Dear Interested Reader,
PRT SECFOR patrol jointly in Dam Kalay. Wheat seed arrives for distribution in Nawa district. Ambassador lauds construction training at Kunar Construction Center. Weapons, explosives seized, and 3 detained.
Iraq: Partnered patrol in Salman Pak. New school named in honor of Army Major Thomas Weiss. Army hosts Ramadan dinner at FOB Warrior. Camp Bucca Detention Center closes.
Joanna
_________________________________
September 19, 2009
Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs
PRT SECFOR, Afghan counterparts patrol jointly in Dam Kalay
By Air Force Capt. Tony Wickman
Haji Jun, left, Asadabad chief of police, discusses security plans with Army 2nd Lt. Stewart Brough, right, PRT - Kunar SECFOR plt leader at Camp Wright in Asadabad, with help from local interpreter Wrokhan Sahel, center. Brough led the PRT's first walking patrol in Dam Kalay. The patrol's main objective was to inspect the village's current power grid and assess the needed equipment to have power restored to locals who've been without power for 4 days since the main generator failed.
(Photos by Tech. Sgt. Brian Boisvert)
KUNAR PROVINCE – This was the first time the PRT conducted a walking foot patrol through the village with the ANP. The interaction was beneficial to both units.
“The patrol went well and it was a good experience. When locals see our ANP counterparts and us out together, it gives them confidence,” said U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Stewart Brough, Kunar PRT SECFOR plt leader. “This was a great opportunity to work with our Afghan counterparts.”
Brough said part of the Kunar PRT cmdr’s intent is to put an Afghan face to the govt’s efforts in the prov., and that includes security.
Army Pvt. Daniel Hancock, PRT SECFOR member agreed that it was good to work with the local police. “This patrol will help us integrate better with the ANP, and them with us,” said Hancock. “It also gives people confidence in their local police to protect them.”
Hancock said an example of how the ANP assists the SECFOR was increased awareness to local conditions. The ANP were able to point out an area of a river that village elders didn’t want the patrol to cross because local women were gathering water, he said. “So, on the patrol the ANP was able to tell us, so we could hold up until the women were gone to keep everyone safe and happy,” Hanock said.
Hancock also said the SECFOR was able to use the ANP to help them at their objective points. “When we got to the objective points, we were able to tell our ANP counterparts where we needed them to help provide security for our patrol,” he said.
At the end of the day the patrol was deemed a success. “In the end, I was able to interact with my counterpart and he was comfortable working with me,” said Brough. “We've an appreciation for what they do and treat them as professionals.”
Kunar PRT members from Camp Wright move through Dam Kalay village with local children tagging along, while conducting their first walking patrol in the area.
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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Wheat Seed Arrives for Distribution in Nawa District
Story by Lance Cpl. Jeremy Harris
An Afghan man carries a bag of wheat seed at a COP manned by Marines with 1st Bn, 5th Marine Regt, in Nawa District, Helmand prov., Sept. 13. 1/5 is part of RCT 3, whose mission is to conduct counterinsurgency ops in partnership with the ANSF in southern Afghanistan.
NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province – Approx 300 metric tons of wheat seed arrived in the Nawa District Center, Sept. 14, as part of an initiative by the Afghan govt to provide an alternative crop to poppy for farmers in the region.
"This program is tangible evidence of the Afghan govt's ability to deliver key support to its people," said Ian Purves, the stability advisor for Nawa District. "The farmers who receive the wheat seed will have a high-quality alternative to growing poppy." According to the locals, wheat actually sells at the markets in the area for roughly the same price as poppy.
When the wheat seed is fully distributed, it will reach 3,712 farmers, according to Purves. "The timing of the arrival was critical, as it comes at a point where farmers are getting ready to harvest their summer crops and getting ready plant the winter crops," he added.
About 1,050 metric tons of fertilizer will also be distributed in conjunction with the seed, giving the farmers a better opportunity for success, said Purves, who works closely with the Marines of 1st Bn, 5th Marine Regt. The Marines established security in the area and will continue to have a presence while the local govt solidifies, but this distribution effort is spear-headed by the Afghan govt.
