The Logistics of Leaving Iraq – Part Five: Last Convoys

This is the fifth and final post of our Leaving Iraq series, detailing the logistics involved in ending military operations in Iraq.

 Vehicles streamed by, neon blurs of yellow and red. Cars, vans, and 18-wheelers alike honked their “hellos” to the group of paratroopers walking along the dark edge of the highway. Their footfalls came quickly in an attempt to warm their feet, numbed from the cold, until they fell in cadence with the morning Call to Prayer blaring over loudspeakers.

It was barely 5 a.m. and these troopers were already on the streets, their mission to check the route for roadside bombs and ensure the security of the road for U.S. convoys passing through from Baghdad. This was the day Camp Victory was to transition to Iraqi control.

These were not infantry Soldiers, but a group of military police paratroopers who have grown familiar with the area they patrol every day.

The MPs assigned to Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, had been conducting daily missions in the area since moving to Camp Taji from Al-Asad Air Base in early October.

“We’re the only platoon that’s rolled out every day since we’ve been here,” said Pfc. Tyler Laflamme, an MP.

At Al-Asad, the MPs conducted and oversaw training exercises for local Iraqi Police. Now, their objective was to help ensure the safe passage of U.S. convoys as they travel south through Taji in preparation for the withdrawal of military forces to Kuwait.

“MPs do everything plus some,” said Sgt. Michael Drake, an MP.

During this morning’s patrol, Drake and his fellow MPs walked along for more than two hours while their armored vehicles made circuits around the area, shining floodlights into dark corners in search of possible roadside bombs. The paratroopers passed by multiple Iraqi army checkpoints during their journey; each tower was manned by one or two Iraqi soldiers, wrapped in thick clothes and huddled around small fires. The troopers waved hello, but ignored the inviting warmth and ventured further into the darkness.

As the sun began to peak over the tops of local buildings, each paratrooper took a knee and watched as dozens of U.S. military vehicles passed by, the 2/82 convoy they were there to protect. These vehicles also honked their horns in appreciation for the soldiers on the ground ensuring their safety.

Normally an infantry platoon would be sent out to conduct such a task, but Staff Sgt. Mark Garber said as paratroopers, conducting this type of mission is fundamental.

“This is a basic skill. Everyone should be able to do this,” said Garber.

However, he added that his MPs might actually have an advantage over other military specialties when it comes to ensuring the safety of a convoy.

“One of our main jobs as MPs is maneuver and mobility,” he added confidently. “Route security is our specialty.”

By Sgt. Kissta Feldner, 82nd Airborne for Army.mil.

Army Charges Eight in Death of Fellow Soldier

Regional Command South Public Affairs

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan, Dec. 21, 2011 – Eight U.S. soldiers deployed to southern Afghanistan were charged today in connection with the death of a fellow soldier, military officials reported.

Army Pvt. Danny Chen, an infantryman assigned to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, died Oct. 3, officials said. His body was found in a guard tower with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Army has charged eight of Chen’s fellow soldiers in connection with his death:

-- 1st Lt. Daniel J. Schwartz

-- Staff Sgt. Blaine G. Dugas
-- Staff Sgt. Andrew J. Van Bockel
-- Sgt. Adam M. Holcomb
-- Sgt. Jeffrey T. Hurst
-- Spc. Thomas P. Curtis
-- Spc. Ryan J. Offutt, and
-- Sgt. Travis F. Carden

All of the accused are assigned to Company C, and posted to Combat Outpost Palace in southern Afghanistan, officials said.

Schwartz is charged with eight counts of dereliction of duty.

Dugas is charged with one count in violation of a lawful general regulation, four counts of dereliction of duty, and one count of making a false official statement.

Van Bockel is charged with two counts in violation of a lawful general regulation, three counts of dereliction of duty, four counts of maltreatment, one count of involuntary manslaughter, one count of assault consummated by battery, one count of negligent homicide, and one count of reckless endangerment.

