Forward Operating Base Courage Prepares for Closure

Photo By Staff Sgt. Brian Speach | Forward Operating Base Courage, Mosul, Iraq; Palace used by US Forces.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

05.30.2006

Courtesy Story

345th Public Affairs Detachment

Mosul, Iraq, (May 27, 2006) - Forward Operating Base Courage, Mosul, Iraq is in the final steps of returning the FOB to the Iraqi people. Soon it will be a command center for the Iraqi army and Iraqi police in northern Iraq.

Coalition forces are being repositioned through out Iraq. Their services and skills are now needed in other regions as the mission at FOB Courage is almost complete.

"Every time we turn a base over to the Iraqi government we are one step closer to exiting Iraq," said Sgt. LeRoy Boles, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

Boles main function during the closure process is to inventory and document the base prior being turned back over to the Iraqis.

"I have spent the last month measuring square meters and inventorying equipment that will be turned over to the [Iraqi] government after U.S. Forces leave," he said.

"Everything will be well documented so that we can show the Iraqi government that coalition forces did not destroy Iraqi property."

Located on FOB Courage are two of Saddam's palaces. These palaces have a place in Iraqi history and are part of the Iraqi culture. Coalition forces have used them as command centers since the beginning of the war and have made every effort to maintain them through out their use.

According to Boles, FOB Courage will begin the final steps of closing completely over the next couple of weeks. The official closing ceremony will be held some time next month.

"This place has served us well," he said. "Hopefully it will do the same for the Iraqi government."

• Date Taken: 05.30.2006
• Date Posted: 05.30.2006 09:40
• Story ID: 6561
• Location: MOSUL, IQ