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FOB LOYALTY, Iraq (January 11, 2009) -
Paratroopers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne
Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, formally partnered
with Iraqi Security Forces in eastern Baghdad during a transition
ceremony Jan. 5 at Forward Operating Base Loyalty.
The Panther brigade replaced the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th
Mountain Division, which served a 13-month deployment in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"My best wishes go out to the Paratroopers of 3rd BCT," said
Col. Mark Dewhurst, commander of the 4th BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. "May
you please build upon our successes and also fix our
shortcomings."
The 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., and its 3,500 Paratroopers will
partner with Iraqi Security Forces in the safeguarding of three
political districts in eastern Baghdad: Al Karradah, Rusafa and New
Baghdad. The Panthers will also assist the ISF in offensive
military operations and protect the Iraqi populace during their
12-month deployment.
The 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. deployment comes at a historic time
for the Iraqi people. The Iraqi government is scheduled to hold
provincial elections Jan. 31. National elections are also scheduled
for later in the year.
"2009 will be a historic year for the people of Iraq," said Col.
Timothy McGuire, a native of Alamo, Calif., and commander of the
3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. "We look forward to doing our part to
ensure lasting peace and prosperity for the Iraqi people."
McGuire made it clear in the ceremony what the 3rd BCT, 82nd
Abn. Div. hopes to achieve during its tenure in Iraq.
"The Panthers, the Iraqi Police and the Iraqi Army stand
together as partners to ensure lasting peace in Iraq," he said.
The 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., based out of Fort Bragg, N.C., has
six subordinate battalions: the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute
Infantry Regiment; 2nd Bn., 505th Parachute Inf. Regt; 5th
Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regt; 1st Bn., 319th Abn. Field Artillery
Regt.; 3rd Bde. Special Troops Bn. and 82nd Bde. Support Bn. The
1st Bn., 505th Parachute Inf. Regt., is currently attached to the
1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., partnering with ISF in the Doura district
of Baghdad.
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