Supporting the Mission

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FARAH, AFGHANISTAN

06.13.2012

Story by Lt. Benjamin Addison 

Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah

FARAH, Afghanistan – The logistics specialists of Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah provide essential support to the mission here at Forward Operating Base Farah.

U.S. Army Capt. Terell Jones leads a team of four U.S. Navy sailors who specialize in planning and coordinating all logistic support for the PRT. His team, also known as S-4, is responsible for local support contracts, managing vehicle maintenance, and fuels requirements.

“S-4’s role in the PRT is to serve as subject matter experts for all logistical functions within the PRT and the FOB, to include ordering food, managing fuel operations, and all other items required to accomplish the mission,” said Jones.

The PRT’s mission is to support economic development and effective governance at the district, municipal and provincial level in Farah province in order to enhance the legitimate exercise of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s authority and its ability to provide basic services to the people of Farah.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Carlos Castro supports the PRT from a satellite office at Kandahar Air Field. “Petty Officer Castro serves as our liaison in Kandahar, which is a major logistics hub for us. He’s doing an amazing job in a position previously filled by a senior enlisted person,” said Jones.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremiah Thompson, the only culinary specialist assigned to FOB Farah, is responsible for ordering, receiving, and distributing food throughout the base. “The most challenging part of my job is making sure we have enough food for everyone here,” said Thompson. “I am also responsible for running the dining facility, which serves more than 2,000 meals daily, and the class one yard.”

“I love the forward operating base because it’s like a small town. Everyone knows everyone, and like a small town my problem is your problem,” said Jones. “Overall we work well together to resolve our issues.”

U.S Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Brazeal and Petty Officer 2nd Class Christine Walters work as a team to ensure necessary supplies are readily available. “If we weren’t here, people wouldn’t get the things they need,” said Walters.

• Date Taken: 06.13.2012
• Date Posted: 06.13.2012 11:15
• Story ID: 89901
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE FARAH, AF