Odierno Assumes Command

From Multi-National Force - Iraq News:

CAMP VICTORY — Army Gen. Ray Odierno assumed command of Multi-National Force-Iraq from Army Gen. David H. Petraeus during a ceremony at al Faw Palace here Sept. 16.

The change of command occurs after incredible progress in the country, said Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, who traveled to Baghdad to participate in the ceremony.

“When General Petraeus took charge 19 months ago, darkness had descended on this land,” the secretary said. “Merchants of chaos were gaining strength. Death was commonplace. Around the world, questions mounted about whether a new strategy – or any strategy, for that matter – could make a real difference.”

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, noted that a national intelligence estimate in January 2007 doubted whether Iraq could reconcile over 18 months.

“Here we are, 18 months later, and Iraq is a vastly different place,” Mullen said during the ceremony. “Attacks are at their lowest point in four years, 11 of 18 provinces have been turned over – including the once-written-off Anbar province – to Iraqi security forces, who are increasingly capable and taking more of a lead in operations.”

The Iraqi government is providing for its people, the legislature is passing laws and the courts are enforcing justice, the chairman said. “In more places and on more faces we are seeing hope; we see progress,” the admiral said.

Mullen said he looks forward to working with Petraeus as the general takes over the reins of U.S. Central Command next month.

Petraeus put all the credit for the progress in Iraq at the feet of “the men and women of the coalition and with the many courageous diplomats and Iraqis with whom we have served.”

Petraeus thanked the Iraqi civilian and military leaders for their leadership. “You have risked everything to help your country make the most of the opportunity that our forces and yours have fought so hard to provide,” he said.

The Iraqi people also have made the strategy work, standing with the new Iraq against extremism, Petraeus said. more

Here's to a job well done by Petraeus and good wishes to Odierno as he faces what lies ahead.