Dear Interested Reader,
Newlywed AF couple proudly serve in Iraq. AF civilian Mark Porterfield is proud to make a difference. Electonic Counter-Measure Fielding begins at Besmaya. Multiple contingency operating locations closed or turned over in Anbar. GoI assumes responsibility of SoI program in Kirkuk. Training exercise helps Iraqis complete Combat Life Saving course. New Regional Courthouse opens in Basrah. In Afghanistan, combined forces disrupt IED network in Kandahar.
Joanna
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Mar. 02, 2009
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
Newlywed Air Force Couple Serve in Iraq
By Staff Sgt. Shawn Morris
Senior Airman Matthew Bray and Airman 1st Class Yesenia Bray will celebrate their one-year wedding anniversary deployed to Iraq this March.
BAGHDAD — “There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to volunteer for this,” said 21-year-old Airman 1st Class Yesenia Bray of her deployment to Baghdad. As one half of an AF couple currently serving in Iraq, her married life that began this past March had to be put on hold before it even had a chance to truly begin. But all that’s okay with Bray; she wouldn’t want it any other way. “We both knew that it was our calling,” said Bray, stationed with her husband, 25-year-old Senior Airman Matthew Bray, at Nellis Air Force Base, Calif., when not deployed.
“I think that while we’re both in theater, it really helps us out, because even though we’re not together, we’re near each other.” The pair is separated by about 150 miles - he’s been stationed in Kirkuk since Jan., while she’s called Baghdad home since Dec.
Yesenia draws strength from the knowledge that she and her husband will soon be reunited. “We missed our first Christmas together. We’re missing our first anniversary, but the fact is that we’re getting to experience this together,” she added.
Both Yesenia and her husband are scheduled to arrive home by June, but she knows this will not be the final deployment for either of them. “There are many more to come, and when our number’s called, we’ll be right there,” she promised. “We’re really proud to serve our country.”
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U.S. Air Force civilian helps build Iraqi Army’s capabilities
By John Connor
Gulf Region South
BASRA – A U.S. AF civilian is returning home after completing a voluntary 6-month deployment to Iraq with the Gulf Region Division, USACE.
While in Iraq, Mark Porterfield has been working as a project engr with the Gulf Region South (GRS) district, overseeing construction projects at the Iraqi Army’s Shaiba facility near Basra. The work, which includes the Shaiba Location Command, the Regional Command Bn and an Ammo Supply Point, is part of the ongoing effort to enhance the capabilities of the IA. Porterfield was proud to point out that the Shaiba Location Command is scheduled to be completed later this spring. “The Iraqi contractor is making great progress,” he said. The location command will serve as the base for 1,000 Iraqi soldiers and includes dozens of new structures. The facility includes barracks, warehouses, a HQ facility, fueling depot, ammo supply point, a dining facility, bakery, ice plant, laundry, barber shop, medical clinic, and fire station. “The Shaiba Location Command will ensure IA units operating in the area, get the supplies they need so they can achieve their primary mission of safeguarding local neighborhoods,” Porterfield noted. “We’re making a difference. It’s great to see the pride local Iraqi construction workers exhibit every day at the job site. Of those I’ve talked to, they’re obviously happy to be part of this effort, and this important work that will benefit Basra for years to come.”
Porterfield explained that he chose to deploy to help in the rebuilding efforts, to experience construction in a wartime effort, and to do his part. “I’ve really enjoyed the interaction and true friends I’ve made, including the Iraqi engrs who are part of our staff and courageously visit our projects on their own every day unaccompanied,” he said. “I’m sure we’ll keep in contact long after I return home.”
Porterfield said one of the highlights of his tour was visiting a school in Basra for hearing-impaired children. “It touches your heart,” he explained. “We met with the children and handed out stuffed animals and soccer balls. My co-workers plan to sort of adopt the school and help out in different ways. Visiting that school gave each of us a first-hand glimpse of why we’re all working so hard on this historic mission.”
Back home in Nevada, Porterfield works with the 99th Civil Engineering Sqdrn at Nellis AF Base as their hazardous waste program mgr. He returns home to his wife of nearly 20 years and 2 teenage sons.
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Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348
Electronic Counter-Measure fielding begins at Besmaya
BESMAYA COMBAT TRAINING CENTER - IA Field Engr Regts began receipt and training with the Symphony electronic counter-measure system in Jan. 2009. Produced by U.S. defense contractor Lockheed-Martin, the Symphony IED jammer is a vehicle-mounted, programmable, radio-frequency IED-defeat system that emits radio interference to prevent remote triggering of roadside bombs.
