Forward Operating Base Sykes Soldiers take part in Iraqi history

Photo By Master Sgt. Duff E. Mcfadden | Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin Oaks, a UH-64 Apache helicopter pilot with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, relaxes by his aircraft folliwing a recent mission in Iraq. Oaks, an Oklahoma City resident, flew the co-pilot/gunner position in the lead aircraft during the recent Iraqi elections in and around Tal Afar, Iraq.  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SYKES, IRAQ

03.20.2010

Story by Master Sgt. Duff E. Mcfadden 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq — As the rising sun stretched its golden fingers across the western plains of Iraq's Ninewa province, a new era dawned for this country of nearly 30 million people.

For Iraqi voters, it represented the opportunity to put democracy in action, as they cast ballots in their national election. For U.S. troops stationed at Forward Operating Base Sykes, it was the culmination of years of efforts.

For Max Labar, 45, of Portland, Ore., and a senior adviser with the U.S. Department of State, the day began at 3 a.m., hours earlier than his usual 6 a.m. wake-up.

As part of the provincial reconstruction team, he served as an impartial observer. As such, he ensured the polling centers were properly set up, monitored voter turnout and watched for evidence of voting intimidation, or fraud.

Once his six-person team completed their scrutiny of polling places in the western Ninewa province under the escort of the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, they were handed over to the 3rd Battalion, 73rd Cavalry Regiment to observe two more sites within their area of operations.

An hour later, he's outside the 855th Military Police staging area, where four Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles are fueled, running and ready to go.

The "Desert Warriors," are an Arizona Army National Guard unit attached to the 1st Battalion, 4th Cavalry based out of Fort Riley, Kan. Besides the PRT officials, they're tasked with escorting United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq observers and an Associated Press photographer.

By 5:30 a.m., they were on the road, following the hour-and-a-half route to Ba'aj.

For Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin Oaks, 33, of Oklahoma City, Okla., it was just another day at the office, albeit one that's 60-foot long, 11,000 pounds and flies. An AH-64 Apache helicopter pilot with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, an Attack Reconnaissance Battalion out of Illesheim, Germany, he drew Aircraft 299 for the day's mission. Flying in the front seat of the lead helicopter, he served as the co-pilot/gunner.

"This is the standard deal for us," he said. "We're always flying in support of ground troops. Today, they want us to provide route reconnaissance and aerial security for the Iraqi polling sites and for this element.

"As scouts, we're one step ahead, per request of the ground commander. They give us the frequencies, call signs and grid coordinates. We then identify the good guys, look for the bad guys and whatever tasks they ask us to do, we do," Oaks said.

"We find whatever's out of the ordinary, which is harder to do from the air. While providing recon, we try to stay out of earshot of the town, so we don't influence the elections, or they know we're there," he said.

Shortly after lifting off, they arrived in Ba'aj 15 minutes early, providing the eyes and ears for the 885th MPs, even before the four armored vehicles arrived.

The first thing the pilots noticed was the lack of vehicle traffic. "Routes Sante Fe and Lakers had some traffic on it, but in the cities, there definitely was a lack of car movement toward the polling centers.

"There were lots of people out there. Typically, that's something we report, if it's not expected. Especially, with such large crowds gathering. Today was a special day, though," said Oaks.

The convoy arrived uneventfully at their first stop, the Ba'aj Girl's School, located within a Sunni Arab community of 10,000-20,000 people. Even though all polls opened at 7 a.m., approximately 30-40 Iraqi officials frantically worked to get the site open.

Labar and his crew took the opportunity to talk with the administrators, but when the observers left at 7:45 a.m., the polling site had yet to open its doors.

Sunday, normally a day off for members of the 88th Military Police Company, is a great time for a squad softball game. On this Sunday, however, softball is the furthest thing from their minds.

Spc. Richard Bowen, 35, of Powhatan, Va., normally serves as a maximum Security correctional officer for the State of Virginia. A reservist deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was tasked to serve as the lead driver for the six-vehicle convoy which escorted the PRT and UNAMI observers to their final two sites.

