Transfer of authority to the Red Bulls

"It is indeed an honor to assume command of Multi-National Division South. I have spent the better part of a month traveling all over southern Iraq meeting those of you that make up our Red Bull Team. I want to thank Gen. Michael Oates and all the exceptional Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division. They have contributed to advancing peace throughout the past year, and we are grateful for their hard work and dedication to the Iraqi people.
We should all honor the hard work and sacrifice of the Coaltion forces that have come before the 34th Division. We should especially honor those heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their nation in order to enable the Iraqi people to have the gift of freedom.
Soldiers, we are here in a supporting role. Our major partnership focus will be with the Iraqi Police and the Department of Border Enforcement in order to assist them as they secure the people of southern Iraq. I have been impressed with the professionalism and capability of the Iraqi Army. The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) is fully responsible for the security of the Iraqi people throughout the nine provinces that comprise our area, and we will continue to work by with and through the ISF and assist, train and advice our partners at their request.
I have full faith in the ability and talents of each one of you. Many of you have temporarily left your civilian jobs in order to participate in this historic time of partnership in Iraq. I know that you will draw from your civilian skills as well as your military skills in order to assist with the professionalization of the ISF and the continued improvement of security and quality of life for the Iraqi People.
Again, it is an honor to command Multi-National Division South, and I look forward to the progress that we will make together. Attack!"