CAMP CASEY, South Korea -- Two rotational units relinquished their responsibilities during a ceremony here today, after successfully providing nine months of critical contributions to the security and stability of the Republic of Korea and the Fight Tonight readiness across the peninsula.
The "Ironhorse" Soldiers from 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division will return to Fort Hood, Texas, as the "Devil Brigade" troops of 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Davison from Fort Riley, Kansas, assume the maneuver brigade mission set for the 2nd Infantry Division-ROK/U.S. Combined Division.
The ceremony also welcomed the 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery Regiment Soldiers who replaced the 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment, both home stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The multiple launch rocket system battalion will continue to be a part of 2ID/RUCD's 210th Field Artillery Brigade's critical counter fire task force mission.
"These units come to us complete, ready and stabilized for their nine-month deployments. This tremendous capability means that combat power and battle readiness will only continue to increase in the months ahead as they train side-by-side with our ROK counterparts," said Maj. Gen. Ted Martin, the 2ID/RUCD commanding general.
Col. Tim Hayden, the 1st ABCT, 1st ID commander, said his unit is ready for their mission. "We are a lethal and disciplined team of warriors with excellent leaders," he said. "We look forward to continuing the partnership with the ROK Army and our commitment to the community."
The 210th FA Bde. will also add 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery to their operational mission. 1-5 FA is a subordinate unit of 1st ABCT, 1st ID, but will be operationally attached to 210th FA Bde. during its time tour on pen.
"Having 2-18 Field Artillery and 1-5 Field Artillery allows us to have a greater impact in the defense of South Korea," said Col. Chris Taylor, 201th FA Bde. commander. "Their capabilities increase our lethality and contribute to our ability to defeat enemy artillery quickly and efficiently and to the ability of our ROK partners to secure the country."
During the ceremony, Martin also thanked the outgoing rotational warriors for their dedication and selfless commitment to the division and the people of Korea during their nine-month tour.
"The tremendous capabilities of these two units and their outstanding efforts greatly enhanced the Warrior Division's readiness and allowed the ROK-U.S. Alliance to deter aggression in the Korean Peninsula each and every day," Martin said. "To the Soldiers from Red Dragons and Ironhorse, I want to thank you for your discipline, attention to detail, and sky-high morale. We wish you the best of good luck and Godspeed as you return to Fort Sill, Fort Hood and your families."
For the next nine months, the 1st ABCT, 1st ID Soldiers and 2-18 FA Soldiers will be training side-by-side with their ROK Army partners and Korean Augmentatee to the U.S. Army (KATUSA) teammates in their formations.
"The unique thing about our relationship with the ROK Army is that it was forged in battle -- fighting side-by-side in the Korean War," Martin said. "It continues to be forged today, as we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Korean partners at freedom's frontier against the North Korean threat. My standing orders to you are clear: make ready to fight tonight."