107th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment departs

Courtesy Photo | Members of the 107th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment gather for a picture before departing U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, after being here on a yearlong deployment in support of Joint Task Force Guantanamo, Jan. 8. The 107th MPAD supported many missions while deployed including media relations, command information, public information, broadcasting and military commissions. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe, humane, legal and transparent care and custody of detainees, including those convicted by military commission and those ordered released by a court. The JTF conducts intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination for the protection of detainees and personnel working in JTF Guantanamo facilities and in support of the War on Terrorism. JTF Guantanamo provides support to the Office of Military Commissions, to law enforcement and to war crimes investigations. The JTF conducts planning for and, on order, responds to Caribbean mass migration operations. (JTF Guantanamo photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Thomas R. Ouellette) UNCLASSIFIED – Cleared for public release. For additional information contact JTF Guantanamo PAO 011-5399-3589; DSN 660-3589 www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil  

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

02.05.2010

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Shane Arrington 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - Over the past year, they have been seen walking around Joint Task Force Guantanamo carrying a variety of camera equipment, setting up shop and allowing service members to send "shout-outs" to loved ones back home, and most noticeably, putting together "The Wire," JTF Guantanamo's weekly magazine.

While the JTF Public Affairs Office is made up of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines coming from all over the world, for the last 12 months, members of the Florida Army National Guard, 107th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment has made up the majority of the personnel.

The journey to Guantanamo wasn't a straight shot for the service members. Their first stop was Camp Blanding Joint Training Center in Starke, Fla. During their three-week stay there, the unit conducted weapons qualifications and training on various programs and equipment used during their deployment.

Step two of the journey was Fort Lewis, Wash. While there, the unit went through many administrative and medical screenings. They also took the time to enjoy themselves and strapped on some snow shoes to trek Mount Rainier before heading down to their tropical destination. For the Soldiers from Florida, going up to Washington during the winter was the first time some of them had seen so much snow in one place.

"The first thing I did was dive face first," said Army Sgt. Carmen Gibson, broadcast non-commissioned officer.

Finally, the members of the 107th boarded the plane that would take them to the place they'd spend the next year working in one of the most highly scrutinized public affairs and media relations offices in the world.

For some, JTF Guantanamo was the latest in a string of deployments, but for others this was their first.

"This has been a humbling experience," said Army Spc. Christopher Vann, photojournalist. "I have grown so much during my year here and I couldn't have done it without my fellow Soldiers."

Those who've previously deployed to combat zones like Army Sgt. Derrol Fulghum, broadcast NCO, admit that while Cuba may not be Iraq or Afghanistan, it still comes with its unique set of quirks that can challenge the new troops and combat veterans alike.

"This mission in Cuba is more difficult than the mission I had in Iraq in regard to public affairs," said Fulghum. "The way the Joint Task Force is looked at under a microscope by the entire world means that everything we say and do can have an impact on the mission, from flag officers to junior enlisted."

Though they stayed busy with work, the Florida service members still had the chance to enjoy themselves while in Guantanamo Bay.

It's been an eventful year for those of the 107th MPAD. The earthquake that rocked Haiti just a month before their departure sped up the tempo of operations just in time to clash with equipment inventories and checking out procedures. Never once did they let the intensified situation stop them. They dove into the chaos and performed the mission.

Army Maj. Diana Haynie, deputy director of Public Affairs, said the memories made and opportunities experienced in JTF's joint environment will last her a lifetime. She also noted that the 107th MPAD was instrumental in conducting an important element of the JTF mission of ensuring transparent care of detainees through their interaction with national and international media. Additionally, these highly skilled public affairs professionals assisted in organizing media tours throughout JTF detention facilities.

"From those who are on their second, third, or possibly even fourth deployment, to those members who spent this year away from home for the very first time, we can all leave JTF Guantanamo knowing we truly made a significant difference."

• Date Taken: 02.05.2010
• Date Posted: 02.15.2010 08:48
• Story ID: 45372
• Location: GUANTANAMO BAY, CU