Published: May 26, 2008
US Army National Guard Units Switch Out
By Sgt. Daniel Blottenberger, 18th MP Bde., PAO
National Guard MPs transfer authority in Baghdad
MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION - CENTER, Iraq - On a hot desert morning near Baghdad, May 24, two National Guard Military Police companies gathered to conduct a transfer of authority of their Police Transition Teams mission in Baghdad and surrounding areas.
The 153rd Military Police Company, Delaware National Guard, transferred authority to the 223rd Military Police Company, Kentucky National Guard, in a Transfer of Authority Ceremony held at Camp Liberty May 24.
"Reflecting on the past twelve months has really impressed on me the fact that the National Guard Soldier is nothing less than a professional force fully capable of accomplishing our Nation's strategic interests at home and abroad," said Capt. Joseph Yawn, 153rd MP Co., commander, and native of Laurel, Del.
The Delaware based unit deployed April 2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, for the second time, to the areas of Baghdad and Kalsu, Iraq.
Delaware National Guardsmen, 1st Sgt. Michael Fields, (left) first sergeant, 153rd Military Police Company, cases the guidon along with Capt. Joe Yawn, commander, 153rd MP Co. during a Transfer of Authority Ceremony held at Camp Liberty, Iraq May 24. After a twelve month deployment the 153rd prepares to return home after completing the unit's mission to train Iraqi Police while being a part of a Police Transition Team while assigned to the 18th Military Police Brigade in Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by: Major Michael Indovina, 18th MP Bde. PAO)
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"This past year has proven your capabilities beyond of shadow of a doubt," said Yawn speaking to his Soldiers during the ceremony. "The versatility of each Soldier in this company was a force multiplier for this commander."
The versatility Yawn refers to can be seen in the many missions the three platoons in the company were tasked to complete during their tour.
"Elements of the 153rd have actively engaged Iraqi police agencies at the National level," said Lt. Col. Michael Blahovec, commander 793rd Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade.
First platoon, 153rd MP Co., conducted habitual training events at the Criminal Investigative Division Academy; which is widely considered one of the best police Academy's in Iraq. Tasks they trained the IP include, first aid, search techniques, arrest techniques, vehicle searches and unarmed self-defense. Additionally, these Soldiers trained the Protective Services Detail of the Iraqi Commanding General, said Blahovec.
Second Platoon, planned and executed the largest daylight logistics mission through the streets of Baghdad in over four years. Additionally, the platoon., assisted logistically, providing personal security detachment and force protection to the IP academies at Furat and Fiji while supporting the successful training of over 8,000 IPs, said Blahovec.
The 153rd's 3rd platoon, operated in a geographically remote location. The platoon was tasked with training Sons of Iraq and establishing a new IP station in the Arab Jabour area, south of Baghdad.
The Arab Jabour area was previously considered too dangerous for Coalition Forces. The platoon negotiated real estate deals and construction contracts for the new police station while simultaneously training prospective recruits to man the proposed station, said Blahovec.
In addition to those accomplishments the company also provided direct support to the rapid establishment of the new Furat Police Training Academy.
"Over the course of ten days the unit was responsible for site security and force protection," continued Blahovec. "The unit also used in-house expertise to assist with providing electricity to several buildings at the facility."
Kentucky National Guardsmen, Capt Charles Hill, (right) commander, 223rd Military Police Company and native of London, Ky., uncases their unit's guidon along with 1st Sgt. Michael P. Rowan (left) first sergeant, 223rd MP Co. during a Transfer of Authority Ceremony held at Camp Liberty, Iraq May 24. The 223rd will now take over the mission from Delaware National Guard's 153rd MP Co. to train Iraqi Police and participate in Police Transition Team operations while assigned to the 18th Military Police Brigade in Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by: Major Michael Indovina, 18th MP Bde. PAO)
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The Furat Academy currently averages 3,000 police recruit graduates per month. Since February 2008, the facility has trained over 8,000 IP.
The unit also provided a seven man element to serve on the PSD of the Multi-National Corps-Iraq Commander.
"During their time here, the Soldiers of the 153rd "Griffons" conducted over 650 missions and over 2,000 combat patrols on the streets of Iraq," said Blahovec. "These missions amassed a total of over 500,000 miles over the most dangerous roads in the world."
As the Griffons operated on these dangerous roads and executed a variety of missions, they accomplished their main goal, which was for all their Soldiers to return home.
After a long tour, Yawn ended by saying he would serve with the great leadership of the 153rd any time and anywhere.
After remarking on the unit's accomplishments Blahovec bid the 153rd farewell.
"Thanks for your service and the tremendous performance of this unit," said Blahovec, speaking to the Griffons. "You have had a profound impact here, be proud as you leave here and enjoy a well earned break."
To the Soldiers of the 223rd "Automatic" MP Co., Blahovec recognized their hard work and determination getting to this point and being ready to take on the mission they have in front of them.
"You have worked hard to get to this point," said Blahovec speaking to the 223rd Soldiers. "You have trained hard, prepared, and met all gates to arrive here today fully ready to assume this mission."
The 223rd has deployed several times it the units decorated history including a recent deployment in 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"I do not know many of you, but I know that there are many experienced veterans, competent leaders and exceptional Soldiers representing the great state of Kentucky standing with us here today," said Blahovec, welcoming the 223rd to the ranks of the 793rd MP Bn., during the ceremony.
The 223rd will support the battalion in Police Transition Team operations in the Multi-National Division-Center area of operations.
"We have worked very hard over the past months preparing for this mission," said Capt. Charles Hill, commander 223rd MP Co., and native of London, Ky. "We stand ready to support the 793rd MP Bn., and the 18th MP Bde., with our full combat power and extensive civilian occupational skills."
The ceremony concluded after the uncasing of the 223rd unit colors and the casing of the 153rd colors, as the unit prepares to head back to Delaware in the upcoming days.
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