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Story and photos by U. S. Army Spc. Samantha Parks 4th Public Affairs Detachment
F or the first time in nearly a decade, an active duty U. S. Army unit assumed command in Kosovo during a transfer of authority ceremony held at Camp Bondsteel June 1.
The 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, stationed out of Fort Bragg, N. C., took command of Multinational Battle Group-East from the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, a National Guard unit based out of Charleston, S. C.
U. S. Army Col. Waymon B. Storey III, a native of Plum Branch, S. C. and the commander of the 218th MEB, transferred authority of MNBG-E to U. S. Army Col. David J. Woods, a native of Denbo, Pa., and the commander of the 525th BfSB.
Storey congratulated his soldiers and commended them on a job well done.
“ These men and women have served with distinction over the past nine months,” Storey said.“ They have remained committed to providing a safe and secure environment while also fostering relationships, which have helped set conditions for positive change in Kosovo.”
The commander for Kosovo Forces, German Army Maj. Gen. Volker Halbauer, similarly praised the work of the 218th MEB for their efforts throughout the deployment.
“ You have successfully completed all missions and thus decisively contributed to the overall accomplishments of KFOR, moving us all‘ Forward Together’,” said Halbauer.
Storey also reflected on the relationships that were built while in Kosovo and the lasting impact of their work.
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