Thousands of Marines have deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq, the largest and once most volatile province in the country over the past six years.
According to Marine sources, on Jan. 23, Maj. Gen. R.T. Tryon, the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, transferred authority for Al Anbar from United States Force West to United States Division Center, filled by the Army’s 1st Armored Division.
The move represents a “significant milestone” in reducing U.S. forces in Iraq.
U.S. service members were joined by a large gathering of Iraqi soldiers, police, sheiks, and government officials for the transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Ramadi.
“It is an understatement to say that we have witnessed historic events this year in Iraq, and today’s ceremony is certainly an example of continued positive change,” said Maj. Gen. R.T. Tryon, the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force during the ceremony according to a release from the Marine Corps.
“There have been many significant security gains in Anbar over the last couple of years, and many of the people responsible for these gains are here in the audience today … we praise you for your courage and determination.”
The ceremony focused on the positive aspects of the Marines’ mission in Iraq, but Tryon stressed that their success would have been impossible without the efforts of the Iraqi people.
“These achievements are a result of what we have done together, in partnership with one another and with the leadership of the Iraqi civil sector,” stated Tryon.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Terry A. Wolff and his soldiers from the 1st Armored Division will continue to partner with Iraqis in the area.
According to Marine sources, on Jan. 23, Maj. Gen. R.T. Tryon, the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, transferred authority for Al Anbar from United States Force West to United States Division Center, filled by the Army’s 1st Armored Division.
The move represents a “significant milestone” in reducing U.S. forces in Iraq.
U.S. service members were joined by a large gathering of Iraqi soldiers, police, sheiks, and government officials for the transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Ramadi.
“It is an understatement to say that we have witnessed historic events this year in Iraq, and today’s ceremony is certainly an example of continued positive change,” said Maj. Gen. R.T. Tryon, the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force during the ceremony according to a release from the Marine Corps.
“There have been many significant security gains in Anbar over the last couple of years, and many of the people responsible for these gains are here in the audience today … we praise you for your courage and determination.”
The ceremony focused on the positive aspects of the Marines’ mission in Iraq, but Tryon stressed that their success would have been impossible without the efforts of the Iraqi people.
“These achievements are a result of what we have done together, in partnership with one another and with the leadership of the Iraqi civil sector,” stated Tryon.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Terry A. Wolff and his soldiers from the 1st Armored Division will continue to partner with Iraqis in the area.
