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Canadian Forces Return to Kandahar
Photos by Sgt Jerry Kean
Colonel Steven Bowes, Commander of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), with 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry (Land Force Western Area (LFWA)) in Edmonton Alberta, signs the certificate that signifies his new command as PRT Commander.
By Captain Greg Poehlmann
For most Canadians, August 16th was a normal working day, but not for the 250 members of Operation ARCHER, the new Canadian Forces mission in Kandahar , Afghanistan. This date marked an important milestone, as Colonel Steve Bowes assumed the responsibility of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) from the Americans in a Transfer of Authority (TOA) ceremony.
This ceremony also marked the beginning of the NATO expansion in Afghanistan, as members of Operation ATHENA, in Kabul, are scheduled to move to Kandahar by December 2005. They will establish the vanguard for a larger Canadian contribution in this region with the deployment of a Brigade headquarters, a Task Force and a PRT in February 2006.
United States Army soldiers fold the American flag after it was lowered for the last time, the Canadian Flag was raised for the first time at the "Transfer of Authority" ceremony at the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) site in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Colonel Steve Noonan, Commander Task Force Afghanistan oversaw the signing of the transfer documents between the outgoing American PRT commander, Lieutenant Colonel Robbie Ball and the incoming Canadian PRT Commander Colonel Steve Bowes. Fittingly, the signing was conducted on a table overlaid with a fine Afghan carpet that illustrated the importance of the citizens of Afghanistan to be part of the process. This sentiment was also expressed by Colonel Bowes in his speech when he said, “ People of Kandahar, trust me, your goals and dreams for your country’s future are ours as well.”
The ceremony was attended by a cross-section of local, provincial and international representatives. Distinguished guests included the Canadian Ambassador to Afghanistan, His Excellency Chris Alexander, and the Governor of Kandahar, Mister Asadullah Khan.
Like all military ceremonies there was an element of pomp and pageantry. One poignant moment was the lowering of the US flag and the raising of the Canadian and Afghanistan flags. This flag lowering and raising also included the respective anthems, symbolized the passing of the torch between the old and the new. The one constant however, is the requirement for the Afghan people, in particular the Kandaharis in this region to remain an integral part of the process.
Private Jeffery Black (L) and Private Charles Burge, both with 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry (Land Force Western Area (LFWA)) in Edmonton Alberta, raise the Canadian flag for the first time at the "Transfer of Authority" ceremony at the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) site in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Brigadier-General Sterling, Deputy Commander Coalition Joint Task Force (CJTF) 76 praised the efforts of the previous American PRTs when he noted, “The role of the US PRT has been to help an economy that has been ravaged by a generation of war. The PRT has rebuilt roads, wells, schools and hospitals. Much has been accomplished by the PRT, but much needs to be done. Ultimately, final success will have been achieved when the Afghans are able to help themselves.”
“The stability and security of Afghanistan is vital for the security of the world. Our vision of the Canadian PRT is that it reflects the Afghans, great achievement and great hope for continued success. An Afghanistan that is peaceful, pluralist and prosperous,” said His Excellency Chris Alexander, The Canadian Ambassador to Afghanistan.
Lastly, Sergeant Patrick Desbiens read a tribute to Sergeant Smokey Smith. Smokey’s distinguished military service and service to Canada set a shining example for all Canadians. Smokey Smith’s legacy lives on in the many lives he has touched. It is hoped that the PRT and the follow on forces will have the same long-term effect on the citizens of Kandahar and by extension the citizens of Afghanistan.
Captain Greg Poehlmann is a Public Affairs Officer with Task Force Afghanistan