"This wheat seed distribution program provides an opportunity for local leaders and farmers to work together to capitalize on the agricultural vitality of Nawa," said Capt. Frank Biggio, civil affairs team leader with 1/5.
Numerous trucks arrived with 300 tons of wheat seed.
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Haji Gharibullah, a local contractor, hires a new Kunar Construction Center (KCC) graduate who specialized as a painter prior to his graduation ceremony from the center in the Shigal District, Sept. 15, 2009. The KCC graduated 102 military age men after an extensive 3 month set of lessons that taught such skills as carpentry, basic electrical engineering, plumbing and masonry. Prior to the graduation, a host of employers offered 179 jobs to all the students at a local job fair.
Konar Province - The U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan praised the efforts of a construction training center here that's providing much-needed skills to local residents. Karl Eikenberry attended the Sept. 15 graduation of more than 100 students from the Kunar Construction Center in Shigal district.
"In Kabul, we talk frequently about the need to deliver services and provide job opportunities that will improve the lives of the Afghan citizens," the ambassador said. Eikenberry said he was impressed with the faculty, facility and training that the center provides.
Provincial Gov. Wahidi told the graduates that they should be proud to take part in the reconstruction of their country. The local govt will continue to work and coordinate with the PRT to improve the prov., he said.
One former student at the job fair said that his life has improved since graduating from the center. "Life is very good ... I'm very happy and hope to do more work in the future. I'm happy for the construction center teachers and for the help from the PRT," he said.
Ambassador Eikenberry (center) receives a welcome tour of the Kunar Construction Center, Sept. 15, 2009, from Dr. Ud Din, the school's dir.
Gov. Wahidi (left), and Ambassador Eikenberry (center) present graduation certificates to graduates.
FOB SALERNO – ABP from the Garbuz District of Khost prov., seized weapons and explosives during routine checkpoint stops, Sept. 16.
The ABP were alerted by another check point tower that a vehicle may be attempting to avoid an ANSF check point. The ABP quickly intercepted the vehicle and immediately questioned the driver. During the inspection of the confiscated vehicle, approx 2500lbs of explosive material was discovered.
In a separate incident in the same location, paratroopers from 425th BSTB, 4th BCT (Abn), 25th ID, and ABP stopped 2 additional vehicles crossing over from Pakistan. After stopping these vehicles, the ABP found 29 AK-47s and 2 chest racks. ABP detained 3 individuals from this incident and secured the weapons.
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3rd BCT, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Iraq
Partnered Patrol in Salman Pak
Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Alex Licea
Staff Sgt. Timothy Bridge receives a "low-five" from an Iraqi boy during a combined foot patrol inside a market, Sept. 16, in the small village of Kersa, located 30 miles SE of Baghdad. The Paratroopers also stopped by a school in order to give away toys and backpacks to area children. Bridge and his fellow Paratroopers conducted the presence patrol in order to check on the area's security and deter any suspicious activity. Bridge serves as a squad leader assigned to Co B, 1st Bn, 505th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn Div.
Staff Sgt. Shawn Webb hands a small toy to an Iraqi boy during combined foot patrol at a local school in the town of Salman Pak.
Pfc. Juan Ramirez checks his surroundings.
1st Lt. John Cross (near right), and 1st Lt. Andrew Osborn, check their surroundings during a combined foot patrol.
A cow shares a trail with a U.S. Paratrooper conducting a combined foot patrol.
Iraqi kids watch in amusement as Staff Sgt. Floyd Smith rides an Iraqi boy's bike after the boy asks him to try it out for himself during a combined foot patrol. Smith, along with several of his fellow Paratroopers talked to residents during the presence patrol in order to build relationship with the local community.
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2nd BCT, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs
New School in Kirkuk Province Named in Honor of U.S. Army Major
Story by Pfc. Justin Naylor
Soldiers interact with children outside of a new school built in the city of Khalkalan in Kirkuk prov., during the schools opening ceremony, Sept. 14. The school was named in honor of Maj. Thomas Weiss, the former EO for 3rd Bn, 82nd FAR, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div, who was injured in a rollover accident.
