CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq - After sustaining a presence in Mosul for nearly a decade, U.S. troops officially handed over their long-used military installation to Iraqi military officials Oct. 11 at what was formerly known as Contingency Operating Site Marez.
Armed with a stack of index cards, Chris Galon, the deputy garrison commander, has spent the last year inventorying and transitioning each structure at Marez in preparation for the final transfer.
"I came here to do base closure," said Galon. "That was my mission."
Major structures included in the transfer were a combined coordination center, wastewater plant, two fire stations, the Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, and the Diamondback airfield, said Galon.
U.S. forces also left generators, non-tactical vehicles, and air-conditioned housing units, she said.
Since arriving in August, soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Armored Division, have worked closely with Galon to detail the base and remove any materials or documents that could not be turned over to the Iraqis, said Lt. Col. Thomas Bolen, the battalion commander.
"When we first showed up to Marez in August, we looked around and everyone wondered how we were going to close this place," he explained.
With five platoons working industriously, the battalion was able to complete its mission in less than three months, he said.
By leaving behind a functional, "move-in ready" installation with running water, electricity, furniture and basic force protection measures, Iraqi forces won’t have to start from scratch, he said.
"I think it's a positive impression that we just didn't walk off the COS," said Bolen, who is on his third deployment to Iraq.
The Iraqis worked with the base closure team to ensure inventory items were reviewed and visually accounted for, said Golan.
For large inventory areas, Iraq’s transition team planned ahead and brought in extra personnel to help speed up the process, said Bolen.
"They were a very professional group," said Golan. "The general came out to every stop we went to and got out of the vehicle to walk around with us."
With the transfer of Marez completed, Iraq’s security forces will now have to determine the most effective way to use the facilities, said Golan.
"Iraqis are very adaptable and they'll do a good job at figuring out how to utilize buildings and structures for their own needs," said Lt. Col. Michael Cohen, squadron surgeon for 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, 4th AAB, 1st Armored Div.
In 2004, Cohen deployed with the 67th Combat Support Hospital to Diamondback, the airfield attached to Marez, alongside other deployed support elements.
In August, he returned with the cavalry squadron to help support the Operation New Dawn mission.
Following his second tour, Cohen said he noticed several upgrades to security and protection at Marez.
"It's reassuring to see all of those T-barriers and metal on top of the [dining facilities] and gyms," he said.
Cohen also noted a drastic difference in the level of hostility directed against the base and U.S. forces.
During his first deployment, Marez and Diamondback were a hotbed for mortar attacks, ambushes and suicide bombers, he said.
Now, explosions and violence seem to be a rare occurrence, he admitted.
"If that's related to the Iraqi presence out there, then they must be doing a good job," he said.
"It's a visible sign that they are taking over their security," said Bolen. "Their greatest asset is understanding the Iraqi people and culture, and using it to their advantage."
Ever since U.S. forces entered Iraq in 2003, people have been asking what victory will look like, he said.
"We've come in and made a few changes, worked with the Iraqis for a number of years now, and now we're handing their country back to them," said Bolen.
"If you ask me, victory looks like the Iraqi people in charge of their country and their facilities, and really, their future.”
| Date Taken: | 10.11.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 10.15.2011 10:20 |
| Story ID: | 78541 |
| Location: | MOSUL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 153 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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