The final massive navy handover between British troops in Afghanistan earlier than the withdrawal of all fight forces has taken place.
In a ceremony at Camp Bastion, seventh Armoured Brigade, the Desert Rats, formally took over operations from 1st Mechanised Brigade, marking the beginning of Op Herrick 19.
The outgoing Commander of Taskforce Helmand, Brigadier Rupert Jones advised British Forces News that it’s important momentum is maintained till the top of 2014 when the drawdown can be full.
Round 100 troopers from each incoming and outgoing brigades gathered collectively to participate within the formal switch of authority ceremony.
A dedication was made by the navy chaplain earlier than Brig Jones spoke to the gathered troops.
He advised them: “2013 was billed in regards to the Afghan Nationwide Safety Forces taking the lead by means of their first summer time preventing season.
“The measure of success can be their capability to return by means of with their will and confidence boosted, having held towards the rebel.
“After we look again, I believe we will say, with out a shadow of a doubt, that they’ve achieved that.
“Certainly, they’ve exceeded all expectations. They’ve flourished on their new-found independence and so they have been buoyed by their very own successes.”
He paid tribute to the women and men of 1st Mechanized Brigade, in addition to their households and people who misplaced their lives, earlier than the inexperienced and crimson flag of 1st Mechanized Brigade was lowered as buglers performed.
The blue flag of the Desert Rats, embellished with the crimson animal after which the brigade was named 75 years in the past within the sands of North Africa, was then raised to the sound of bagpipes.
Taking to the plinth, Brig James Woodham counseled 1st Mechanized Brigade and mentioned he was decided to leverage their funding to carry the marketing campaign to a profitable conclusion.
“As I sit up for Op Herrick 19, I anticipate the ANSF will go from power to power. We’ll proceed to be there, in a position to help them as they require it, and we are going to work intently with them to additional improve their independence and sustainability.”
He completed by telling troopers: “I congratulate the first Mechanized Brigade on a job effectively accomplished and I want them a protected and swift journey again to their households.
“For the Desert Rats – we have a job to do.”
1000’s of troops from Germany-based seventh Armoured Brigade will full the drawdown in Helmand province. A part of the job would be the closure of bases round Helmand and the return of kit to the UK.
Patrol Base 2 was the final to shut this yr and solely 5 bases stay into 2014, together with Camp Bastion, that are anticipated to shut ultimately.
The British presence in Afghanistan can be nearly halved by the top of this yr to five,200.
All fight operations within the nation needs to be over by the top of subsequent yr, leaving Afghan forces totally in management.
supply