FOB WARRIOR, KIRKUK — Prior to this school opening, there was only one other school in the city to support the more than 500 children there. "Four students were packed into desks built for 2 students at the old school," said the mgr of the old school, Hadie Mustafa.
Members of the district council in the city of Shwan, which is a larger nearby city responsible for Khalkalan, had tried unsuccessfully for years to have a new school built in the city, said Jabar Hassan, a member of the district council. This changed when Maj. Weiss started visiting the city in the early months of 2nd BCT's rotation in Kirkuk.
"Maj. Weiss was essential in establishing a representative democracy in Shwan, and that govt helped build this school," said Lt. Col. Terry Cook, the cmdr of 3rd Bn., 82nd FAR. "The govt was basically untouched before he came. No one really put a lot effort into helping the city. He started dialogue with them."
According to Cook, Weiss helped the govt in Shwan understand the process of getting projects finished in their area. With the aid of Weiss and others in his bn, council members in Shwan were able to put in for the school project.
3rd Bn., 82d FA Regt., also has plans to begin a project to renovate the old school in the city. Weiss is currently going through rehabilitation at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to make a full recovery. "He's a friend to all the people out here," said Cook.
Soldiers speak with residents during the ceremony.
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Individuals from various military and governmental orgs that operate in Kirkuk prov. gathered together for a meal on FOB Warrior, Kirkuk, Sept. 15. For many in attendance, this meal came after a day of fasting, as it's currently still the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
FOB WARRIOR, KIRKUK—In celebration of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the 2nd "Black Jack" BCT, 1st Cav Div, hosted a special dinner on FOB Warrior, Kirkuk, Sept.15, breaking the fast for the day and giving a common ground for all the various groups they partner with to talk and enjoy a meal together.
"This dinner took away tension and helped people feel comfortable with each other," said Maj. Gen. Al-Ameer, the cmdr of the 12th IA Div, which operates in the Kirkuk prov.
"I was surprised to see the Army hosting this event," said 1st Lt. Ahmed Ismail, a Northern Oil policeman working as a liaison officer with 2nd BCT. "It was very nice." Members of all different types of ISF were here along with govt, political and tribal leaders, according to Ahmed.
All the food was picked up from the local community, allowing the Iraqis to enjoy a more traditional meal. "We wanted to show our appreciation for our partners," said Lt. Col. Hugh McNeely, the dep. comm. officer of 2nd BCT. "Show them that we recognize the season of Ramadan in a way that is acceptable in their faith. The significance of Iftar meals are that they allow people to get to know one another, as people, and not just as someone with a different viewpoint," said McNeely. Arab tribal leaders were hugging Kurdish leaders, and people really seemed to be getting along, according to Ahmed.
"Hopefully anytime a new unit comes, we can all sit down like this and talk together like one family, one Iraq," said Ahmed. "If we work together, there will be no place for terrorists."
Lt. Col. Terry Cook (center), the cmdr of 3rd Bn, 82nd FAR, talks to Maj. Gen. Rahmen, the dep. dir. of police in Kirkuk prov., during the dinner.
An Air Force C-17 carrying the last group of 180 detainees lifted off from the Basra airport, headed to Camp Cropper at 3:22 a.m., officials said. "As a result of the great working relationship between the GoI and TF 134, I'm pleased to say the Camp Bucca detention facility is now closed," said Army Brig. Gen. David Quantock, Joint TF 134's comm. gen. "We've been working hand in hand with the GoI to coordinate our detainee releases and transfers in accordance with the U.S.-Iraq security agreement, and that teamwork has allowed us to close the Bucca theater internment facility."
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PRT SECFOR patrol jointly in Dam Kalay. Wheat seed arrives for distribution in Nawa district. Ambassador lauds construction training at Kunar Construction Center. Weapons, explosives seized, and 3 detained.
