SECNAV Visits Forward Operating Bases in Afghanistan

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Kevin S. O'Brien, Office of the Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs

June 7, 2010 - Helmand Province, Afghanistan (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus spent a day touring forward operating bases (FOBs) in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, June 3.

Mabus began his day having breakfast with intelligence and radio battalion Marines assigned to 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Leatherneck. During the breakfast, Mabus thanked them for their commitment and accomplishments while on deployment.

"The work that you are doing here is extremely challenging," said Mabus. "Some of you are just beginning your deployment and some of you have been here for an entire year. But the work you have accomplished is crucial to our success. I want to thank for your service. I want to thank you and your families for sacrificing so much for the safety of our nation."

After breakfast, Mabus received a brief by the commanding generals from the ground, aviation, and logistics combat elements. The brief included discussions on operations and relationship building among the Afghanistan people.

Following his brief, Mabus made several air movements to the FOB's in Helmand Province. His first visit was to a base in Delaram. During his tour of the base, Mabus visited with the Marines from 3rd Battalion 7th Marines. The Marines are partnering and working with International Security Forces Afghanistan (ISAF).

"I appreciate what you are doing up here in Delaram," said Mabus. "The work you are doing here is providing security and stability to the region. I appreciate it, and the American and Afghanistan people appreciate your efforts."

Mabus continued his tour of FOBs with a visit to Marines operating in Musa Qaleh, where he received a briefing on the location and living conditions of the Marines there. Additionally he met with the Musa Qaleh District Governor Niamatalluh who thanked Mabus for the added stability the U.S. Marines have made in the district. During the meeting with the governor, he thanked Mabus for building a bridge vital for access to the district souk and asked to assist them in building a Mosque that had previously been destroyed. They both expressed a continued desire to work together to move the nation of Afghanistan forward.

Every meeting echoed the theme of cooperation and nation building that promised a better future for Afghanistan, of which the Navy and Marine Corps are a vital part.