By Vaughn Larson
Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – For Navy Cmdr. Andrew Haynes, his final mission proved to be the most memorable.
Haynes just wrapped up a year-long stint as the deputy commander for the Joint Detention Group. He also concludes his service to the Navy, following a 26-year career.
"I had already been approved for retirement before this assignment," he said.
In his duty position at Joint Task Force-Guantanamo, Haynes provided day-to-day oversight of the detainee camps, allowing Army Col. Bruce Vargo – the JDG commander – to deal with off-island business and military commissions, matters Haynes referred to as "big-picture stuff."
Vargo had high praise for his departing deputy.
"Absolutely incredible," Vargo said. "Simply fantastic. I have no doubt he could have been the JDG commander. I had full trust in him."
Haynes said his previous command experiences proved helpful in this mission. He also had previous experience in a joint assignment, but this was his first with Army Soldiers.
"There's a lot of difference, but there's a lot the same – how we deal with situations, how we come together," he explained. "I learned 'Hooah' and a lot about sergeant majors. I hope I taught the Army guys some Navy stuff as well."
Haynes said he leaves this mission with tremendous respect for the troopers guarding the detainees.
"Watching them work in this environment, dealing with detainees, the restraint they show," he said. "I've seen people spit on, [feces] thrown on them, and they don't retaliate. They have tremendous self-possession."
Haynes also recalled watching guards walking their rounds through sheets of rain during Hurricane Dean last year, not missing their regular detainee checks, and how that reflected on troopers' honor.
"Honor is at the core of what we do," he observed. "No one can take it away, but you can give it away. Here and in combat, it comes center stage. It carries you through difficult times."
Humor also helped difficult moments pass easier. In the hallway of the Detainee Operations Center are displayed photographs of key leaders. Where Hayne's photo should have been, images of characters from The Simpsons or Team America, or perhaps a photo of John Wayne, would be instead.
"Sort of a little morale booster," he said.
Haynes offered some advice to his replacement, Navy Cmdr. Edmond Weisbrod.
"Trust your people," Haynes said. "Put your people in place to succeed, give them tools to succeed, and get out of the way. They know what they're doing, and they won't let you down."
Vargo said as much about Haynes.
"He was truly a dear friend of mine – one of the most professional officers I've ever had the opportunity to work with," Vargo said. "He'll be sorely missed."
Haynes said he hoped to carry the story about the JTF mission back home, to "dispel some of the misconceptions and distortions about what we do here."
He also appeared ready to embrace a kindler, gentler future.
"Truly at heart, I have a profound faith and hope that the mission we have here, in the broader war on terror, will no longer be necessary," he said. "I hope one day we will no longer need a Joint Task Force-Guantanamo."
Subscribe
