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    Commandos open new OP in Paktya

    PAKTYA PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

    01.26.2011

    Courtesy Story

    Combined Joint Task Force 101

    PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Afghan National Army Commandos, their U.S. Army Special Forces advisers, U.S. Army engineers and local contractors commemorated the official inauguration of a new Commando observation post on the outskirts of Forward Operating Base Thunder Jan. 26.

    “One day, people will call this a castle,” said ANA Col. Nabi Qatee, Commando Kandak commander. “And these men can tell their grandchildren that they built this.”

    The men responsible for the project gathered for a luncheon atop the new observation post to congratulate and thank one another. Following the luncheon, certificates were presented to vital members of the construction process.

    “The special forces mentors were so kind to us,” said Qatee. “They spent a great deal of money investing in this project, and all of our soldiers helped very much with the construction as well, bringing supplies and lending a hand whenever possible. We are very thankful to all of you.”

    The outpost is positioned on a high mountaintop overlooking FOB Thunder and offers commando forces an opportunity for early detection of threats approaching the base.

    “Before when we walked here, there was nothing,” said Qatee. “Today we have a building that will stand the test of time and allow us to protect ourselves from the enemy.”

    The building’s thick walls offer security, and a centrally-located wood stove is available for heat.

    “It’s something that sustainable,” said Aaron R. Throop of Carson, Wash., the civilian operations and maintenance site supervisor for FOB Thunder, “They just bring firewood up if they’re cold. They have oil lamps for light. That building will be there for more than 200 years.”

    The completed project is a sustainable solution to FOB security. The faces at the inauguration were filled with joy as they broke bread with each other atop their new OP.

    “The OP is a really good example of an Afghan solution to an Afghan problem,” said Throop. “It works and will be here long term when everything else that needs fuel and supplies is long gone.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 01.26.2011
    Date Posted: 02.01.2011 15:14
    Story ID: 64612
    Location: PAKTYA PROVINCE, AF

    Web Views: 30
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN