Working together amid a shift in power

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Working together amid a shift in power
By James Warden, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, February 4, 2009

BAGHDAD — The U.S. military will have transferred five forward operating bases and 15 combat outposts to the Iraqi government by June 30, Multi-National Division—Baghdad commander Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond said Tuesday during a lunch with reporters.

The transfers are being made in order to meet security agreement requirements that American combat forces withdraw from "Iraqi cities, villages and localities" no later than June 30.

FOB Rustamiyah will be the largest Baghdad base to be turned over to the Iraqis, said Brig. Gen. Robin Swan, the deputy division commander. The Iraqi government will take control of that base by March 31, officials said.

FOB War Eagle, near Baghdad’s Suleik neighborhood, and FOB Justice in Kadhimiyah will both become joint security stations when the United States transfers the bases to Iraqi control. Iraqi security forces are already using both bases.

FOB Loyalty in east Baghdad also will become a joint security station. The Iraqi army is considering stationing the Rusafa Area Command or some other headquarters on the base, Swan said.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=60453