Redeployment For Operation Iraqi Freedom IV
On 27 July 2006 the Department of Defense announced additional major units
scheduled to deploy as part of the next Operation Iraqi Freedom rotation. The
announcement, included four Army brigades and two Marine Regimental Combat
Teams consisting of approximately 25,000 service members puts the entire 1st
Cavalry Division on orders to return to Iraq. The newly identified units of
the 1st Cavalry Division are the 1st Brigade and 4th Brigades, 1st Cavalry
Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. This rotation continues the US commitment to
Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, yet is flexible and adaptable in order to meet the
evolving requirements for the mission in Iraq.
|
|---|
On 29 July, at the Kieschnick Fitness Center, troops of the 1st Cavalry
Division and military policemen said their last good-byes to loved ones at Ft.
Hood before leaving Central Texas on a chartered flight to Kuwait. Among the
lead group were the first 19 soldiers from the 15th Sustainment Brigade's
Brigade Troop Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. Their departure marked the
start of the scheduled return of the Division to Iraq in the coming months.
Families and friends sat and waited in the gymnasium bleachers, counting the
minutes until their soldier walked onto a bus headed to the Robert Gray Army
Airfield. Other troops leaving on an early morning flight Sunday at 0300 hours
were from the 89th Military Police Brigade and the 49th Transportation
Battalion, 13th Sustainment Command.
On 13 October, after nearly a month at sea from Beaumont, TX, the equipment of
the BlackJack Combat Brigade arrived at Port Ash Shuaiba for offloading. The
equipment was immediately cleared for operational use and by 27 October the
BlackJack Brigade had moved and uncased their colors on BlackJack Field in the
remote base of Camp Buehring, Kuwait, marking the beginning of its operations
in Iraq.
|
|---|
On 15 November, under the clear morning skies of a promising new day the 1st
Cavalry Division took the reigns for Multi-National Division, (Task Force)
Baghdad from the 4th Infantry Division during a Transfer Of Authority Ceremony
at Camp Liberty in Baghdad, Iraq. The ceremony honored the hard work and
sacrifices of the departing 4th "Ironhorse" Infantry Division who will return
to their home base at Ft. Hood, TX,, and looked forward to future challenges
and successes to be garnered by the "First Team".
Lt. General Peter Chiarelli, the Commanding General of the Multi-National
Corps - no stranger to the 1st Cavalry Division, presided over the ceremony.
Less than two years ago, he had commanded the First Team during their first
rotation as MND-B. With the crisp notes of the 1st Cavalry Division band
accompanying the ceremony, Major Generalo James D. Thurman the Commanding
General of the Multi-National Division, Baghdad passed on the mantle of MND-B
with pride for his soldiers and optimism for his successors. Major General
Joseph F. Fil Jr. the Commanding General of the 1st Cavalry Division, uncased
his colors and assumed command of the MND-B mission as the Division colors
changed position in the honor guard procession.
The "IronHorse" (1st BCT) Battalions took over the largest and most populated
areas in Multi-National Division - Baghdad, the IronHorse Brigade Combat Team
was an integral part of the surge operation in Baghdad. The initial focus on
combat operations provided a safe, stable, and secure environment which
allowed reconciliation efforts of both Sunni and Shia tribal leaders and led
to a significant expansion of Iraqi Security Forces, local government, and
infrastructure improvement followed by a flourishing economic and cultural
growth.
The "BlackJack" (2nd BCT) Battalions hit the ground running and assumed a
variety of counterinsurgency missions to repair and rebuild a nation crippled
by 30 years under a totalitarian regime. By the fall of 2007, the Brigade
enjoyed successes both in combat operations and along all major lines of
operation: security, economic, essential services and governance. The Brigade
continued to demonstrate its flexibility, lethality and compassion while
simultaneously destroying or disrupting enemy forces and continuing civil
military operations.
The "GreyWolf" (3nd BCT) Battalions were deployed to the Diyala Province and
based out of Baqubah. While serving as the main regional force for Coalition
efforts in the area it fell under the command of Multi National Division-North
(MND-N), commanded by the 25th Infantry Division and based out of COB
Speicher in Tikrit.
The "Longknives" (4th BCT) Battalions assumed responsibility of Ninawa
province from the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division on
09 December 2006. The Brigade headquarters was based in Mosul, Ninawa's
provincial capital. The brigade's mission was to build capable Iraqi security
forces and to conduct counter insurgency operations to neutralize anti-Iraqi
forces. The brigade transferred authority to the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment
in December 2007 and completed redeployment operations.
|
|---|
On 24 September 2006, the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, as an element of the 1st
Cavalry Division, deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06 - 08 and
operating out of Camp Taji conducted full spectrum combat operations in
as part of the "The Surge" including sustained attack and reconnaissance
operations for 15 months over Baghdad, in support of Multi-National Divisions
- Baghdad and Center.