Iraq: Partnered patrol in Salman Pak. New school named in honor of Army Major Thomas Weiss. Army hosts Ramadan dinner at FOB Warrior. Camp Bucca Detention Center closes.
Joanna
_________________________________
September 19, 2009
Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs
PRT SECFOR, Afghan counterparts patrol jointly in Dam Kalay
By Air Force Capt. Tony Wickman
Haji Jun, left, Asadabad chief of police, discusses security plans with Army 2nd Lt. Stewart Brough, right, PRT - Kunar SECFOR plt leader at Camp Wright in Asadabad, with help from local interpreter Wrokhan Sahel, center. Brough led the PRT's first walking patrol in Dam Kalay. The patrol's main objective was to inspect the village's current power grid and assess the needed equipment to have power restored to locals who've been without power for 4 days since the main generator failed.
(Photos by Tech. Sgt. Brian Boisvert)
KUNAR PROVINCE – This was the first time the PRT conducted a walking foot patrol through the village with the ANP. The interaction was beneficial to both units.
“The patrol went well and it was a good experience. When locals see our ANP counterparts and us out together, it gives them confidence,” said U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Stewart Brough, Kunar PRT SECFOR plt leader. “This was a great opportunity to work with our Afghan counterparts.”
Brough said part of the Kunar PRT cmdr’s intent is to put an Afghan face to the govt’s efforts in the prov., and that includes security.
Army Pvt. Daniel Hancock, PRT SECFOR member agreed that it was good to work with the local police. “This patrol will help us integrate better with the ANP, and them with us,” said Hancock. “It also gives people confidence in their local police to protect them.”
Hancock said an example of how the ANP assists the SECFOR was increased awareness to local conditions. The ANP were able to point out an area of a river that village elders didn’t want the patrol to cross because local women were gathering water, he said. “So, on the patrol the ANP was able to tell us, so we could hold up until the women were gone to keep everyone safe and happy,” Hanock said.
Hancock also said the SECFOR was able to use the ANP to help them at their objective points. “When we got to the objective points, we were able to tell our ANP counterparts where we needed them to help provide security for our patrol,” he said.
At the end of the day the patrol was deemed a success. “In the end, I was able to interact with my counterpart and he was comfortable working with me,” said Brough. “We've an appreciation for what they do and treat them as professionals.”
Kunar PRT members from Camp Wright move through Dam Kalay village with local children tagging along, while conducting their first walking patrol in the area.
-30-
CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Wheat Seed Arrives for Distribution in Nawa District
Story by Lance Cpl. Jeremy Harris
An Afghan man carries a bag of wheat seed at a COP manned by Marines with 1st Bn, 5th Marine Regt, in Nawa District, Helmand prov., Sept. 13. 1/5 is part of RCT 3, whose mission is to conduct counterinsurgency ops in partnership with the ANSF in southern Afghanistan.
NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province – Approx 300 metric tons of wheat seed arrived in the Nawa District Center, Sept. 14, as part of an initiative by the Afghan govt to provide an alternative crop to poppy for farmers in the region.
"This program is tangible evidence of the Afghan govt's ability to deliver key support to its people," said Ian Purves, the stability advisor for Nawa District. "The farmers who receive the wheat seed will have a high-quality alternative to growing poppy." According to the locals, wheat actually sells at the markets in the area for roughly the same price as poppy.
When the wheat seed is fully distributed, it will reach 3,712 farmers, according to Purves. "The timing of the arrival was critical, as it comes at a point where farmers are getting ready to harvest their summer crops and getting ready plant the winter crops," he added.
About 1,050 metric tons of fertilizer will also be distributed in conjunction with the seed, giving the farmers a better opportunity for success, said Purves, who works closely with the Marines of 1st Bn, 5th Marine Regt. The Marines established security in the area and will continue to have a presence while the local govt solidifies, but this distribution effort is spear-headed by the Afghan govt.
"This wheat seed distribution program provides an opportunity for local leaders and farmers to work together to capitalize on the agricultural vitality of Nawa," said Capt. Frank Biggio, civil affairs team leader with 1/5.
