BAVARIA, Germany – The “Fighting 44th” is the only Tactical Communications support in Bavaria, Germany. The 44th ESB’s history is long and glorious with campaign participations in World War II, Vietnam, Southwest Asia, and the War on Terrorism. The 44th ESB earned five Meritorious Unit Commendations and streamers embroidered for: Vietnam 1967-1968, Vietnam 1968-1969, Southwest Asia 1990-1991, Iraq 2007-2008, Afghanistan 2011 and the Army Superior Unit Award (Army) Streamer 2009-2010.
On Feb. 18, 2014, the 44th ESB transferred authority from 7th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade (7th TTSB) to 2nd Signal Brigade. The 7th TTSB Commander, Col. Geoffrey Mangelsdorf, was honored to have the “Fighting 44th” under his command. During his speech, he highlighted how the 44th always provided “Outstanding” communication capabilities when called upon. He was proud of the 44th ESB for reaching out to the community, through their sponsorship of the Grafenwoehr Elementary School, partnership with the local Pressath community, support of the Family Readiness Group, and taking the lead on Women in Military and Mentorship Program. As Mangelsdorf passed the colors, he transferred a unit of capable professionals to COL Jimmy Hall, Commander of 2nd Signal Brigade. At that moment, the 44th ESB stepped into The Brigade of Excellence.
Immediately after the ceremony and reception, COL Hall and CSM Weatherly held a Town Hall Meeting and welcomed the Soldiers of the 44th to the Brigade. In addition to the Town Hall Meeting, Senior NCOs conversed and met with their new Brigade Command Sergeant Major and received Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development training on mentoring, leading and inspection, returning to the basics of leadership.
Short History while under the 7th TTSB:
While proudly serving under the 7th TTSB, the 44th ESB deployed to northern Turkey in 2003 in support Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 44th ESB formed and deployed Task Force Rock to Kuwait and Iraq to support the 11th Signal Brigade, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Additionally, the 44th deployed the Charlie Company Command and Control Forced Entry Module Deployable Communications Package-Tactical (DCP-T) to Vicenza, Italy in April, in support of the Southern European Task Force Quick Reaction Force. In 2004, the 44th ESB deployed once again to Afghanistan for a year-long deployment rotation in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, headed by Southern European Task Force.
The 44th ESB also assumed responsible for installing and providing the Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System (CENTRIXS) network in theater, which was utilized by the Coalition forces at the tactical sites. Remaining true to their form, the 44th ESB found ways to improve the CENTRIXS, which is still in use today and hosted by 24 sites.
The 44th ESB communication support played a huge role in the resounding success of the Afghanistan national elections in September 2005. The DCP-Ts and terminal systems were utilized at the main election headquarters throughout the country, ensuring the safety and security of those sites.
After completed two rotations in Afghanistan between April 2011 and March 2012, the Battalion returned to Schweinfurt, Germany. In February of 2012, in support of the Global Rebasing and Restructuring (GR2), the Battalion was ordered to move to Grafenwoehr, Germany. In April, advance elements of the 44th ESB arrived in Grafenwoehr to set up the integration process for the remainder of the Battalion to arrive from Schweinfurt. During this same timeframe, Charlie Company successfully redeployed from Afghanistan, bringing the 44th ESB back together for the first time in over two years.
On Aug. 28, 2012, the Fighting 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, consisting of over 450 soldiers and family members, uncased its unit colors in Grafenwoehr. Today, the 44th ESB continues to provide outstanding communication support for numerous training exercises across Europe and has deployed soldiers in support of NATO operations in Turkey.
This work, 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion (ESB) Transfers Authority, is free of known copyright restrictions under U.S. copyright law.