Oklahoma's 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery takes over support of Camp Bucca

Courtesy Photo | Commander of the Oklahoma National Guard's 160th Field Artillery Battalion, Lt. Col. David Jordan prepares to take over responsibility for the support of Camp Bucca. The camp is a "small city," and the 160th will ensure that it runs smoothly, managing not just construction, but the police and fire departments, post office, roads and sewer systems, and other vital infrastructure. (U.S. Army photo/Staff Sgt. Carlos Vinson)  

UMM QASR, IRAQ

03.03.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Force Iraq Public Affairs

CAMP BUCCA, Iraq – Lt. Col. David Jordan and the soldiers of Oklahoma's 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery "Thunderbirds" took over all responsibilities for the support of Camp Bucca during a ceremony Monday.

"I am pleased to have you and your talented team here," said Brig Gen Robert Hipwell, commander of the 300th Military Police Brigade, which has overarching responsibility for all operations at Camp Bucca. "I have nothing but the utmost faith and confidence you will continue to set the standard of excellence established by the 130th."

The 1-160th replaced the Tennessee National Guard's 130th Rear Area Operations Center commanded by Lt. Col. Robert N. Hibbett. The 130th's work improved the quality of life for troops at Camp Bucca, the second largest forward operating base and largest detention facility in Iraq. In addition to support of coalition forces at the base, the 130th improved the living conditions of the 20,000 detainees by renovating and expanding the base Visitation and Reception Center. The work included the construction of a gazebo and a children's playground, which enhanced the comfort of visiting families.

Due in part to the 130th's work, Camp Bucca regularly set visitation records. During the week of Feb. 19, more than 2,300 family members visited detainees, up from a record of 1,700 per week in January and a significant 10-fold increase from 2007.

The 1-160th will now be responsible for all aspects of managing Camp Bucca, which is like a small city, said Navy Capt. Bruce A. Derenski, deputy commander for support. Not only are they responsible for building the infrastructure, they also maintain it. They manage logistics, sustainment, life support operations, Morale Welfare and Recreation programs and are currently building new housing and putting in a new gym.

"The forward operating base is bigger than many of the Oklahoma towns where the Thunderbirds live," said Jordan. "This is now our city to run."

• Date Taken: 03.03.2008
• Date Posted: 03.03.2008 07:33
• Story ID: 16922
• Location: UMM QASR, IQ