CAMP HOLLAND, Afghanistan -- After four years of work and progress in the Uruzgan Province of Afghanistan, Dutch forces handed over control to the region to a combined force of Australian and U.S. soldiers during a ceremony at Camp Holland.
The ceremony ushered in an increased presence in the region for the American and Australian forces who will build upon the stable foundation the Dutch created over the past four years. It was an emotional farewell for the Netherlands soldiers, many of whom have been deployed here more than once and looked on Camp Holland almost as a second home, a sentiment that was echoed by outgoing Task Force Uruzgan Commander Brigadier General Kees Van den Heuvel.
"It really is not easy to say goodbye after a period of such intense cooperation." the General told those assembled for the ceremony. "It hurts because it will mark the end of the Dutch led role here in Uruzgan. It hurts because you have to say goodbye to people with whom you have shared very intense experiences and with whom personal friendships have grown."
And while Brig. Gen Van den Heuvel noted that there is still a lot of work to be done for and with the people of Uruzgan, he said there were a lot of positive accomplishments to look back on.
"I also leave with a feeling that we were able to make a difference." the General said. "Together we were able to hold and deepen the Afghan Development Zones, together we enabled an increasing role of the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police. Together, we dominate the populated areas and the green zones where the population feels more secure."
With local, district and national civilian and military leaders in attendance, the new Combined Team Uruzgan commander, Colonel Jim Creighton, complimented the outgoing task force and their Afghan partners on their efforts to improve the living and security standards for the residents of the province.
"The advances of the Afghan government for the Afghan people have been impressive." Col. Creighton said. "The expansion of roads and bridges, the effectiveness of the Afghan National Security forces and the establishment of commercial air capability are small examples of the improvements made by the hard work and efforts of dedicated professionals working with the Uruzgan leaders and people."
The biggest task for CTU will be to work with the Afghans to build and strengthen the Government capacity of the province in an effort to better serve the people as well as assisting the local government in conducting the upcoming elections.
"It is an honour for me to serve the great people of Uruzgan, regardless of tribal affiliation or district." Col. Creighton said speaking directly to the people of Uruzgan Province. "I will work with government officials, tribal leaders and the citizens of Uruzgan in order to identify priorities and work together to solve problems."
Creighton touched on the new direction of CTU and how it will work in a more side-by-side role with the Afghan Army and police saying "Together, we will make a positive impact for the people of Uruzgan."
Combined Team Uruzgan brings together soldiers from America, Australia, Singapore and Slovakia for this new mission. And together, working as one alongside their Afghan counterparts, the Team's goal is to leave the ANSF and Afghan Police with the ability to secure and protect the province on their own with no help from coalition forces.
"I am looking forward to building on the exceptional work that the Dutch and Australians have accomplished so far in Uruzgan." Creighton said.
Loading...
4:04
Task Force Shadow in Uruzganby abugarra2,683 views
All Comments