Holcomb is charged with four counts of violation of a lawful general regulation, two counts of dereliction of duty, two counts of maltreatment, one count of destruction of military property, one count of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of assault consummated by battery, one count of negligent homicide, one count of reckless endangerment, and one count of communicating a threat.

Hurst is charged with two counts of violation of a lawful general regulation, two counts of dereliction of duty, two counts of maltreatment, one count of involuntary manslaughter, one count of assault consummated by battery, one count of negligent homicide, and one count of reckless endangerment.

Curtis is charged with two counts of violation of a lawful general regulation, one count of dereliction of duty, six counts of maltreatment, one count of involuntary manslaughter, four counts of assault consummated by battery, one count of negligent homicide, and one count of reckless endangerment.

Offutt is charged with two counts of violation of a lawful general regulation, one count of dereliction of duty, four counts of maltreatment, one count of involuntary manslaughter, three counts of assault consummated by battery, one count of negligent homicide, and one count of reckless endangerment.

Carden is charged with two counts of violation of a lawful general regulation, two counts of maltreatment, and one count of assault.

As the legal process continues, further information will be published as it becomes available, officials said.

USS Pinckney Disrupts Piracy

By Ensign Elizabeth Kandt, USS Pinckney Public Affairs

USS PINCKNEY, Gulf of Aden (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91), assigned to Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, disrupted a group of suspected pirates close to the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC), south of Yemen, Dec. 19.

The Merchant Shipping Industry Best Management Practices, Version 4 (BMPv4) encourages merchant vessels to register with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO) while transiting areas known to be high risk for piracy.

At approximately 8:40 a.m., the Motor Vessel (M/V) Nordic Apollo reported to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO) they were under attack and been fired upon by pirates from a skiff.

Having registered their route with UKMTO in accordance with BMPv4, Nordic Apollo's position was relayed to counter-piracy forces operating in the region.

At approximately 11:00 a.m., the M/V Heather, operating 30 nautical miles from Nordic Apollo, reported suspicious activity by a skiff.

Pakistan Navy Rear Adm. Kaleem Shaukat, CTF 151's commander, authorized Pinckney to investigate.

Nordic Apollo confirmed the pirate attack, but stated they no longer had sight of the skiff. In response to the distress call, Pinckney made best speed to the area, issued a radio warning to other vessels in the vicinity, and launched its MH-60R helicopter.

The helicopter crew successfully tracked and located the skiff, observing nine suspected pirates and pirate paraphernalia on board, including several ladders, weapons and fuel containers. The suspected pirates were seen attempting to cover their weapons with blankets and throwing the ladders overboard as Pinckney closed their position.

Intercepted by the helicopter and Pinckney, the skiff stopped and the suspected pirates threw their weapons, identified as five AK-47 rifles, one rocket propelled grenade (RPG) launcher and three RPG rounds, overboard.

Pinckney was given authorization to conduct a boarding using their visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team and once aboard, the VBSS team confirmed there were nine suspected pirates, one grappling hook, 36 barrels of fuel, and 75 and 45 horsepower outboard engines. The VBSS team scuttled one outboard motor and left the skiff with enough fuel and water to return back to shore.

Cmdr. Matthew M. McGonigle, Pinckney's commanding officer, praised the crew for their efforts.

"My crew responded in an exceptional reaction time and with complete professionalism. With the helicopter in the air, acting in conjunction with the ship, we were able to have full coverage of the situation and stop them carrying out any further illegal activities.

"The operation was carried out in accordance with our pre-rehearsed responses to such an event, and I am very proud of the Pinckney's crew and all those involved."

Piracy is a threat to the security of all nations and requires an international solution. The presence of coalition navy vessels in the region demonstrates a commitment to regional security and stability. To continue to counter and deter piracy successfully, coalition efforts must be complimented by proactive measures by commercial shippers, regional governments, and the international community.

Pinckney is assigned to Combined Task Force 151, a multi-national, mission-based task force working under Combined Maritime Forces, to conduct counter-piracy operations in the Southern Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean.

