Courtesy Photo | A crane removes barriers from Joint Security Station Falcon, Iraq, as soldiers with...... read more read more
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By: 1st Lt. Joseph Malins
2nd AAB, 1st Inf. Div., USD-C
BAGHDAD - Soldiers with 5th “Longknife” Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center handed over control of Joint Security Station Falcon back to Iraqi Security Forces in July, partially because of the reposturing of the U.S forces.
Logistics convoys moved assets almost continuously from JSS Falcon weeks before the final changeover was complete. Virtually every piece of equipment was loaded into shipping containers and hauled away on flatbed palletized load system trucks. The only things left were the installation’s buildings and the equipment necessary to run them, such as air conditioners and plumbing.
“I don’t think many people realize how many logistical assets it takes to keep a place like JSS Falcon running,” said 1st Lt. Vincent Femano, executive officer of Troop B “Blackfoot,” 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, and a San Antonio native. “It all had to be moved at just the right moment to make sure they had enough time to move while not depriving soldiers of the services they provide for longer than necessary.”
As the logistical assets moved out of the JSS, they passed by security on the perimeter and patrols around the installation.
Security was the chief concern for leaders as assets moved from JSS Falcon. The Longknife Squadron received assistance from units across USD-C to ensure that the transition was conducted as efficiently and safely as possible.
“It’s still dangerous out there,” said Sgt. 1st Class Mark Askey, a platoon sergeant with Blackfoot Troop and a Carlisle, Pa., native. “Preparing for and preventing the next attack is always on the front of my mind.”
Askey said that although the move put soldiers in a somewhat vulnerable position while it was taking place, the squadron compensated by increasing their presence and the number of security measures.
The buildings and the land were returned to 2nd Iraqi Federal Police Division to be used as a base of operations in the strategically significant Rasheed District of Baghdad. Before the move, the 2nd IFP Division already owned the area surrounding JSS Falcon, making the transition relatively seamless.
JSS Falcon’s closure represents one part of the gradual reduction of United States security presence in Iraq and the eventual transition to security being entirely provided by Iraqi security forces. More bases around the country will be transitioned back to Iraqi security forces control as a U.S. presence is no longer necessary in the area.
Though JSS Falcon has returned to Iraqi control, the Longknife Squadron will continue to advise and assist the 2nd and 4th Iraqi Federal Police Divisions on security matters for the duration of its deployment.
| Date Taken: | 08.02.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.03.2011 01:49 |
| Story ID: | 74722 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 190 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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