1st Calvary Turns Operations Over To 4th Infantry Division
Camp Liberty, Iraq
In a Change of Command Ceremony marked with more than one misty eye, Baghdad, and control for Multi-National Division Forces, Iraq changed hands during a ceremony held last Weds at Camp Liberty.
First Cavalry Division, based out of Fort Hood, will return to their base in Texas, while the basis of operations in Baghdad are taken up by the Infantry, 4th Division. Lieutenant General Raymond T. Odierno was presiding officer over the ceremony.
General Odierno, Multi-National Forces Commander, Iraq, spoke about how much the scene in Iraq has changed over the last year. Our battle effort in Iraq has shifted significantly over the last twelve months, and it’s largely due to First Cavalry and their work around and in Baghdad, stated General Odierno.
The right people doing their job, at the right time, and in the right place, this leads to significant events,? said General Odierno. For Baghdad, during the last two years, the correct people were the magnificent soldiers, the men and women, of the entire Multi-National Division, and the security force Iraqi Partners,? said General Odierno.
Seeing the success of the Iraqi Station Police, Patrol Police, National Police, of Local leaders, and all the fantastic partnerships created, makes us very proud, remarked General Odierno.
The Commander of the First Cavalry Division, Major General Joseph F. Fill Jr., addressed the ceremony. We have borne a high cost, and the toll on the lives of our forces and soldiers has been very steep, we have prevailed,? said General Fill.
Our Soldiers, our men and women they know it. The Enemy knows about it. And the Iraqi people know It. Said General Fill.