By Army 1st Lt. Kenya V. Saenz
Task Force Pacemaker Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOGAR, Afghanistan - Combat engineers are building a forward operating base from the ground up in the Logar province. The completion of this new FOB, which is in a key location, will reinforce the link between U.S. forces and Afghan National Security Forces.
The 585th Engineer Company from Fort Lewis, Wash. is constructing 26 wooden shelters, called Butler Huts, to provide living quarters for the Soldiers. Two larger wooden structures, called Sea Huts, are being built for use as a Dining Facility and Tactical Operating Center. Guard towers, latrines and laundry facilities are also being built. The construction at FOB Logar will support up to 300 Soldiers.
"The construction is going well. The project is estimated to be completed by mid-summer," said Army Capt. Samuel Escobar, the 585th Eng. Co. commander.
At FOB Logar, the 585th is establishing positive relationships with local nationals, ANA and the ANP.
"The intent is to link up with the Afghan National Army and share responsibilities," Escobar said. Currently the ANA and ANP are aiding the engineers by helping provide security at the FOB. They also ensure the contracts with Afghan civilians run as smoothly as possible.
"It is a great honor to build a FOB from scratch where you can actually employ a full company to conduct horizontal and vertical construction simultaneously, which also requires great emphasis on synchronizing the local national contractors, life support, and equipment readiness for such a mission," said Escobar, a Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico native.
The combat engineers of the 585th are setting the pace in Afghanistan. They have the ability to construct roads and build FOBs anywhere in Afghanistan. FOB Logar will be able to provide future troops with the facilities needed to accomplish missions. FOB construction, such as Logar, will enable joint and multi-national forces to partner with Afghan forces in order to enhance the stability and security of Afghanistan.