Email   Print   Share By Sgt. Brendan Mackie, 117th MPAD

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Command Sgt. Maj. Craig Simpson and Lt. Col. David Jones, 2-38 Cav. Regt., roll up their unit colors during a transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Spin Boldak May 24. Since July 2011, the unit conducted more than 626 combat patrols, more than 19 air assaults and seized more than 28 tons of homemade explosives and 26 tons of illegal narcotics. Sgt. Brendan Mackie , 117th MPAD

SPIN BOLDAK, Afghanistan - The 2nd Squadron of the 38th Cavalry Regiment, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, transferred authority of their mission to the incoming 1st Battalion of the 17th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, during a ceremony here May 24.

The transfer of authority ceremony is a time-honored tradition where the outgoing unit rolls up their unit colors and cases them until returning back to home station.

The incoming unit then unfurls their flag, signifying the successful transfer of authority and mission.

Since July 2011, the 2nd Squadron “Trackers” from Fort Hood conducted more than 626 patrols, about 25 air assault missions and seized more than 28 tons of homemade explosives and 26 tons of illegal narcotics.

“I have been fortunate to witness many of these leaders – in action – as they have stepped into harms way,” said Lt. Col. David E.M. Jones, commander of the 2nd Squadron. “Their bravery, courage and commitment to their nation stands as an example for all of us.”

During the deployment, 2nd Squadron was responsible for a battle space of 7,077 kilometers, which included 177 kilometers along the border and 86 kilometers of the major roadway Highway 4.

The brigade was also vital in a partnership with local Afghan leaders as well as Afghan National Security Forces in the Spin Boldak area.

Soldiers from the 504th BfSB have been credited with building trust-based relationships with their Afghan counterparts, which helped grow Afghan leadership to becoming more independent.

“I’ll put you up against anyone in the Army,” Col. Gary Johnston, commander of the 504th BfSB and Combined Task Force Viper, said. “We are at war with evil, but evil will not succeed. The terrorists are being defeated today by the courage, selfless commitment and determined efforts of Soldiers like the ones before us today.”

The incoming 1-17 Inf. Regt. commander and command sergeant major are Lt. Col. Timothy Davis and Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Dotson.

The unit is based out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.