Photo By Creighton Holub | A pair of Soldiers assigned to the Long Knife Brigade's A Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th...... read more read more
By Staff Sgt. Mark L. Schenk
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs Office
CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS BASE ADDER, Iraq – A handful of trucks filled with gear, food and water and approximately 200 men left Forward Operating Base Garry Owen and headed south in mid-August.
The Long Knife Brigade Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, arrived at an empty airfield prepared to open a new base, FOB Hunter.
"It's hot and the work is hard, but at least I make a difference here," explained Detroit native Pfc. Jeffrey Hillman, a combat medic assigned to B Troop.
The Soldiers began unloading gear by hand, and erected tents while keeping a guard force defending their new base. The Soldiers also set up their headquarters' tactical operating center along with an aid station on the first day.
Sgt. Maj. Michael Williamson, the squadron's senior operations non-commissioned officer had initial concerns with basic latrine and showering facilities available at FOB Hunter.
Fortunately, the living conditions have improved significantly since the base was created almost a month ago. CH-47 Chinook cargo helicopters come in with mail, water and food every day. Ground convoys from FOB Garry Owen deliver wood and other construction materials to build and upgrade the squadron's living and operational areas.
The troops have field rations, such as individual meals-ready-to-eat. They also have filtered, bottled water from the Euphrates River and large refrigerators to keep their water cooled.
"This is [a better environment] than I expected," said Trinidad native, Spc. Yasir Kahn, a medic assigned to the squadron headquarters.
The unit is now providing the Soldiers with computers and internet access to communicate with their loved ones back home.
The Long Knife Brigade and Headhunter Squadron also have plans to build a dining facility and post exchange at the base.
| Date Taken: | 09.20.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 09.20.2008 04:44 |
| Story ID: | 23906 |
| Location: | TALLIL AIR BASE, IQ |
| Web Views: | 81 |
| Downloads: | 60 |
This work, Long Knives' Head Hunters cutout better living at newest border base, by SFC Mark Schenk, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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