The Besmaya Combat Training Center partnered with Lockheed-Martin to install Symphony systems in 22 Iraqi Up-Armored Humvees and 11 Badger Lt Armored Vehicles. These vehicles were then staged for issue to Iraqi divisional engineering units. Upon arrival at Besmaya, designated unit personnel receive vehicle orientation and Symphony operator’s training prior to returning to their home station. Task-organized with trained engr and bomb disposal Soldiers, IA divs now have the capability to conduct route clearance patrols, actions-on-contact with an IED, and battle drill ‘reduction’ of the IED, to make the area safe and exploit for evidence.
Symphony-equipped route clearance patrols are now employed throughout Iraq to protect the Iraqi people and provide IA mobility through deadly IED threats. This represents a significant increase in capability for the IA and, along with U.S. forces, make it one of only 2 militaries in the world capable of conducting modern route clearance ops.
Brig. Gen. Steven Salazar, cmdr of Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq’s Joint HQ Army Advisory Training Team, said, “This fielding represents a rapid development of a critical counter-insurgency warfighting capability for Iraq. This effort is a result of a dedicated partnership between the Iraqi military and CF, with the full support of the GoI.”
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Multiple contingency operating locations closed or turned over in Anbar
AL ASAD AIRBASE - During the month of Feb. 2009 in Al Anbar province, MNF-W closed 2 observation posts, a patrol base and turned over 2 COPs and an observation post to Iraqi SF.
Marines with Combat Logistics Co 51, Combat Logistics Bn 5, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Fwd), assisted in the closing of COP Karama, east of Ramadi, Feb. 22. The COP was previously occupied by Weapons Co, 2nd Bn, 9th Marine Regt.
(Official Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Ryan Turnage)
Corp Justin McBride, a heavy equipment operator with Combat Logistics Co 51, guides a military all-terrain crane into position to lift a reinforced-steel watch post from its position at COP Karama. The COP was dismantled and the land was handed back to Iraqi SF.
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Iraq assumes responsibility of SoI program in Kirkuk
Maj. Gen. Robert L. Caslen signs documents transferring responsibility of the SoI from the CF to the GoI.
(Photo by Pfc. Justin Naylor)
FOB WARRIOR, KIRKUK - A large and diverse crowd gathered at an IA base known as K-1, in Kirkuk to witness the official transfer of responsibility of the SoI in Kirkuk province from the U.S. Military to the 12th IA Div, Feb. 25.
Maj. Gen. Ameer, the Iraqi div cmdr was present to represent the IA, and Maj. Gen. Robert Caslen, cmdr, MND-N, was present to sign on behalf of CF. The meeting was also an opportunity to discuss the future of SoI and how to best continue their efforts in the region.
"This ceremony and what the SoI have done is very historic," said Caslen. According to Caslen, this transition is very important to the security of the region. By joining the SoI and the 12th IA, we are bringing different groups together to make one force that can defend Iraq. "As we transition responsibility of the SoI to the GoI, it is important that we do it right, and we must all be collectively committed to the success of this transfer," said Caslen.
"We have a well-studied plan for the future of the SoI," said Ameer. "We are coordinating with the leaders of the SoI. We are conducting meetings and planning for the future of the SoI." The first step for the SoI's integration will be arranging for payments to be made by the GoI rather than CF, according to Ameer. "We are going to pay them the same way we pay our Soldiers," said Ameer. "We want them to receive the same services as us. We are now in the process of making committees that will ensure the payments get to the SoI, and we are ready to assist and help them any way we can."
Another step will be in determining the specific geographic operational areas for the SoIs. "Each SoI unit will have its area of responsibility," said Ameer. As the SoI begin to integrate with the 12th IA Div., leaders are focusing on combining the efforts of both, to increase security within the region. "Our goal is to join the SoI and the IA," said Ameer. "We want them to participate in what the IA does. We want to integrate the SoI in our plans for securing the Kirkuk province. We are going to make combined checkpoints with both IA and SoI, and we will include them in raids and info-gathering in the region."
Leaders within the 12th IA agreed with Ameer's plans and added that they needed to have constant communication with the SoI in order to make this possible. The historic transition will be finalized April 1st when the SoI receive their first payment from the GoI. The consolidation of the AO's and joint security efforts will continue to move forward in the coming months, and the GoI will soon have complete responsibility of the SoI.
