Gator Company continues to remain "Gator Tough" as we enter the back side of our deployment. The company is settling down with a new mission cycle – Forward Operating Base (FOB) Security. The new mission brings a sense of predictability after long months of reacting to an ever-changing mission. The company provides 24 hour security, 7 days a week throughout the duration of our deployment. Although not glamorous, FOB security is critical to the battalion's success.

Gator Company proved itself again by helping recruit over 470 Iraqi men into the Regular Iraqi Army. The company acted as the main effort in consolidating the local National Guard Battalions and identifying those personnel interested in further military service. These new recruits shipped out to their basic training and will soon add to the growing security forces of a new, free Iraq.

The company also prepares to receive a new company commander. Captain Davis has been selected for a follow-on assignment to Hawaii, and Captain Farmer relinquishes command of HHC to take on the challenges of Alpha Company.

You should be extremely proud of your soldiers. Under adverse conditions, with a cowardly but dangerous enemy, Gator Company continues to make history that will change the world and give millions of people a life they never had – a life of freedom.

2nd Platoon