Handover Milestone for Afghan Mission 10.10.13
16The last large military handover between British troops in Afghanistan before the withdrawal of all combat forces has taken place.
In a ceremony at Camp Bastion, 7th Armoured Brigade, the Desert Rats, formally took over operations from 1st Mechanised Brigade, marking the start of Op Herrick 19.
The outgoing Commander of Taskforce Helmand, Brigadier Rupert Jones told British Forces News that it is important momentum is maintained until the end of 2014 when the drawdown will be complete.
Around 100 soldiers from both incoming and outgoing brigades gathered together to take part in the formal transfer of authority ceremony.
A dedication was made by the military chaplain before Brig Jones spoke to the gathered troops.
He told them: "2013 was billed about the Afghan National Security Forces taking the lead through their first summer fighting season.
"The measure of success would be their ability to come through with their will and confidence boosted, having held against the insurgent.
"When we look back, I think we can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that they have achieved that.
"Indeed, they have exceeded all expectations. They have flourished on their new-found independence and they have been buoyed by their own successes."
He paid tribute to the men and women of 1st Mechanized Brigade, as well as their families and those who lost their lives, before the green and red flag of 1st Mechanized Brigade was lowered as buglers played.
The blue flag of the Desert Rats, decorated with the red animal after which the brigade was named 75 years ago in the sands of North Africa, was then raised to the sound of bagpipes.
Taking to the plinth, Brig James Woodham commended 1st Mechanized Brigade and said he was determined to leverage their investment to bring the campaign to a successful conclusion.
"As I look forward to Op Herrick 19, I expect the ANSF will go from strength to strength. We will continue to be there, able to assist them as they require it, and we will work closely with them to further increase their independence and sustainability."
He finished by telling soldiers: "I congratulate the 1st Mechanized Brigade on a job well done and I wish them a safe and swift trip back to their families.
"For the Desert Rats - we've got a job to do."
Thousands of troops from Germany-based 7th Armoured Brigade will complete the drawdown in Helmand province. Part of the job will be the closure of bases around Helmand and the return of equipment to the UK.
Patrol Base 2 was the last to close this year and only five bases remain into 2014, including Camp Bastion, which are expected to close eventually.
The British presence in Afghanistan will be almost halved by the end of this year to 5,200.
All combat operations in the country should be over by the end of next year, leaving Afghan forces fully in control.