Albanian Commandos A dedicated Coalition partner

Photo By Staff Sgt. Brian Speach | Albanian Army provides perimitter security for the 1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment performing Force Protection.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

05.31.2006

Courtesy Story

345th Public Affairs Detachment

MOSUL, IRAQ (May 30, 2006) --Albanian Commandos serve a very important role in providing base security for Logistical Staging Area Diamondback located in Mosul, Iraq.

Since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom the Commandos have been a dedicated partner in helping to liberate the Iraqi people.

"Albania and the United States have very good relations that started many years ago," said Maj. Arben Kinji, commander, 7th Albanian Contingent. "We wanted to do our part and help the Iraqi people become free."

According to Kinji, his country made a decision to be a part of the coalition and supports that decision.

"My Soldiers received the best possible professional training that they could be given to complete this mission," said Kinji.

The Commandos are responsible for several missions not only on Diamondback but Forward Operating Base Marez as well. They provide tower and gate security, and force protection .They also conduct mounted and dismounted patrols and provide Soldiers for traffic control points.

"The Albanian contingent is a very important enabler to the brigade combat team, and are highly respected members of our team," said Col. Michael Shields, commander, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team

Shields also said that the Albanians have a unique contribution to the overall brigade fight. What the Albanians have done has allowed brigade Soldiers to successfully accomplish their mission on the streets of Mosul.

Kinji said that his Commando unit got here about two months ago and will serve in country for six months. He said his "Soldiers are having a good experience."

"Most of my Soldiers, between 70 to 80 percent, are here for the second time," Kinji said. "Their morale is very high and they are very professional."

According to Kinji, it is rewarding to be here because he has the support of the Albanian people.

"They don't ask why we support the coalition," he said. "Our people back home in Albania are proud that we are here supporting the coalition, and are very proud for what we have."

"I want to be here, not only to support my Soldiers but also the coalition," said Kinji. I want to make my people back home extremely proud of what we have accomplished."

• Date Taken: 05.31.2006
• Date Posted: 05.31.2006 09:53
• Story ID: 6596
• Location: MOSUL, IQ