U.S. Army Soldiers and Iraqi dignitaries celebrate the transfer of Combat Outpost MAK, commonly known is the Sugar Shack, June 30. Photo by Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens, 1st Armored Division.

FOB HUNTER

"This is a historic event for the citizens of the Maysan province and for all Soldiers operating in Iraq," said Lt. Col. William Walski, commander, 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment. "We are proud of the relationships we have built with the Iraqi Security Forces and are confident of their ability to protect the citizens of Maysan province."

During the ceremony, remarks were given by Muhammad Shia, governor of the Maysan province, and Maj. Gen. Richard Nash, commanding general, Multi-National Division - South.

A combined statement by the Iraqi governor and the U.S. general said, "Our two great sovereign nations have made excellent progress in completing the plan to build a stable and democratic Iraq. In accordance with the Security Agreement, Iraqi Security Forces have command and control of the security in Maysan, and U.S. combat forces will not stay in cities."

The ceremony in southern Maysan, one of many National Sovereignty Day celebrations, was held at the Majaar Al Kabir sugar factory. More than 70 guests attended, including provincial government leaders, U.S. State Department Maysan Provincial Government Team members, local shaykhs, ISF and U.S. Army leaders from the 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division "Highlanders."

U.S. Soldiers stationed at the base, commonly referred to as the "Sugar Shack," will now operate from Forward Operating Base Hunter in Maysan province. There, they will continue to advise and assist ISF.

"The type of training we are doing has advanced from marching and marksmanship to staff training, intelligence and operations synchronization, advanced live-fire, crime scene management and site exploitation training," said Maj. Lance Varney, brigade operations officer, 4th Bde., 1st Armd. Div.

A combined press conference with Governor Muhammad, Col. Peter Newell, commander, 4th Bde, 1st Armd. Div.; Staff Maj. Gen. Habib, commander, 10th IA Div.; and Staff Maj. Gen. Saad, Maysan province director of Police, completed the event.

"Participation by the governor, 10th IA commander and province Police leaders should give the people of Majaar Al Kabir confidence that their government is focused on their safety and well-being," said Varney.

Soldiers of the 3rd Bn., 41st IA Bde. will occupy the Majaar Al Kabir sugar factory, a sprawling industrial facility covering more than five acres.

In addition to housing the Iraqi Soldiers, the facility is a potential anchor for economic growth in the Maysan province.

In upcoming weeks engineers will conduct a formal site survey and upon completion, the lands will be transferred to the Iraqi receivership secretariat.

(By Juan Torres Jr., 1st Armored Division)