160th Signal keeps 'eyes on' Kuwait

Courtesy Photo | Civilian contractors with the 160th Signal Brigade insert panels to a radome on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, in November.  

02.14.2007

Courtesy Story

40th Public Affairs Detachment

By Carlotta Maneice
160th Signal Brigade PAO

KUWAIT— It's the little things that make a big difference. Many of us do not realize how much work goes on behind the scenes to ensure the network systems required to access the Internet, telephone or Eagle cash card kiosk are properly working.

The Soldiers, civilians and contractors of the 160th Signal Brigade are the people who make a significant impact to the Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom mission by taking care of everyday network needs.

"I look at the 160th Signal Brigade as a large telephone company," said Lt. Col. Keith June, 54th Signal Battalion commander. "Not only do we provide Internet and telephone services, but we do it in the desert during wartime and to a much larger customer base."

On Sept. 3, 2003, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, the "Finest of the First" was called to duty for the fourth time to provide voice and data communications support to the Multi-National Force–Iraq, the Combined Forces Command–Afghanistan, the Third Army/U.S. Army Central and to the area support groups for Kuwait and Qatar.

"160th Signal Brigade is the most dispersed command in theater, having over 2,400 Soldiers and civilians throughout the Central Command area of responsibility," said Col. John Schleifer, 160th Signal Bde. commander. "We provide the essential communication capabilities necessary for our warfighters to complete their mission."

Serving as part of the 335th Theater Signal Command, the brigade supports tens of thousands of customers engaged in locations throughout Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

Just into its fourth year of activation, the 160th Signal Bde. has achieved remarkable progress and success in fulfilling its wartime mission.

"In my humble observation, the brigade does a tremendous job of enabling battle command and providing logistical services to warfighters. Quite honestly, I haven't seen a more functional Soldier/civilian team more capable or more dedicated toward providing quality operational communications services to the force in all my years of service," said Command Sgt. Maj. David Fleming, 160th Signal Bde. command sergeant major.

Today, the brigade's Soldiers and civilians are part of the historical transition from postwar realities to modern-day possibilities due to their expertise, hard work and dedication.

• Date Taken: 02.14.2007
• Date Posted: 02.14.2007 10:06
• Story ID: 9134