COMBINED FORCES COMMAND – AFGHANISTAN
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Pintagro
Task Force Spartan public affairs
FORWARD OPERATING BASE GARDEZ, Afghanistan – Afghan and Coalition leadership opened a new firebase Dec. 2 in the Khost-Gardez Pass region, establishing an increased security presence and improving support to operations in the area.
Firebase Wilderness, whose residents are mainly Afghan National Army, opened during a ceremony that was described as “completely Afghan-run.”
“The centerpiece of the ceremony was raising the Afghan flag, not the U.S. involvement,” said Army 1st Sgt. Thom Carmo of Assault and Obstacle Platoon, A Co., 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion. “It was about establishing security and an Afghan presence in the area. They are the force manning the base with their flag flying.”
On hand to celebrate the opening of the base were Gov. Arsala Jamal of Khost Province, sub-governors representing districts in the Khost-Gardez Pass region, and members of Afghan National Security Forces. U.S. Army leaders in attendance were Army Col. John Nicholson, the Task Force Spartan commander, and Army Lt. Col. David Bushey, the 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment commander.
A shura of regional political officials, security personnel, key military leaders and local elders preceded the opening of the firebase, which establishes an enduring allied presence along the vital thoroughfare traversing the Khost-Gardez Pass.
A series of Afghan speakers addressed around 75 participants prior to the flag-raising. The speeches focused on regional security and the way ahead for the region and its people. Artillerymen from the 4-25th heralded the establishment of the firebase with a gun salute. A traditional Afghan lunch followed the ceremony.
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