FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHARANA, Afghanistan (May 29, 2008) – The Afghan sun was already high and hot as Combined Task Force Rugged, 36th Engineer Brigade Headquarters, handed over responsibilities to Combined Task Force Castle, 420th Engineer Brigade Headquarters.

During their 15-month tour, CTF Rugged engineers were credited with expanding and securing bases and roads throughout Regional Command-East.

Army Brig. Gen. Paul E. Crandall, CTF Castle commander, praised the outgoing CTF Rugged Soldiers and thanked them for their dedication and perseverance.

“You have achieved great things for our country and the people of Afghanistan,” said Crandall. “Every Rugged Soldier here has endured hardship and sacrifice.”

With the CTF Castle colors uncased for the first time on Afghan soil, Crandall took a moment to reflect on the mission ahead.

“To the Soldiers of Task Force Castle- today we are honored to be entrusted with a mission that is very difficult and important to our nation,” said Crandall. “We cannot receive a greater compliment than to be so trusted. We will live up to that trust by the way we live, work, and fight every day.”

Honored guests that attended the ceremony included Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey J. Schloesser, Combined Joint Task Force-101 commanding general, Army Brig. Gen. James C. McConville, CJTF-101 deputy commanding general of support and Polish Brig. Gen. Grzegorz Buszka from the Polish Battle Group.