‘Big Red One’ assumes command in Iraq

The 1st Infantry Division assumed command of the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command – Operation Inherent Resolve from the 101st Airborne Division during a Transfer of Authority ceremony Nov. 17 at Forward Operating Base Union III in Iraq.

Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin, 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley commanding general, replaced Maj. Gen. Gary J. Volesky, commanding general, 101st Abn. Div. (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell, as the commander of the multinational land component command working by, with and through the government of Iraq to defeat ISIL in Iraq.

Presiding over the ceremony was the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve commanding general, Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend. Townsend spoke of the extraordinary accomplishments of the 101st Abn. Div. during its tour in Iraq.

“Most remarkable was CJFLCC’s support to the Iraqi’s with training, equipment, intelligence, advice and fires that enabled them to prepare for and begin their counterattack to liberate Mosul,” Townsend said, “a battle now fully joined. CJFLCC’s support made it possible for Iraqi forces to begin liberating the second largest city in the country and deny ISIL its
claim to a capital in Iraq.”

In partnering with the government of Iraq, CJFLCC-OIR is also partnered with the Iraqi security forces, which include the Iraqi army, the Iraqi air force, the Counter Terrorism Service, the federal police and the Kurdish Peshmerga. CJFLCC’s mission extends beyond military operations. It also includes the full range of the Coalition’s national power, including
diplomatic, informational, economic, law enforcement and other aspects of national power – all in an effort to eliminate ISIL and help provide security to the people of Iraq.

This marks the second tour for the “Big Red One” in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. The Fighting First became the first division to lead CJFLCC-OIR in 2014. This deployment also coincides with the centennial celebration for the U.S. Army’s longest-tenured division, having been in service since its activation in support of World War I in 1917.

Townsend concluded his remarks with some encouraging words for the new command team, as well as all those in attendance.

“Iraq will be liberated from the threat of terrorism and ISIL’s brutal and tyrannical methods,” Townsend said. “The liberation of Mosul is on the horizon and you will help our Iraqi brothers to reach it.”