Senior Officials Welcome Troops Home From Iraq

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md., Dec. 20, 2011 – President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, welcomed the final group of U.S. troops home from Iraq here today.

As the senior leaders looked on, Carter lauded Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, the last commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, and his troops for their performance of duty.

“Today is a historic day as we commemorate the return of the colors under which our armed forces fought so ably and proudly in Iraq and mark the end of the second longest war in U.S. history,” Carter said.

“Those of you who have arrived this morning bearing the flag of U.S. Forces Iraq represent all those who have served -- active duty, reserve, National Guard and civilians.”

Carter said the returning troops’ performance and sacrifices have earned them their nation’s gratitude.

“We, who greet you here at [Joint Base] Andrews, represent a grateful nation,” he said. “We welcome you. We’re proud of you. We’re in your debt. As the president has so eloquently said, ‘Your service belongs to the ages.’”

The deputy defense secretary acknowledged the thousands of service members who died or were wounded while serving in Iraq.

“To the families of the 4,500 troops who made the ultimate sacrifice, to the more than 30,000 troops that bear the wounds of this war and to their families, we lack the words to say what you feel on this day,” Carter said.

“Because try as we may, we can never fully know it,” he continued. “But we do know what your sacrifice means to us, to this nation, and to a world that still depends so much on America for its security.”

Carter praised U.S. forces for their flexibility in accomplishing the mission in Iraq.

“This was a war that asked American troops to be great warriors and also much more,” he said. “Trainers, development experts, road builders, and ultimately, partners in helping the Iraqi people build a better and more hopeful future.”

The chairman also welcomed home the troops, noting they were just in time for the holidays.

“Today, we bring home the colors to United States’ soil,” Dempsey said. “At the same time, we embrace many of our own back into the fold, just in time for the holidays.”

“This is a time to reflect on a generational journey,” he continued, “a journey of over 20 years that took us through two wars with Iraq to a new beginning in our relationship with Iraq.”

American forces’ accomplishments in Iraq have provided the Iraqi people an “unprecedented opportunity to live in peace and prosperity inside Iraq, within the region, for their children,” Dempsey said.

“Because of the courage and resilience of our military and our partners -- those in our own government, throughout the world and in Iraq -- 30 million Iraqis are free today,” the chairman said.

“It's a time to recall what we have achieved, what we learned and how we made a difference,” he added. “And it's a time to remember those who served and those we lost. We all have our memories.”

The deputy defense secretary said the returning troops are beginning “a new chapter of their lives.”

“Some will go to college on the post-9/11 GI Bill. Many others will seek to enter or re-enter the workforce,” Carter said.

“Last week at Fort Bragg, the president underscored our commitment to help our veterans successfully make this transition home. As he said, ‘After years of rebuilding Iraq, we want to enlist our veterans in the work of rebuilding America.’”

Carter reaffirmed the Defense Department’s commitment to ensuring veterans and their families are taken care of.

“On behalf of Secretary [of Defense Leon E.] Panetta, I want you to know that this department, in partnership with agencies across the federal government, will do everything in our power to make good on that promise,” he said.

“For nearly nine years, you answered America’s call,” Carter added. “It’s now America’s turn to answer yours.”

Massachusetts Man Convicted on Terrorism-Related Charges

BOSTON—After 10 hours of deliberation, a federal jury has convicted a Sudbury, Mass., man of four terrorism-related charges and three charges related to providing false information to the government.

Tarek Mehanna, 29, faces up to life in prison after being convicted of conspiracy to provide material support to al-Qaeda; providing material support to terrorists (and conspiracy to do so); conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country; conspiracy to make false statements to the FBI and two counts of making false statements.

Carmen M. Ortiz, U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, said, “Following weeks of testimony and evidence, a jury of Mr. Mehanna’s peers have rendered a just verdict of guilty. I want to commend the investigators and prosecutors who have worked tirelessly on this case, and who also work day after day serving the interests of the public to ensure the integrity of our national security. Preventing a terrorist attack is our number one priority, and as a result of their hard work, a potential threat has been eliminated.”