Normally the squad leader's driver, Bowen has driven more than 3,000 miles since arriving in Iraq on Oct. 15.

"They said they needed someone responsible enough to drive the lead truck," Bowen said. "The commander made a quick decision and said, 'You're it.'

"It's my job to lead the convoy to where they need to go. We get to the site and drop them off to do their job. Then, we get our passengers safely out of there and back to FOB Sykes," he said.

Once the vehicles were inspected and the communications and weapons systems in operation, the unit was staged and ready. Lunch, picked up at the nearby dining facility, was eaten near the vehicles so they could leave on a moment's notice.

At the third polling stop, Sinjar's Al-Sayeda Zaineb Co-ed School, the observers witness a whole different scene. A predominantly Kurdish area, more than 100 people waited in line to vote as the observers pulled up.

Labar noted how it was a very vibrant and festive election site.

"The people were truly excited to be there," he said. "Kurdish flags were flying everywhere. There was a young Kurdish girl in a Kurdish flag dress. There was also a young boy, about three or four years old, with a Kurdish flag drawn on his cheek.

"There were plenty of families, wives and children there. There was one couple, probably in their 40's, with four kids ages two, three, five and six, walking hand-in-hand to the polling place."

Meanwhile, activities near the Koji Mixed School polling site drew the attention of the hovering Apaches.

Within 200 to 400 meters of the Koji polling site, Oaks observed a group of men digging. The men took off in their vehicle, drove to a nearby structure, loaded more dirt and returned.

"We may not have seen what we thought we saw, but we'd rather be safe than sorry," he said. "They were probably legitimate, but they sure picked a lousy day and the wrong place to do it."
After he called Iraqi security forces to investigate, it was time for Oaks to refuel, as he passed the reconnaissance mission to another 2-153rd aircraft. After nearly six hours of air time, his Iraqi election mission was completed.

"Even if we find nothing, it's still something to report. Even no information is information for a ground commander. It helps provide them a sense of security. They're out and about, knowing they have friendly eyes overhead," he added

By 2:30 p.m., the PRT and UNAMI observers had linked up with their new escorts and were safely transferred to the 88th MP Humvees.

With the 88th MPs now in the driver's seat, uneasiness sets in at the unit's first stop, the Al Fathil Elementary School. Originally, they were to drop the observers off at the polling site, and then retire to a nearby Iraqi military base until it was time to retrieve them.

However, their Iraqi escorts took them directly to the polling site, where they sat alongside the open road while the observers entered the school.

"There were reports of grenades and an IED within 50 meters of this polling site," said Labar. "We knew about it. It was a matter of deciding whether to go in or not.

"The U.S. military forces are restricted from coming within 300 yards of the polling sites, so it's a bit stressful for us," he added.

The site recorded a very low voter turnout — less than 30 percent by the team's arrival. As Bulayj is a more conservative area, there were fewer women voting. Besides the grenade attack, a letter threatening voters circulated days before the election

The observers returned to the convoy and the Soldiers happily departed for their final stop. Less than an hour later, the Soldiers were back in FOB Sykes, as they reviewed the day's events.
"I think we did a great job," said Bowen. "The 88th MPs can say they were a part of history. We were hand-picked for this mission. That says a lot about this unit."

As he inspected his vehicle and refueled in the fading light of the day, Bowen looked forward to a hot shower and speaking with his wife, followed by an evening of Armed Forces Television.

Oaks took the opportunity to unwind with a little physical fitness and then a quick bite, before he turned in at 7 p.m. Having flown missions over the past four days, the next day will be yet another "day at the office."

Labar still had a fair amount of work he needed done, as he filed numerous reports with the U.S. Department of State. Once his paperwork was completed, however, he called his wife and kids on Skype. "I didn't tell my wife what I did, though," he said with a smile.

And then, it was off to bed by 10 p.m.

For tomorrow dawns another day in Tal Afar, Iraq.

• Date Taken: 03.20.2010
• Date Posted: 03.20.2010 13:27
• Story ID: 46935
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE SYKES, IQ