General Petraeus Leaves Iraq

General David Petraeus turned over formal command in Iraq to General Ordierno today, and returns to his new post as head of CENTCOM.

This incredible warrior succeeded in not only defeating the Jihadis in Iraq, but in defeating our enemies on the home front...and he deserves our sincere gratitude and thanks .

Here's General Petraeus' farewell letter as he moves up to higher ground in this war.

I recommend you read it, to get an idea of what we've accomplished, what still remains to be done and to get the full measure of the man:

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Civilians of Multi-National Force-Iraq:

It has been the greatest of privileges to have been your commander for thepast 19 months. During that time,we and our civilian and Iraqi partners havebeen engaged in an exceedingly complex, difficult, and important task. And in theface of numerous challenges, we and our partners have helped bring new hope to acountry that was besieged by extremists and engulfed in sectarian violence.

When I took command of Multi-National Force-Iraq in February 2007, I noted that the situation in Iraq was hard but not hopeless. You have proven that assessment to be correct. Indeed, your great work, sacrifice, courage, and skillhave helped to reverse a downward spiral toward civil war and to wrest theinitiative from the enemies of the new Iraq.

Together, Iraqi and Coalition Forces have faced determined, adaptable, and barbaric enemies. You and our Iraqi partners have taken the fight to them, andyou have taken away their sanctuaries and safe havens. You have helped secure the Iraqi people and have enabled, and capitalized on, their rejection of extremism. You have also supported the Iraqi Security Forces as they have grownin number and capability and as they have increasingly shouldered more of theresponsibility for security in their country.

You have not just secured the Iraqi people, you have served them, as well.By helping establish local governance, supporting reconstruction efforts,assisting with revitalization of local businesses, fostering local reconciliation, and conducting a host of other non-kinetic activities, you have contributed significantly to the communities in which you have operated. Indeed, you have been builders and diplomats as well as guardians and warriors.

The progress achieved has been hard-earned. There have been many tough daysalong the way, and we have suffered tragic losses. Indeed, nothing in Iraq hasbeen anything but hard. But you have been more than equal to every task.

Your accomplishments have, in fact, been the stuff of history. Each of youshould be proud of what has been achieved and of the contributions you continueto make. Although our tasks in Iraq are far from complete and hard work and toughfights lie ahead, you have helped bring about remarkable improvements.

Your new commander is precisely the right man for the job. General Ray Odierno played a central role in the progress achieved during the surge. He brings tremendous skill, experience, and understanding as he returns to Iraq fora third tour and takes the helm of MNF-I just seven months after relinquishingcommand of MultiNational Corps-Iraq. I have total confidence in him, and I will do all that I can as the commander of Central Command to help him, MNF-I, and our Iraqi partners to achieve the important goals that we all share for the new Iraq.

Thank you for your magnificent work here in the “Land of the Two Rivers.” And thank you for your sacrifices-and for those of your families–during this crucial phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am honored to have soldiered with you in this critical endeavor.

With great respect and all best wishes
David H. Petraeus General, United States Army Commanding