“From his travel to Yemen to receive training to kill American soldiers to his material support for terrorism at home, Mr. Mehanna’s efforts to use and support violence followed no pre-defined path and knew no bounds,” said Richard DesLauriers, the Special Agent in Charge of the Boston FBI. “The FBI has a clarion mission to investigate all potential threats to the United States in order to protect our community from harm. The FBI fulfilled its most important mission by stopping Mehanna’s conspiracy to support terrorism, the goal of which was an unlawful affront to our nation’s cherished ideal of peaceful dissent.”

“Although each of the various state, local and federal agencies of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force worked together to thwart Mr. Mehanna’s terrorist activities, I’d like to recognize the Lowell Police Department, which played a particularly important role in the investigation. Working together, our community and nation should be proud of the Joint Terrorism Task Force’s effort to detect, deter and prevent homegrown violent extremists like Mr. Mehanna and others who seek to use violence, rather than democratic means, to achieve their political or social goals.”

During the course of the nearly eight week trial, the jurors heard testimony that Mehanna and co-conspirators discussed their desire to participate in violent jihad against American interests, and talked about fighting jihad and their desire to die on the battlefield. The co-conspirators attempted to radicalize others and inspire each other by, among other things, watching and distributing jihadi videos. Mehanna and two of his associates traveled to the Middle East in February 2004, seeking military-type training at a terrorist training camp that would prepare them for armed jihad against U.S. interests, including U.S. and allied forces in Iraq. One of Mehanna’s co-conspirators made two similar trips to Pakistan in 2002.

After returning to the United States, Mehanna continued his efforts to provide material support by, among other things, translating and posting on the internet al Qaeda recruitment videos and other documents.

In December 2006, Mehanna was interviewed by federal authorities regarding a trip by Mehanna, Abousamra and another individual, to Yemen in 2004. During that interview, Mehanna provided false information and made fraudulent and fictitious statements about the purpose of that trip and his relationship with coconspirator Daniel Joseph Maldonado, aka Daniel Aljughaifi. Mehanna lied to the FBI concerning where Maldonado was living at the time and what Maldonado was doing. Just a few days prior to the FBI interview, Mehanna received a call from Maldonado, who was in Somalia receiving military-type training for jihad. Mehanna admitted in recorded conversations, that he had lied to the FBI about Maldonado’s whereabouts and training in Somalia. Mehanna also lied to the FBI concerning his trip to Yemen in 2004. Mehanna did, in fact, go to Yemen with Abousamra and another individual to conduct, and to subsequently engage in, jihad.

In 2007, Maldonado pleaded guilty in the Southern District of Texas, admitting that he had traveled from Houston to Africa in November 2005 and then on to Somalia in December 2006 to join the Islamic Courts Union and elements of al-Qaida to fight “jihad” against the Transitional Federal Government to establish an independent Islamic State in Somalia. Maldonado was sentenced to 10 years in prison, the maximum statutory penalty for receiving military training from a terrorist organization.

Mehanna faces up to life in prison on the charge of conspiracy to kill in a foreign country, up to 15 years in prison on the charges of providing material support and conspiring to do so, up to eight years in prison on each of the charges of making false statement, and up to three years on the charge of conspiracy to make false statements. All counts carry up to three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) members: Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs Border Protection, the Massachusetts State Police and the Lowell Police Department, in addition to other members of the FBI’s JTTF. The JTTF includes officers and agents from a number of other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Auerhahn and Aloke S. Chakravarty of Ortiz’s Anti-Terrorism and National Security Unit and Jeffrey Groharing, Trial Attorney with the Department’s National Security and Counter Terrorism Section.

Austin: ‘It’s Great to be Back’ From Iraq

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2011 – A small but star-studded ceremony today at Joint Base Andrews, Md., marked the return of U.S. Forces Iraq’s last troops.