The "Mavricks" (DSTB) conducted a relief in place and Transfer Of Authority
on 15 November 2006. Their main objective was to support the Cavalry
Division/Multinational Division-Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08,
The DSTB quickly grew to over 2000 personnel of all services as the "Surge"
forces entered Iraq. Hhaving played a critical role in the transformation of
Iraq into a free nation during this decisive period in Iraq, the DSTB was
personnel and equipment back to Fort Hood, TX.
The "WagonMasters" (15th Sustainment Brigade) was one of the first elements of
the 1st Cavalry Division to return to Iraq and assumed control for logistics
in the Baghdad area of operations. The Brigade provided command and control
for numerous units not normally associated with the 1st Cavalry Division.
Tasks the unit completed during its tour in Iraq included construction and
maintenance of sustainment facilities, and maintaining vehicles, including
adding additional armor to Humvee vehicles.
Needs Data
On 13 August 2007, Division Headquarters announced a preliminary schedule for
the return of the troops from Iraq. A timeline for the return of units is
shown below.
 |
|---|
| Preliminary Time-Line for Return of Troops from Iraq |
| Iron Horse = 1st Brigade Combat Team |
| BlackJack - 2nd Brigade Combat Team |
| GreyWolf = 3rd Brigade Combat Team |
| LongKnife = 4th Brigade Combat Team |
| Warriors = 1st Air Cavalry Brigade |
| Maverick = Division Special Troops Battalion |
| Wagonmaster = 15th Sustainment Brigade |
| SilverEagles = 15th Finance Battalion |
| Broncos = 15th Personnel Services Battalion |
|
|---|
On 11 December during a Transfer of Authority ceremony, at Forward Operating
Base Marez. Mosul, Iraq, the 4th "Long Knife" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry
Division, handed over their responsibility for operations in northern Iraq to
the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment from Ft. Hood, TX. The Long Knife Brigade
cased their colors for transport back to the US, following a 14-month tour
in Ninevah Province located in northern Iraq, as the 3d ACR unfurled theirs,
to symbolize assumption of control of the northern battlespace and formally
mark the beginning of their third rotation in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom since 2003.
Major General. Mark Hertling, commander of the 1st Armored Division, Task
Force Iron, and Multinational Division North, began the remarks by observing
how, in a bit of historic irony, the newest Brigade Combat Team of the Army
had just ceded battlefield responsibility to the oldest regiment of the Army.
With the majority of the Long Knife Brigade's Soldiers in transition to
Kuwait, or already back in the US, Col. Stephen Twitty, commander of the Fort
Bliss, Texas, based 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, welcomed
Col. Mike Bills and the great Soldiers of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.
The Soldiers of 3rd ACR are no strangers to Ninevah Province, having served
the great people of Tal'Afar during their darkest moments.
|
|---|
On 19 December, under the clear, morning skies of a promising new day at Camp
liberty, Baghdad, Iraq, the 1st Cavalry Division transferred the authority for
the Multi-National Division - Baghdad to the 4th Infantry Division. It is the
third deployment for 4th Infantry Division to return to Baghdad, Iraq. The
ceremony honored the hard work and sacrifices of the departing "First Team"
and looked forward to future challenges and successes soon to be earned by
the "Ivy" Division. With the clear, crisp notes of the 4th Infantry Division
Band accompanying the ceremony, Major General Joseph F. Fil Jr. the Commanding
General of the 1st Cavalry Division, passed the mantle of MND-B with pride for
his soldiers and optimism for his successors, lead by Major General Jeffery
Hammond, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division,
The biggest success in this deployment was the complete, full partnership that
the 1st Cavalry Division formed with their counterparts in the Iraqi Army,
National Police, station police, patrol police and local leaders. Because of
their shared concern, genuine care and daily engagement, they earned the trust
and confidence of the people of Baghdad. In turn, it sparked a grassroots
movement among the millions of residents and empowered them to feel in control
of their own destiny. The 4th Infantry Division uncased their colors and
assumed command of the MND-B mission as the colors of the divisions changed
position in the honor guard procession.
Current details of the returning units and their flight schedule is shown
below. Additional unit schedules will be added as they become available from
the PAO.
