Name Change

Looks like Operation Iraqi Freedom is getting a revamp. Not the operation itself, just the name.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates in a Feb. 17 memo authorized the remaming of OIF to "Operation New Dawn" beginning Sept. 1, Washington Note reports. According to the memo:

The requested operation name change is approved to take effect 1 September 2010, coinciding with the change of mission for U.S. forces in Iraq. Aligning the name change with the change of mission sends a strong signal that Operation IRAQI FREEDOM has ended and our forces are operating under a new mission. It also presents opportunities to synchronize strategic communication initiatives, reinforce our commitment to honor the Security Agreement, and recognize our evolving relationship with the Goverment of Iraq.