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Task Force Alamo arrives in Djibouti

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sean Ibarguen, commander, 1st Battalion 141st Infantry Regiment, known as “Task Force Alamo,” salutes for the playing of the national anthem, during the transfer of authority ceremony on Camp Lemonnier, July 5, 2018. Task Force Alamo is taking over authority and command from Task Force Bayonet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Scott Jackson)

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Photo by: Senior Airman Scott Jackson 

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Task Force Alamo arrives in Djibouti

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sean Ibarguen, commander, 1st Battalion 141st Infantry Regiment, known as “Task Force Alamo,” salutes for the playing of the national anthem, during the transfer of authority ceremony on Camp Lemonnier, July 5, 2018. Task Force Alamo is taking over authority and command from Task Force Bayonet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Scott Jackson)

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Photo by: Senior Airman Scott Jackson 

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - The responsibility as the Security Force Battalion for Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa was transferred from one Texas Army National Guard battalion to another at a ceremony here, on July 5, 2018.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the Texas Army National Guard 3rd Battalion, 144th Infantry Regiment, known as “Task Force Bayonet,” participated in a transition of authority ceremony, officially passing their mission to the Soldiers of the Texas Army National Guard 1st Battalion 141st Infantry Regiment, known as “Task Force Alamo.”

Deployed from the Texas Army National Guard, the 1-141st will be responsible for rapidly deploying in response to any crisis threatening U.S. personnel or property throughout CJTF-HOA, an area nearly half the size of the continental United States.

The transfer of authority ceremony is a longstanding Army tradition that signifies when a new unit takes over full responsibility for a mission.

During the ceremony, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ross Walker, battalion commander of Task Force Bayonet, welcomed Lt. Col. Sean Ibarguen, and the of the Task Force Alamo battalion.

“We came here with one goal and that was to be better,” said Walker. “We have focused on mission command as well as individual and collective training. Through these accomplishments you have increased Texas readiness.”

Walker commended them, but told them not to stop their growth.

“This was not done by me or command sergeant major. It was done by the sergeant on the line driving readiness. The only thing I ask is, share your experience and be proud of your accomplishments, but not satisfied.”

Ibarguen accepted the authority on behalf of the Task Force Alamo Soldiers and bid farewell to Bayonet.

“We are ready to take on this mission,” said Ibarguen. “Thank you, and always remember the Alamo.”

During their rotation here, the 3-144th IN will also contribute to international efforts to enhance security and stability in East Africa by providing security force assistance and fostering the capabilities of partner nations.