Numerous trucks arrived with 300 tons of wheat seed.
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Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Ambassador Lauds Construction Training in Afghanistan
Story by Capt. Tony WickmanHaji Gharibullah, a local contractor, hires a new Kunar Construction Center (KCC) graduate who specialized as a painter prior to his graduation ceremony from the center in the Shigal District, Sept. 15, 2009. The KCC graduated 102 military age men after an extensive 3 month set of lessons that taught such skills as carpentry, basic electrical engineering, plumbing and masonry. Prior to the graduation, a host of employers offered 179 jobs to all the students at a local job fair.
Konar Province - The U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan praised the efforts of a construction training center here that's providing much-needed skills to local residents. Karl Eikenberry attended the Sept. 15 graduation of more than 100 students from the Kunar Construction Center in Shigal district.
"In Kabul, we talk frequently about the need to deliver services and provide job opportunities that will improve the lives of the Afghan citizens," the ambassador said. Eikenberry said he was impressed with the faculty, facility and training that the center provides.
Provincial Gov. Wahidi told the graduates that they should be proud to take part in the reconstruction of their country. The local govt will continue to work and coordinate with the PRT to improve the prov., he said.
One former student at the job fair said that his life has improved since graduating from the center. "Life is very good ... I'm very happy and hope to do more work in the future. I'm happy for the construction center teachers and for the help from the PRT," he said.
Ambassador Eikenberry (center) receives a welcome tour of the Kunar Construction Center, Sept. 15, 2009, from Dr. Ud Din, the school's dir.
Gov. Wahidi (left), and Ambassador Eikenberry (center) present graduation certificates to graduates.
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International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs
Afghan Border Police Seize Weapons, Explosives, Detain 3FOB SALERNO – ABP from the Garbuz District of Khost prov., seized weapons and explosives during routine checkpoint stops, Sept. 16.
The ABP were alerted by another check point tower that a vehicle may be attempting to avoid an ANSF check point. The ABP quickly intercepted the vehicle and immediately questioned the driver. During the inspection of the confiscated vehicle, approx 2500lbs of explosive material was discovered.
In a separate incident in the same location, paratroopers from 425th BSTB, 4th BCT (Abn), 25th ID, and ABP stopped 2 additional vehicles crossing over from Pakistan. After stopping these vehicles, the ABP found 29 AK-47s and 2 chest racks. ABP detained 3 individuals from this incident and secured the weapons.
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3rd BCT, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Iraq
Partnered Patrol in Salman Pak
Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Alex Licea
Staff Sgt. Timothy Bridge receives a "low-five" from an Iraqi boy during a combined foot patrol inside a market, Sept. 16, in the small village of Kersa, located 30 miles SE of Baghdad. The Paratroopers also stopped by a school in order to give away toys and backpacks to area children. Bridge and his fellow Paratroopers conducted the presence patrol in order to check on the area's security and deter any suspicious activity. Bridge serves as a squad leader assigned to Co B, 1st Bn, 505th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn Div.
Staff Sgt. Shawn Webb hands a small toy to an Iraqi boy during combined foot patrol at a local school in the town of Salman Pak.
Pfc. Juan Ramirez checks his surroundings.
1st Lt. John Cross (near right), and 1st Lt. Andrew Osborn, check their surroundings during a combined foot patrol.
A cow shares a trail with a U.S. Paratrooper conducting a combined foot patrol.
Iraqi kids watch in amusement as Staff Sgt. Floyd Smith rides an Iraqi boy's bike after the boy asks him to try it out for himself during a combined foot patrol. Smith, along with several of his fellow Paratroopers talked to residents during the presence patrol in order to build relationship with the local community.
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2nd BCT, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs
New School in Kirkuk Province Named in Honor of U.S. Army Major
Story by Pfc. Justin Naylor
Soldiers interact with children outside of a new school built in the city of Khalkalan in Kirkuk prov., during the schools opening ceremony, Sept. 14. The school was named in honor of Maj. Thomas Weiss, the former EO for 3rd Bn, 82nd FAR, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div, who was injured in a rollover accident.