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| FLIGHT | DATE | TIME |
| Mustang 01 | 15 October | 11:45 PM |
| Wagonmaster 01 | 18 October | 06:15 PM |
| Wagonmaster 02 | 22 October | 08:30 PM |
| Warrior 01 | 05 November | 11:40 AM |
| BlackJack 01 | 15 November | 02:45 PM |
| Warrior 02 | 19 November | 09:55 AM |
| Warrior 03 | 19 November | 11:15 AM |
| Warrior 04 | 20 November | 10:20 PM |
| Warrior 05 | 20 November | 11:10 AM |
| Warrior 06 | 21 November | 02:20 AM |
| Warrior 07 | 28 November | 05:00 AM |
| GreyWolf 01 | 26 November | 04:55 AM |
| GreyWolf 02 | 28 November | 04:30 AM |
| GreyWolf 03 | 29 November | 12:30 PM |
| GreyWolf 04 | 28 November | 11:45 PM |
| GreyWolf 09 | 29 November | 05:05 PM |
| GreyWolf 11 | 30 November | 02:45 PM |
| GreyWolf 05 | 01 December | 02:30 PM |
| GreyWolf 14 | 01 December | 04:40 PM |
| GreyWolf 06 | 02 December | 09:30 AM |
| GreyWolf 07 | 02 December | 11:45 AM |
| GreyWolf 08 | 03 December | 03:30 PM |
| GreyWolf 10 | 04 December | 06:45 AM |
| GreyWolf 13 | 05 December | 11:35 PM |
| GreyWolf 12 | 07 December | 03:35 AM |
| IronHorse 01 | 10 December | 10:15 PM |
| GreyWolf 16 | 11 December | 10:00 AM |
| Warrior 08 | 13 December | 05:45 AM |
| Warrior 10 | 12 December | 07:00 PM |
| Warrior 09 | 15 December | 11:45 AM |
| GreyWolf 17 | 16 December | 07:00 PM |
| Warrior 12 | 21 December | 12:50 AM |
| Warrior 19 | 18 December | 01:05 PM |
| GreyWolf 18 | 18 December | 02:45 PM |
| Warrior 11 | 19 December | 04:45 AM |
| Maverick 01 | 19 December | 02:45 PM |
| Maverick 02 | 19 December | 02:45 PM |
| Maverick 03 | 20 December | 01:30 PM |
| Maverick 04 | 20 December | 12:45 AM |
| Warrior 13 | 21 December | 02:45 PM |
| Warrior 16 | 21 December | 08:45 PM |
| Maverick 05 | 22 December | 02:45 PM |
| Warrior 15 | 24 December | 06:40 AM |
| BlackJack 02 | 24 November | 06:50 AM |
| Warrior 18 | 30 December | 03:45 PM |
| BlackJack 13 | 02 January | 09:40 PM |
| Warrior 20 | 03 January | 10:25 AM |
| BlackJack 06 | 05 January | 03:15 PM |
| BlackJack 07 | 05 January | 10:45 PM |
| BlackJack 04 | 06 January | 11:00 AM |
| BlackJack 08 | 06 January | 09:15 PM |
| BlackJack 05 | 07 January | 04:05 AM |
| BlackJack 09 | 09 January | 07:30 PM |
| BlackJack 10 | 03 January | 12:40 PM |
| BlackJack 11 | 05 January | 08:15 PM |
| BlackJack 15 | 09 January | 11:35 AM |
| BlackJack 12 | 10 January | 12:15 AM |
| IronHorse 03 | 11 January | 01:20 PM |
| Warrior 21 | 11 January | 06:00 PM |
| IronHorse 02 | 13 January | 12:35 PM |
| IronHorse 05 | 13 January | 03:00 PM |
| IronHorse 06 | 13 January | 10:05 PM |
| IronHorse 07 | 14 January | 11:00 AM |
| IronHorse 12 | 14 January | 11:40 AM |
| IronHorse 10 | 14 January | 02:15 PM |
| IronHorse 11 | 15 January | 01:25 PM |
| IronHorse 08 | 16 January | 10:45 AM |
| IronHorse 04 | 17 January | 07:55 PM |
| IronHorse 16 | 18 January | 03:45 PM |
| IronHorse 09 | 18 January | 12:50 PM |
| IronHorse 17 | 20 January | 03:35 PM |
| IronHorse 19 | 19 January | 06:10 PM |
| IronHorse 20 | 20 January | 12:05 AM |
| BlackJack 17 | 20 January | 02:45 AM |
| BlackJack 18 | 20 January | 12:45 PM |
| BlackJack 19 | 21 January | 04:45 PM |
| Warrior 22 | 23 January | 04:45 PM |
| IronHorse 21 | 26 January | 02:45 PM |
Good News !! The flight of IronHorse 21 represents the last group of the
Division personnel to return from the deployment with the exception of a few
who are on the high seas with equipment.
As you journey through the history of the 1st Cavalry Division and its
assigned elements, you may find it interesting enough to send a message to
your friends and extend them an invitation for the opportunity to review the
rich history of the Division. We have made it easy for you to do. All that is
required is for you to click on the Push Button below, fill in their eMail
addresses and send.
| The TITLE and URL of this WebSite are automatically read, formatted and entered into your standard eMail form. |
|
Note - The eMail Message is processed and transmitted On-Line to the
addressee(s) via your Internet Provider. |
 Need a gift for an Alumni of the 1st Cavalry Division? |
|---|
eMail Your WebSite Comments.
Return to "MyOwnPages"©.
Revised 15 Jan '13 SpellChecked 
