The Grafenwöhr, Germany-based 172nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team has taken over security responsibilities in an area of southern Iraq approximately the size of Switzerland.

The brigade, which just began its deployment, formally assumed command of the area from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division earlier this week during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Kalsu.

The 4th Brigade finished a 15-month deployment that began with fierce battles to interdict the movement of weapons and fighters headed through the area into Baghdad.

For the 172nd Infantry, the mission will now largely shift to “reconstruction and building the capacity of local government,” brigade officials said.