By Cpt. Jeffrey Johnson
Multi-National Division South East Public Affairs Office
BASRA, Iraq - Today marked a milestone for Iraqi security independence from coalition forces as the Basrah provincial joint operations center officially opened.
Iraqi security forces leadership hosted a press conference Nov. 22 to demonstrate improved coordination of operations abilities for the Iraqi security forces.
The PJOC was built in the Basrah Shat Al Arab hotel, a former international vacation destination spot. The building was redesigned to permit greater coordination between Iraqi security forces and other civil authorities, combing traditional map-board work with current technology.
"With the efforts of the Iraqi army, the Iraqi security forces and cooperation of our friends in the multi-national forces today we deliver this joint operations center in which there is contemporary technology similar to other strong armies across the world," said Iraqi Maj. Gen. Mohammed Jowad Hameidi, Basrah operations command commander.
"We have to save and enjoy the security of Basrah in order to make this city the most important city in Iraq and the center of Iraq's economic and investment development," he said.
The event also commemorates the PJOC being handed over to Iraqi operational command. It will be operated by Iraqi personnel from all branches of the ISF to provide an informational link to subordinate headquarters throughout the province.
There is also an advisory team made up of British personnel based in the PJOC who provide recommendations to all of the command elements.
The commander at the Basrah operations center is responsible for security across the whole of the province. The PJOC will provide a full picture of what is happening with the latest in communication equipment and informational technologies
Through the coordinating capability of the PJOC, the general in charge of ISF in Basrah will be able to plan joint operations and have control of the ISF elements from the PJOC.
"We are here to mark the opening which will allow all of the different elements of forces of the Iraqi security forces in Basrah to work closely together," said British Lt. Cmdr. William Young, the Multi-National Division South East Arabic spokesperson.
The event also allowed leaders and Iraqi media to discuss challenges facing Basrah and to see the PJOC capabilities in action with a flyby by three Iraqi air force MI17 helicopters.
"It has been a great day because the JOC will allow them to work more closely together, which will only strengthen the ISF and allow them to maintain peace and security for the people in Basrah," said Young.
| Date Taken: | 11.22.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 11.22.2008 01:25 |
| Story ID: | 26658 |
| Location: | BASRA, IQ |
| Web Views: | 342 |
| Downloads: | 291 |
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