FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20090111-04
Jan. 11, 2009
3rd BCT assumes mission in eastern Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
Col. Timothy McGuire, a native of Alamo, Calif., and commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad and Command Sgt. Maj. King O. Parks, a native of Goldsboro, N.C., and command sergeant major of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division unveil the brigade colors during a transition ceremony, Jan. 5, at Forward Operating Base Loyality. The 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., based out of Fort Bragg, N.C., transitioned with Soldiers of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. The 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., will assist Iraqi security forces in the eastern Baghdad during its 12-month deployment.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Soldiers 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 3rd BCT 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 Soldiers will partner with Iraqi Security Forces in the safeguarding of three political districts in eastern Baghdad: Al Karradah, Rusafa and New Baghdad. The 3rd BCT will also assist the ISF in offensive military operations and protect the Iraqi populace during their 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, 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., 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.