MA Number: 20100829-1-MA
Aug. 29, 2010

*MANY UPDATES--READ CAREFULLY*

WHO:       All media

WHAT:  Due to increased security measures for this event and limited space availability all media organizations will be limited in the number of personnel granted access to the Al Faw Palace.  

Each broadcast organization will be permitted to bring only one (1) video camera and three (3) individuals.  Each print or radio organization will be permitted two (2) individuals in the palace for this event.  Those organizations bringing satellite trucks will not be limited in the number of personnel permitted to support operations but must abide by the same restrictions as above for the number of personnel permitted in the palace.  

FOR: USF-I commanding general change of command ceremony between Gen. Raymond Odierno and Lt. Gen. (Promotable) Lloyd Austin.  There will be no press conferences following ceremony.  

Prior to the change of command ceremony USF-I key leaders and Servicemembers 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.  Please request live interviews prior to day of event to ensure availability.  

WHEN:   The change of command ceremony will take place on Sep. 1, 2010 at 3 p.m.  No press conferences will follow the ceremony.  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 - Police, Brig. Gen. Michael Smith
•    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.  

•    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 a.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 4:30 p.m. media will depart Al Faw Palace and return to either CPIC or ECP 13.

RSVPs:  Please send updated replies for attendance at change of command ceremony no later than 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 30.  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.

Please send requests for pre-change of command interviews no later than 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 30.  Requests for USF-I key leader interviews 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