Support Battalion Soldiers provide safety on base

Courtesy Photo | Pfc. James Windham, a force protection team member with the 319th Transportation Company, 110th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), guides a vehicle approaching a checkpoint, Sept. 13, at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jorge Anaya)  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IRAQ

10.03.2010

Courtesy Story

224th Sustainment Brigade

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - Soldiers with various units, including the 110th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), work day and night inspecting every convoy and each piece of equipment that comes through the Entry Control Point at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq.

The soldiers inspect convoys and their drivers to ensure the safety of everyone located within COB Adder. Thus, they are the first line of defense for the base. The force protection team is comprised of Soldiers from different units under the 110th CSSB, and is managed by the 224th Sust. Bde. The ECP is manned and operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“I enjoy working here because I am aware of the impact my job has in providing security for everyone,” said Pfc. James Windham, a FP team member with the 319th Transportation Company, and a Fort Meyers, Fla., native. “Force Protection, regardless of where you are, should never be taken lightly. One’s actions can affect the life of others almost directly, which is why we are required to complete additional training.”

Windham said that the FP team is also supported by the “Securing Our Country” security force. They assist with processing drivers and passengers of large convoys.

“Many of the convoys that come through can have as many as 90 vehicles at one time,” said Spc. Cory Fagyas, a FP team member with the 15th Transportation Company, 110th CSSB, and a Buffalo, N.Y., native. “With so many vehicles, it is difficult to keep everything under control and processed in a timely manner. Without their [the security force’s] help, we would be out here all night, non-stop, processing trucks and personnel.”

Fagyas said that the teamwork between the soldiers and the security force provides more coverage and wider observance during search operations.

“We are vigilant, whether it is by using our electronic tracking systems or manual methods,” said Staff Sgt. Joaquin Mendiola, FP noncommissioned officer-in-charge with the 40th Quartermaster Company, 110th CSSB, and a Sinajana, Guam, native. “By tracking every convoy, I am afforded a chance to lay forth a plan on how to process a large convoy. We provide the first line of security before they can come in to the base. While everyone works and sleeps, we are here performing our duty to the fullest to ensure everybody’s safety.”

• Date Taken: 10.03.2010
• Date Posted: 10.03.2010 08:36
• Story ID: 57418
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IQ