I Corps took command of day-to-day operations of Iraq during a change-of-command ceremony Saturday in Baghdad, marking the first time since the Korean War the Fort Lewis-based unit has deployed to a combat zone.

“Our time is now to deliver with success and honor,” said Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby, the corps commander who will become the American military’s No. 2 officer in Iraq.

The Fort Lewis unit deploys at a crucial time in the Iraq War. The level of violence has dropped the lowest levels since the invasion, and President Barack Obama announced plans in March to withdraw combat troops by August 2010 – a process that will be overseen in part by I Corps.

I Corps takes over as Multi-National Corps-Iraq, the second-highest coalition military unit in the country. Multi-National Force-Iraq is the overarching unit under which all coalition forces fall. MNC-I is a step lower; it’s in charge of running daily operations and supporting subordinate units.

Jacoby will answer directly to Gen. Raymond Odierno, the top military commander in Iraq.

I Corps relived XVIII Airborne Corps, which oversaw the end of the troop surge during its yearlong deployment. Jacoby praised the advances made by the Fort Bragg, N.C., unit during a meeting with The News Tribune editorial board last month and said it's absolutely important momentum it built isn't lost.

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