President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter joined family members of about 30 returning service members to welcome those final few troops -- including Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, the last commander of U.S. Forces-Iraq -- home.

Five days ago in Baghdad, Austin presided over the ceremony marking the end of the war in Iraq. Today, he said, “It is great to be back in the United States of America.”

Austin was part of the war in Iraq’s first wave nearly nine years ago, in March 2003, when as the 3rd Infantry Division’s assistant commander for maneuver he ordered lead elements over the Kuwaiti border into Iraq.

From September 2010 until today, he oversaw what he called “one of the most extraordinary feats in our military’s history:” the end of mission and return of U.S. troops and equipment from Iraq.

For several months, U.S. troops have worked tirelessly to reposition what were then 50,000 service members and 2 million pieces of equipment remaining in Iraq, Austin noted.

“Sunday, the last of our troops crossed the border from Iraq to Kuwait, with their equipment,” he said. “They did it in an orderly fashion, [and] they did it ahead of schedule.”

The military-led mission in Iraq has come to a successful conclusion, Austin said, and the safe return of USFI’s unit colors, “capably carried and passed on from commander to commander since 2003,” represents the commitment that “helped make this great day possible.”

“It is my privilege to represent them,” the general added. “I could not be more proud of our men and women in uniform, who are unquestionably the preeminent military force in the world.”

Austin credited Iraq veterans and their coalition partners with removing a brutal dictator, persevering through the darkest days of the insurgency, and providing the Iraqi people with opportunities for freedom “they have not seen in their lifetime.”

The general noted the team of State Department diplomats remaining in country to build on the United States’ strategic relationship with Iraq.

“Their professionalism and their spirit of teamwork were instrumental in making our interagency efforts so successful,” he added.

Austin thanked the families and friends of returning veterans for their love and support, and said the nation owes the families of the nearly 4,500 service members killed in Iraq “a debt of gratitude it can never repay.”

“Please know that we share in your loss, and that you will always be a part of our family,” he said.

Austin thanked the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, civilians and coalition partners who served in Iraq for “a job extremely well done.”

“I am truly humbled by your service and your many, many sacrifices,” he added.

Austin saluted those wounded in the Iraq war, noting their fighting spirit “serves as a source of inspiration for us, and you will always have a place in our formation.”

Austin offered wishes for “a very joyous holiday season” to all Iraq war veterans and their loved ones.

“Please know that your sacrifices were instrumental in liberating an oppressed people, in providing them an opportunity to enjoy a better way of life,” he said. “You have set the conditions for democracy to take root in a region that is critically important to the United States of America … again, thank you for a job extremely well done.”

Washington Man Sentenced to 32 Years for Attempted Bombing of Martin Luther King Unity March

SPOKANE, WA—The Justice Department announced today that Kevin William Harpham, 37, of Colville, Wash., has been sentenced to 32 years in prison for the placement of the improvised explosive device alongside the planned Martin Luther King Jr. Day Unity March held on Jan. 17, 2011, in Spokane, Wash. Harpham will serve the rest of his life under court supervision after he is released from prison. Harpham pleaded guilty in Sept. 7, 2011, to two counts of a superseding indictment; attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempt to cause bodily injury with an explosive device because of actual or perceived race, color and national origin of any person.

On March 9, 2011, Harpham was arrested for placing the explosive device alongside the Unity March. The march was attended by approximately 2,000 individuals, including racial minorities. The explosive device placed by Harpham was capable of inflicting serious injury or death, according to laboratory analysis conducted by the FBI. Harpham admitted that he is a white supremacist and white separatist, and that he placed the explosive device at the march with the intent to cause bodily injury to the person or persons in order to further his racist beliefs.

“Acts of hate like this one have no place in our country in the year 2011, but yet, unfortunately, we continue to see attempted violence in our communities due to racial animus,” said Thomas Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to enforcing the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. hate Crimes Prevention Act, and all the tools in our law enforcement arsenal, to prosecute such egregious crimes.

