by Sgt. Dennis Gravelle
138th MPAD
DAHUK, Iraq (Mar. 22, 2006) -- A ribbon cutting ceremony marks the official grand opening of the Civil Military Operations Center in Dahuk, Iraq Mar 22.
The new CMOC compound enables Civil Affairs forces to have a more permanent structure dedicated solely to the civil military operations concept.
"The evolution of what is now called the Dahuk CMOC began in October of last year," said Capt. Steven Hayden, 401st Civil Affairs Battalion.
According to Maj, Calvin Robinson, commander of Dahuk CMOC, 401st CA Bn, the CMOC is here to serve the people of Dahuk by assisting them in building a bright future.
Hayden said CA Soldiers were operating out of safe houses in Dahuk which required CA Soldiers to improvise meeting spaces and imposed heightened security measures on their neighbors.
"It is with great pride that we present this new building to all our friends in Dahuk, said Robinson, and hope that it represents years of continued good relations between us."
"This new compound allows CA forces to return the houses back to the owners," said Hayden.
According to Hayden the CMOC would not have been possible without the assistance of Governor Tamar Ramadan, Governor of Dahuk, local government officials, Sheik Alli, the Peshmerga he commands and the 101st Airborne Division.
"This facility will eventually be turned over to the Dahuk government, Robinson said, to use it for their needs."