This is the last JSS in which 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Fires Brigade Soldiers were partnered with Iraqi Security Forces in Wasit Province.
Captain Rich Turvey, Battery A, 2nd Bn., 20th FA, 41st FB signed over the JSS to 1st Lt. Jassim Abbas, 3rd Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Iraqi Army Brigade.
“We celebrate today to receive the JSS in Numaniyah in accordance with the Security Agreement between Iraq and the American government,” said Brig. Gen. Abed Gabr Mazloum, 32nd Iraqi Army Brigade commander.
“After all of the training the Iraqi Army received from the American Army, we are ready to take full responsibility and take charge, which is evident by the turning over of the JSSs,” added Abed.
The Soldiers of Btry. A took control of the JSS in August 2008 after the Georgian Army pulled out of Iraq to help with the crisis in their own country. They initially partnered with an Iraqi Police Special Response team and then the Iraqi Soldiers from the 3rd Co., 1st Bn., 32nd IA Bde.
“I am proud of Alpha 2-20 for their partnership with both the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army while they were here at JSS Salaam. You have prepared your ISF brothers well,” said Col. Dick Francey, 41st FB commander.
“I am proud of the Iraqi Army; you are a very good organization and more than capable of providing security for this region. I am proud to stand by you as my brothers. Our mission is not yet complete. Our partnership with the ISF and the government of Iraq will continue. We promise to stand side-by-side with you as we continue down this path,” added Francey in his remarks during the ceremony.
“We appreciate Colonel Francey and all his staff at FOB Delta for their support to us and for giving us these JSSs,” said Abed.
The two remaining facilities in Wasit province to be handed over to the Iraqi Security Forces this month are JSS Aziziyah and Combat Outpost Summers, where 1st Bn., 77th FA Regt., 172nd Brigade Combat Team is partnered with 1st Bn. and 2nd Bn., 32nd Iraqi Army Bde.
