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for the Iraqis as their army gains control of more battle space throughout the region. FOB LOYALTY, Iraq, March 10, 2006 - The Iraqi army's 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, assumed control of Forward Operating Base Hope during a Transfer of Authority ceremony, March 9th. Relinquishing control of the base during the ceremony was Multinational Division-Baghdad's 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 4th Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (attached to HHC, 506th RCT). "We stand in the company of those ready to accept the challenge of securing Iraq's future," said LTC Mark Bertolini, the commander of 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, as he passed on the responsibility to Iraqi COL Hussain, the commander of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. "It is our honor to accept responsibility and take over the sovereignty of Sadr City," said Hussain. Forward Operating Base Hope is located in the northwest corner of the Thawra district in Baghdad and previously housed units of Saddam Hussein's regime prior to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hussain stated that his main objective for 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division is building a unified, strong and independent Iraq. He thanked coalition forces for their partnership. "We work side-by-side with the dedicated soldiers of the [Iraqi Security Forces] every day," said COL Thomas Vail, commander of the 506th Regimental Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. "The 2-6 [Iraqi Army] is already patrolling and manning control points on a daily basis." "To my brother and friend, COL Hussain, I'd like to say that your soldiers look magnificent today," said Bertolini, a native of Long Island, NY. The ceremony reflects the increasing responsibility for the Iraqis as their army gains control of more battle space throughout the region. The ceremony included the playing of the Iraqi National Anthem, the uncasing of the 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division's colors, and remarks by both the outgoing and incoming commanders. Also included in the ceremony was a display of the Iraqi army's new motorized equipment, including humvees, and a martial-arts exhibition. "The turnover of [Forward Operating Base] Hope demonstrates
the increased capabilities of the 'Tiger' Brigade, and thus the
Iraqi army," said Bertolini. "The 2nd Brigade has earned
the reputation of a tough, well led and well trained unit." 
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