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Mass casualty exercise helps Iraqis complete CLS course
FOB WARRIOR, KIRKUK - The sound of sirens and revving engines pierce the ears as Iraqis with simulated injuries are carried out of a large, inconspicuous-looking dining facility. Several Iraqi firemen, police and Army emergency services personnel swarm with stretchers holding the "wounded," during a mass casualty training exercise held on Kirkuk Military Base, also known as K-1, near Kirkuk, Feb. 24.
The exercise was the culminating training event after a 17-day combat life saver course that took place on K-1. It was designed by both Iraqi and U.S. medical staff and was intended to replicate several mortar and bomb attacks-causing a total of 15 casualties-during which the participants were expected to use the skills learned in the CLS course.
Soldiers from Co C., 15th BSB, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div, oversaw the functions of the Emergency Room, but were merely observers of the Iraqi doctors. The event was designed to test the skills that first responders learned during the CLS course. "Between the CLS course and this training event, the CLS participants are now much more capable of performing vital life-saving skills," said Ari Anwal, a doctor's asst at the K-1 medical facility.
The training was also a chance to bring IP, Soldiers and firefighters together, and teach them how to coordinate responses during a mass casualty event. "It's important they are as prepared as us medically," said Spc. Katherine Kaspari, the senior medic for Co C. "They are going to need to do this on their own. They are very disciplined and dedicated to learning," said Kaspari. "They put what they learned into action and the event was very successful."
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Regional Courthouse Bolsters Rule of Law
By A. Al Bahrani
Gulf Region South
BASRAH — Hundreds gathered as Iraqi officials hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of the new regional courthouse, Feb. 26. “Opening this facility is an important step,” said Iraqi Judiciary Commission chairman Mahmoud. “We had just 500 judges in Iraq in 2003, and now we have about 1,500 judges. Our judicial system has made significant progress in the past 4 years. “Judicial independence is critical to a stable social structure. The rule of law is a prerequisite for political stability, economic development and public confidence in public institutions,” Mahmoud added.
Basrah Gov. Wa'eli said, “We are gathered here today to open an important project that will significantly establish the rule of law not only in Basrah province, but in Iraq. This facility will play a very critical role in achieving justice and equality for our Iraqi society.”
Chief Justice Laith Sammad said, “This magnificent project could not have been completed without the support of the U.S. govt and specifically the USACE.”
USACE’s Gulf Region South district oversaw the construction of the 118,470-sq-feet 2-story facility. The courthouse includes 4main courtrooms, 3 smaller courtrooms, and 248 smaller offices for judges, judge deputies, and administrative personnel. It includes a 17,216-sq-ft witness protection facility, 2 cafeterias, 5 elevators, and6 small kiosks for food vendors.
USACE construction rep Keith Adams pointed out, “The contractor, Al Dayer United Construction, is from Basrah, and I know first hand the extra work, effort, and love that he put into the courthouse. He wanted to build a structure that would stand for generations. His crew made many sacrifices, and took great risks to themselves and their families, because they believed in what they were doing,” he added. “Seeing the Basrah community so excited about their new courthouse, and knowing I played a small part touches my heart in a big way. It’s times like this that make our job so worthwhile,” Adams concluded.
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215 Greetings
Pvt. David Jones, 3rd Bn, 29th Field Artillery Bn, interacts with some of the children who live in the 215 Apartment Complex in Baghdad's Int'l Zone during a population census mission.
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Chief Instructions
U.S. Soldiers of 2nd Plt, B Troop, 5th Sqdrn, 73rd Cav Regt, 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn Div, receive instructions from a helicopter crew chief during Aerial Response Force Training, at FOB Loyalty, Beladiyat, eastern Baghdad, Feb. 25.
(Photo by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick)
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U.S. Forces - Afghanistan
Afghan National Police, Coalition Forces disrupt IED network in Kandahar
KABUL – Feb. 25, in Maywand District, Kandahar Province, approx. 80 km NW of Kandahar, ANP and CF conducted joint ops to disrupt an IED network that targeted CF and facilitated foreign fighters into Kandahar Province.
With the assistance of our Afghan partners, CF called for all non-combatants to exit the buildings. All women and children were moved to a safe location and forces questioned the military-aged men. Six suspected militants were detained with no shots fired, no injuries reported, and no property damaged.
ANP and CF protected 13 women and 14 children.
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