JSS Copper handed over to Iraqi government

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Mary Junell | Sgt. Michael Woods (left), and Spc. Eric Griffin, both of Lincolnton, N.C., load equipment onto a trailer in preparation for leaving Joint Security Station Copper, south of Baghdad, Dec. 10. The property was signed over to the government of Iraq that same day, closing the U.S. Forces side of the JSS.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.10.2009

Story by Sgt. Mary Junell  

30th Armored Brigade Combat Team

BAGHDAD, Iraq - After a long and tiresome process, Soldiers of Battery A, 113th Field Artillery, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, can now put Joint Security Station Copper, behind them.

The Soldiers lived and operated there for the past seven months, sharing the land with 3rd Battalion, 55th Brigade, 17th Iraqi Army Division, until Dec. 10, when documents were signed, releasing the property to the Government of Iraq.

The IA will continue to use part of the land as their base, while the GoI decides to use the rest of the land or return it to the land owner.

Opened during the surge in 2007, JSS Copper continued operations until the handover. Maj. Mathew Fitch, the 30th HBCT Brigade engineer officer, hopes the land owner can be paid for the use of his land.

"The 30th Brigade is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Real Estate Department to get compensation to the land owner for the use of his property," said Fitch, of Falls Church, Va.

U.S. Soldiers continues to work with the IA in the area; traveling to conduct joint patrols and key leader engagements in the vicinity, but security will mostly be controlled by the IA.

"It's a milestone," said Battery A commander, Capt. Brian Gill. "I think it's a reflection of the Iraqi battalion here. They operate with less and less direct support from U.S. forces."

"It's an indication of their improved abilities; their abilities to target insurgents in the area and build relationships with the locals," said Gill, of Raleigh, N.C.

Many of the American Soldiers who lived and worked at JSS Copper, also consider this a milestone.

"I feel good about closing this base because it is one step closer to going home," said Pfc. David Spence, of Charlotte N.C.. "[The IA] have stepped up. It's good for the Iraqi army and the Iraqi people that the IA can take over now."

Sgt. Robert Coleman, of Lawndale N.C., agreed with Spence.

"It means we're making progress and the U.S. is on the withdrawal," said Coleman.

This is the 30th HBCT's second deployment to Iraq, the first time being in 2004, and the base closure is an example of the change that many of the Soldiers have witnessed.

"When we were ending our last deployment [to Iraq] there were a lot of bases opening and now as we are ending this deployment there are a lot of basses closing," said Gill. "It shows what the Iraqi army has been able to accomplish in the last couple of years."

"This is just one small step in the right direction. The IA has shown that they are capable... and we will continue to provide a supporting role in helping them do so."

• Date Taken: 12.10.2009
• Date Posted: 12.12.2009 07:56
• Story ID: 42668
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