MA Number: 20100823-1-MA
Aug. 23, 2010

WHO:       All media

WHAT:  USF-I commanding general change of command ceremony between Gen. Raymond Odierno and Lt. Gen. (Promotable) Lloyd Austin.  A press conference will immediately follow ceremony.

Prior to the change of command ceremony USF-I key leaders will make themselves available for interviews as requested.  Please request interviews prior to day of event to ensure availability.  

The USF-I Public Affairs Office will provide a live DVIDS feed of the change of command ceremony and press conference available at www.dvidshub.net.

In addition, a second DVIDS uplink will be available to media for live interviews from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

WHEN:   The change of command ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. with press conference immediately following.  Key leader interviews will be available from 1-3 p.m. based on anticipated schedule below.  

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

•    Director of Strategic Effects and USF-I Spokesman, Maj. Gen. Stephen Lanza

1:00 – 1:30 p.m.

•    Director, Iraq Training and Assistance Mission, Brig. Gen. Bradley May
•    Commander, 109th Expeditionary Support Command, Brig. Gen. Mark Corson
•    Director, Air Component Coordination Element, Brig. Gen. Russell Handy

1:30 – 2:00 p.m.

•    Director, Iraq Training and Assistance Mission – Army, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Snow
•    Director, Iraq Training and Assistance Mission – Navy, Rear Adm. Jeffery Jones
•    Director, Iraq Training and Assistance Mission – Air Force, Brig. Gen. Scott Hanson

2:00 – 2:30 p.m.

•    USF-I Deputy Commanding General – Operations, Lt. Gen. Robert Cone
•    USF-I Deputy Commanding General – Advise and Assist, Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero,
•    USF-I Deputy Commanding General – Support, Maj. Gen. Edward Cardon


2:30 – 3:00 p.m.

•    Commander, United States Division – North, Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo,
•    Commander, United States Division – South, Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks,
•    Commander, United States Division – Center, Maj. Gen. Terry Wolff

WHERE:  Al Faw Palace Rotunda, Victory Base Complex

Escorts will be provided for media from both the CPIC at FOB Prosperity or ECP 13, VBC.  Please reply with your preferred pick up point and the following required information in order to process through security screening.

All personnel attending any USF-I media event MUST have a valid CPIC badge.  For more information about badging, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit http://www.usf-iraq.com/for-the-media.

•    Media (to include camera crews):  Full name, agency, CPIC/MNF-I badge number, nationality, phone number

•    Equipment:  List all recording and electronic equipment to be used.  

o    We recommend outlets bring two video cameras, one to pre-position for the press conference and one to use during the ceremony as there will be limited time for movement and set-up between the two events.  

•    Vehicle Info:  Make, model, color and plate number (if requesting escort from ECP 13).  A photograph of all satellite trucks will also be required.

•    Satellite Trucks:  Special arrangements must be made for satellite trucks wishing to park at Al Faw Palace on Sep 1.  Satellite trucks will be met at ECP 13 at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 31.  All trucks will need 600 – 700 feet of cable to reach Al Faw Palace Rotunda for interviews and ceremony coverage. There is limited space available for satellite trucks.  These will be filled on a “first come, first served” basis.   

Live Broadcasters: Media with satellite trucks pre-positioned will meet at ECP 13 on Camp Victory no later than 10 a.m. for transportation to the Al Faw Palace on Sep. 1.

CPIC:  Please arrive at the CPIC for movement to Al Faw Palace no later than 11:00 p.m. Sep. 1.  Additional time must be allotted for processing through check-points and security.
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ECP13:  Media will meet at ECP 13 on Camp Victory no later than 12:30 p.m. for transportation to the Al Faw Palace on Sep. 1. Please ensure you eat prior to arrival, there will be no food available before or after ceremony.  

At approximately 5 p.m. media will depart Al Faw Palace and return to either CPIC or ECP 13.

RSVPs:  Complete replies for the attendance at change of command ceremony and press conference are due no later than 12 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 28.  Please send your reply and information listed above to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call (240) 553-0581 ext. 2546 or DSN 318-239-2546.  Please note, space may be limited at various events and priority will be given to those media members who reply in advance with complete details requested.

Requests for USF-I key leader interviews on Sep. 1, prior to the change of command, should be forwarded to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  These will be filled on a “first come, first served” basis.   

Interview requests for U.S Embassy Baghdad officials may be directed to Ms. Cynthia Plath, Department of State Public Affairs, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it