Maj. Gen. Daniel Bolger (right) and Command Sgt. Maj. Rory Malloy, uncase their div's colors.
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Whitney Houston)

CAMP LIBERTY - As a hard wind blew through Baghdad, the 1st Cav Div took over responsibility for the MND-Baghdad operational environment from the 4th ID, during a transfer of authority ceremony Feb. 10.
The ceremony honored the multitude of accomplishments, successes and sacrifices of the "Ironhorse" Div. during their past 15 months in Baghdad and looked forward to the continuation of progress by "America's First Team".   
Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin III, comm. gen., MNC-Iraq, presided over the ceremony, saying this past year has truly been historic. The security has greatly improved thanks to incredible efforts of the 4th ID under the superb leadership of Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond.  Over the past 12 months, citizens of Baghdad and the surrounding area have seen an 80% decrease in attacks against local civilians, with Iraqi SF becoming more capable of maintaining law and order.  "Attacks are at a minimum, reconstruction is taking place and essential services continue to improve. It is undeniable that the 4th ID averted chaos in Sadr City.  It was one of the most complex, tactical operational and strategic fights in the history of OIF," said Austin. The relentless pursuit of the enemy resulted in the seizure of more than 2300 weapons caches, and the capture of more than 3000 enemy leaders, facilitators and operators, said Austin.  Markets, shops and schools opened; extensive projects started to clean and restore canals and pump stations necessary for irrigating farmlands, and micro-grant programs created over 7,000 Iraqi jobs. 
"This is a day to give thanks to the people of Iraq," said Hammond.  "Baghdad is better today than yesterday. We are thankful for your patriotism.  As a result, we have a great partnership. We share the same goals-protect the people, improve conditions and create opportunities."  Hammond then thanked the IA Soldiers and the ISF for their accomplishments and improvements that have brought them to the forefront in the security of Iraq. "I ask you to partner with the 1st Cav.  They will remain strong. They are well-led by Maj. Gen. Dan Bolger.," Hammond said.
Maj. Gen. Daniel Bolger, comm. gen. of 1st Cav. Div. uncased his division's colors with Command Sgt. Major Rory Malloy, senior enlisted leader of 1st Cav. Div., assumed command of MND-B and addressed the remaining "Ironhorse" crowd.  "Today we salute Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia and the fighting Soldiers of the great 4th ID," said Bolger. "You are our teammates at Fort Hood and in this war.  Our 2 divisions stand together, as you have taught us to be "steadfast and loyal"...like the partnership between our Soldiers, and the Soldiers and police of Iraq."
"Like the color guard we and our Iraqi brothers stand shoulder to shoulder against the winds and the threats of today," said Bolger. "It's all about teamwork-First Team, Team First."

Command Sgt Maj John Gioia (left), senior enlisted leader of 4th ID, and Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, case the div's colors.
(U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Jerry Saslav)

Maj. Gen. Daniel Bolger (right), talks to Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond. This is the third time both Fort Hood, Texas-based units transferred authority as the HQ element of MND-B to each other.

Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin III (right), says goodbye to Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond.