AT-TAQADDUM, Iraq -- AT-TAQADDUM, Iraq – 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 22nd Naval Construction Regiment, received control of its area of operations from 7th ESB during a transfer of authority ceremony here Sept. 15.
“7th ESB did a great job while they were out here,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey M. Reagan, commanding officer of 9th ESB. “They set a high standard for us to meet.”
During 7th ESB’s deployment, they provided general engineering support, route repair and conducted demilitarizing which 9th ESB will continue.
“7th ESB made an effective turnover,” said Maj. David M. O’Brien, 35, operations chief, 9th ESB, from Corning, N.Y.
Directly after the ceremony, 9th ESB already had Marines scheduled to go out on missions.
The Marines and Sailors deployed with 9th ESB are scheduled to spend the next seven months in Iraq. “I know we’re ready to step forward and continue marching,” said Reagan, 41, from Swansboro, N.C.