Site Essentials
- » Site Introduction
- » Comment Policy
- » Stryker Brigade 101
- » FAQ
- » Thank The Troops
- » Support Our Site
- » Contact Us
- » Terms & Conditions
In Memoriam
Browse Archives
Search Archives
Subscribe to SBN
Browse Our Shop
Awards
FORWARD OPERATING BASE GHALIBIYAH, Iraq – As Iraq commemorated Sovereign Day United States Airmen of Joint Task Force Eagle and Iraqi army soldiers completed combined joint partnership construction of a new Operations Center in Diyala Province.
Airmen from 732d Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Detachment 6 of JTF Eagle, 555th Engineer Brigade and Soldiers from the 5th IA Field Engineer Regiment conducted cross-training on carpentry skills during interior renovation of two hard stand existing structures and building of two additional Southwest Asia huts that serve as office and living space at the new Diyala Operations Center.
1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division 'Arctic Wolves' commander Col. Burdett K. Thompson and Lt. Col. Paul S. Sarat, deputy brigade commander recognized service members with certificates of achievement for their part in the construction project. Sarat presented the certificates iy a ceremony Jule 3 at Joint Base Balad. The 'Arctic Wolves' serve as the operation environment owners for the area.
"For dedication and support to your superb construction efforts on Forward Operating Bases Lion and Cruz," read Thompson's citation. "You are recognized for performing your duties in an exceptional manner and your skills were instrumental in the construction successes on both FOBs."
Since the security agreement directed drawback of coalition forces from specified Iraqi cities, engineer service members have been engaged in construction efforts to create work and living spaces outside city areas to continue partnership operations. The DOC supports the intent of the security agreement and is tangible evidence of continued successful partnership between U.S. and Iraqi Security Forces.
The first phase of construction on at the DOC started June 7. This phase included renovation of the interior of existing buildings to improve electrical wiring, build interior partitions for office space and construct meeting rooms. Immediately upon completion of the first phase, June 15, IA Soldiers were able to occupy and use the buildings.
The second phase that was finished July 1 resulted in the construction of the two SWA huts. Designed to serve as either open bay office areas or living space the SWA huts provided the opportunity for 5TH IA FER Soldiers to train on carpentry, a building skill that is less common than masonry in Iraqi construction.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Mark S. Donnithorne, commander of Det 6, who grew up on Army posts in North Carolina and is deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska where he is assigned to 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron said the DOC construction was a good challenge for the Det 6 team.
"Twenty Det 6 Airmen worked on the project," said Donnithorne. "At this site the detachment had to make sure the materials were right for the project and finalize layout to ensure that the needs of the DOC were met by coordinating through the multi-national partners."
Facilities such as the DOC increase operational capabilities and integration of the IA with their coalition partners as well as with local efforts such as the Sons of Iraq. These dedicated facilities are critical as the ISF expand their lead in securing peace and stability in Diyala.