New district governor visits FOB Spin Boldak

SPIN BOLDAK, AFGHANISTAN

05.15.2012

Story by Sgt. Brendan Mackie  

117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (Hawaii)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SPIN BOLDAK, Afghanistan – Mohammad Hashim Agha, the new district governor of Spin Boldak, met with Col. Gary Johnston, commander of the 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, Combined Task Force Viper, and other key leaders during a district security shura here May 15.

The district security shura focuses on security issues and trying to get at mutual concerns of security and government processes," said Johnston, outgoing commander of Combined Task Force Viper. "The new governor brings new energy and the right vision to move the mission forward."

During the shura, Agha also met Col. Alden Saddlemire, deputy commander of the area’s Security Force Assistance Team, and Johnston’s successor, Lt. Col. Timothy Davis, commander, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.

“I have no doubt you will be successful,” said Saddlemire to Agha, “because you bring a lot of good qualities to this job.”

During the shura, Agha spoke about his vision of the future of Spin Boldak, including concerns with the various local tribes.

“There is a very sensitive relationship between tribes [in Kandahar province] but specifically the small sub tribes here in Spin Boldak are different from Kandahar if you look at it from a different angle,” said Agha. “Since we have a good understanding of that, we will be successful in keeping that balance.”

As district governor, Agha replaces Abdul Ghani, whom completed his three-year term this month.

• Date Taken: 05.15.2012
• Date Posted: 05.18.2012 13:02
• Story ID: 88631
• Location: SPIN BOLDAK, AF