly constructed airfields, Strike Soldiers dutifully executed our commanders’ intent,” Sylvia said.

During the past nine months, TF Strike provided a range of support to the government of Iraq and the ISF including:

* Enabling the ISF to liberate hundreds of villages and cities, which included Fallujah, Sharqat, Qayyarah and Qaraqosh.

* Providing construction teams who restored Qayyarah West’s airfield.

* Installing assault bridges which enhanced ISF’s capability to take the fight to the enemy.

“Our time has come to a close but the mission is far from over. The Soldiers of TF Falcon have ably grabbed the baton and are now running with it. Under the tremendous leadership of Col. Work and CSM Rucker, I know the Iraqis will achieve even more. I wish you nothing but the best in writing the next chapter,” said Sylvia.

The 82nd Abn. Div.’s Falcon brigade, led by U.S. Army Col. James “Pat” Work, will continue to lead the advise and assist mission, which includes on-going support to the Iraqi security forces as they begin their push into western Mosul.

“It’s our high honor to return paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division – America’s guard of honor – to Iraq at this historic moment,” said Work.

CJFLCC-OIR is the ground forces command that supports the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve’s ongoing multi-national Coalition mission to defeat Da’esh in Iraq.