Photo By Lt. Col. Anthony Deiss | Spc. Vincent Mormando, left, of Orlando, Fla., a security guard for Headquarters...... read more read more
CAMP BLACK HORSE, Afghanistan – Within the walls of the Kabul Military Training Center, just outside Kabul, is Camp Black Horse, a small base that houses U.S. and coalition troops who provide mentorship and training for Afghan National Army forces.
While the tenants who stay here are providing a vital mission in training Afghan security forces at KMTC, a small contingent of soldiers from the Headquarters Support Company of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) are conducting an equally important mission – providing sustainment support and security for camp residents.
Known as the mayor cell, or camp support group, these 101st soldiers keep the base functioning and make daily life as convenient as possible for troops living and working here.
“The mayor cell is the hub of the camp,” said 1st Sgt. John O’Keeffe, senior non-commissioned officer, HSC, 101st. “We’re running operations from early morning to nearly midnight – dealing with issues and helping people coming off a mission. We keep the camp clicking and we try to be as user friendly for the troops staying here as we can.”
From managing billeting and dining services to coordinating maintenance and contracted services for the camp; the 50 members of the CSG help to house and feed more than 700 U.S. and coalition forces stationed here.
“There are anywhere from 11 to 13 different coalition countries who live here at any given time,” said O’Keeffe, a native of Boise, Idaho. “Troops from the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Spain, Lithuania, Greece, France – along with the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division – are here and we help to get them what they need, where to go, and where to get supplies.”
Whether it’s fixing barracks plumbing, repairing tactical vehicles or even picking up the mail, the mayor’s cell has personnel who handle it, and it’s a service O’Keeffe said the troops really appreciate.
“We help to provide peace of mind for the soldiers living here,” said O’Keeffe. “It’s good for their morale when they come in off the road and they don’t have to worry about basic necessities – the value of good food, a hot shower, a bed and a roof over their head – that’s a huge thing. We make sure it’s all readily available and they have everything they need.”
Another mission these 101st Soldiers based out of Fort Campbell, Ky., provide is base security. Manning the camp’s base defense center, perimeter and entry control points; the CSG has an important role in protecting the troops.
“While Camp Black Horse is located within an Afghan military compound, there is still a threat from the enemy who wishes to infiltrate the base and would like to breech our security,” said O’Keeffe, a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Army. “For this purpose, we have a very significant mission in protecting those who stay here and keep people from sneaking onto our camp or probing our defenses.”
While 101st Airborne Division soldiers are known for their combat arms mission and capability, they are showing troops staying at Camp Black Horse they are equally versed in providing sustainment support to the warfighter.
“These 101st soldiers are great and are highly motivated,” said O’Keeffe. “Camp Black Horse is a nice place to be and the soldiers here appreciate our support. It’s a good place to stop over.”
| Date Taken: | 10.12.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.12.2010 09:01 |
| Story ID: | 57935 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 2,300 |
| Downloads: | 5 |
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