First Infantry Division, 'Big Red One', assumes command in Iraq
BAGHDAD - The 1st Infantry Division assumed command of the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command - Operation Inherent Resolve from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during a Transfer of Authority ceremony today at Forward Operating Base, Union III, Iraq. Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin, commanding general, 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley, relieved 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, 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," said Townsend. "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