FOB WARRIOR, KIRKUK — Prior to this school opening, there was only one other school in the city to support the more than 500 children there. "Four students were packed into desks built for 2 students at the old school," said the mgr of the old school, Hadie Mustafa.
Members of the district council in the city of Shwan, which is a larger nearby city responsible for Khalkalan, had tried unsuccessfully for years to have a new school built in the city, said Jabar Hassan, a member of the district council. This changed when Maj. Weiss started visiting the city in the early months of 2nd BCT's rotation in Kirkuk.
"Maj. Weiss was essential in establishing a representative democracy in Shwan, and that govt helped build this school," said Lt. Col. Terry Cook, the cmdr of 3rd Bn., 82nd FAR. "The govt was basically untouched before he came. No one really put a lot effort into helping the city. He started dialogue with them."
According to Cook, Weiss helped the govt in Shwan understand the process of getting projects finished in their area. With the aid of Weiss and others in his bn, council members in Shwan were able to put in for the school project.
3rd Bn., 82d FA Regt., also has plans to begin a project to renovate the old school in the city. Weiss is currently going through rehabilitation at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to make a full recovery. "He's a friend to all the people out here," said Cook.
Soldiers speak with residents during the ceremony.
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2nd BCT, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs
Celebrating Our Partnership: Army Hosts Ramadan Dinner
Story by Pfc. Justin NaylorIndividuals from various military and governmental orgs that operate in Kirkuk prov. gathered together for a meal on FOB Warrior, Kirkuk, Sept. 15. For many in attendance, this meal came after a day of fasting, as it's currently still the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
FOB WARRIOR, KIRKUK—In celebration of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the 2nd "Black Jack" BCT, 1st Cav Div, hosted a special dinner on FOB Warrior, Kirkuk, Sept.15, breaking the fast for the day and giving a common ground for all the various groups they partner with to talk and enjoy a meal together.
"This dinner took away tension and helped people feel comfortable with each other," said Maj. Gen. Al-Ameer, the cmdr of the 12th IA Div, which operates in the Kirkuk prov.
"I was surprised to see the Army hosting this event," said 1st Lt. Ahmed Ismail, a Northern Oil policeman working as a liaison officer with 2nd BCT. "It was very nice." Members of all different types of ISF were here along with govt, political and tribal leaders, according to Ahmed.
All the food was picked up from the local community, allowing the Iraqis to enjoy a more traditional meal. "We wanted to show our appreciation for our partners," said Lt. Col. Hugh McNeely, the dep. comm. officer of 2nd BCT. "Show them that we recognize the season of Ramadan in a way that is acceptable in their faith. The significance of Iftar meals are that they allow people to get to know one another, as people, and not just as someone with a different viewpoint," said McNeely. Arab tribal leaders were hugging Kurdish leaders, and people really seemed to be getting along, according to Ahmed.
"Hopefully anytime a new unit comes, we can all sit down like this and talk together like one family, one Iraq," said Ahmed. "If we work together, there will be no place for terrorists."
Lt. Col. Terry Cook (center), the cmdr of 3rd Bn, 82nd FAR, talks to Maj. Gen. Rahmen, the dep. dir. of police in Kirkuk prov., during the dinner.
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Office of the Secretary of Defense Public AffairsCamp Bucca Detention Center Closes in Iraq
CAMP VICTORY, Sept. 17 - As the last detainee boarded a plane destined for another theater detention center today, the detainee ops mission at Camp Bucca, officially ended.An Air Force C-17 carrying the last group of 180 detainees lifted off from the Basra airport, headed to Camp Cropper at 3:22 a.m., officials said. "As a result of the great working relationship between the GoI and TF 134, I'm pleased to say the Camp Bucca detention facility is now closed," said Army Brig. Gen. David Quantock, Joint TF 134's comm. gen. "We've been working hand in hand with the GoI to coordinate our detainee releases and transfers in accordance with the U.S.-Iraq security agreement, and that teamwork has allowed us to close the Bucca theater internment facility."
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