JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - Task Force 38 transferred authority of its corps-level aviation mission to Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division in a ceremony at Joint Base Balad Monday, June 7.
During Task Force 38's nearly yearlong deployment the unit conducted full-spectrum aviation operations including rotary- and fixed-wing direct and general support aviation missions in support of United States Forces - Iraq. These missions included air assault, air movement, medevac operations, re-supply and VIP support.
The Task Force 38 commander, Col. David C. Wood of the Indiana National Guard, thanked the Soldiers who worked to make those missions successful that helped stabilize Iraq.
"The shift in Operation Iraqi Freedom from combat to stability operations is what success in Iraq looks like," said Wood during his ceremony speech. "Iraq is forming a new government, and Iraqi security forces are increasing their capacity. Iraq's march toward stability and self-reliance are a result of your determination and hard work. Your efforts directly impacted the stability of the region and the security of the United States.".
Task Force 38 executed more than 4,600 tactical missions, more than 26,000 flight hours, and safely transported more than 80,000 passengers and more than seven million pounds of time sensitive cargo.
Wood also thanked 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Regiment; 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment; 244th Aviation Brigade; A Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment; B Company, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment; C Company, 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment; and 597th Ordnance Company; which organized to make the Task Force 38 missions happen.
"These units formed a cohesive task force fully embracing the mission of supporting the ground commander," said Wood.
The CAB, 1ID, headquartered at Camp Taji, assumed those missions with the transfer of authority, and is set to become the only Army aviation headquarters unit in Iraq.