“This case underscores the continuing threat from those who seek to express their hatred through violence and the serious consequences these individuals face for such actions,” said Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “The sentence handed down today is the culmination of an outstanding investigation conducted jointly by federal, state and local law enforcement officials.

Michael C. Ormsby, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, said, “I commend the law enforcement efforts at all phases of the investigation and prosecution of this matter. This was one of the most thorough investigations that I have ever seen and involved multi-levels of law enforcement and multiple offices and other professionals. Our office received significant assistance from the Civil Rights Division and National Security Division of the Justice Department. All who participated should be thanked and congratulated, this was truly a team effort.” U.S. Attorney Ormsby also added, “It is very important that Mr. Harpham receive the significant sentence that he did today to send the message to our community that hate and violence will not be tolerated.”

“Today, Mr. Harpham faces the consequences of his hate-filled act. A prototypical “lone wolf” such as Mr. Harpham presents a particularly vexing threat—with nothing foreshadowing a carefully planned attack,” said Laura M. Laughlin, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI Seattle office. “However, the actions of everyday citizens, the Spokane Police Department, the Spokane Explosives Disposal Unit, and the round-the-clock work of Joint Terrorism Task Force and its local, state, and federal members unraveled Mr. Harpham’s plan and swiftly brought him to justice. We will continue to tirelessly disrupt and rapidly apprehend others who attempt to express their hatred though violence.”

This investigation was conducted by the Inland Northwest Joint Terrorism Task Force comprised of the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Federal Air Marshal Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, the Spokane Police Department, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol, and with assistance from Stevens County Sheriff’s Office and Washington State Employment Security Department. The Stevens County Road Department also provided significant assistance.

Combined Force Seizes Weapons Cache

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2011 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a weapons cache during a patrol in the Deh Yak district of Afghanistan’s Ghazni province yesterday, military officials reported.

The cache contained a 120mm projectile, three 30mm rounds, 30 20mm rounds, 30 .50-caliber rounds, and explosive material.

In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined patrol discovered a drug cache containing nearly 1,000 pounds of hashish in the Zharay district of Kandahar province.

-- A coalition patrol found six improvised explosive devices in Kandahar’s Panjwa’i district. Two of the IEDs contained about 10 pounds of explosives and the other three contained about 100 pounds of explosives.

In Dec. 18 Afghanistan operations:

-- A combined patrol seized a weapons cache containing seven mortar rounds, eight artillery rounds, two grenades and one rocket-propelled grenade in the Bahsud district of Nangarhar province.

Also this week, Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, congratulated the Afghan national security forces on the successful outcome of a recent operation in the Warduj district of Badakhshan province.

The operation saw Afghan army and police forces lead, plan and execute a mission to free 11 Afghan policemen who’d been captured by insurgents. Twenty-five suspected insurgents were arrested.

"The professionalism, courage and teamwork demonstrated by the ANSF in prosecuting this mission is a reflection of the ever-growing leadership capability and operational agility of the Afghan security apparatus writ large," Allen said.

The Logistics of Leaving Iraq – Part Four: Reposturing Effort

This is the fourth post of our Leaving Iraq series, detailing the logistics involved in ending military operations in Iraq.

Two MI-17 Iraqi helicopters made their way over the city of Ramadi, and the Euphrates River to land at the helicopter-landing zone on Camp Ramadi in November.

Staff Brig. Gen. Hussein Mostof, the senior military advisor to the Receivership Secretariat and his team from the Government of Iraq’s Basing Committee had arrived to supervise the transition of Camp Ramadi from U.S. Forces to Iraqi Forces.

As they exited the aircraft, the group made its way to a small building where Brig. Gen. Hatim of the Habbaniya Location Command was waiting with Lt. Col. Steven Hart, the Reposture Assistance Team Officer In Charge with 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, going line by line over the list of equipment that would be left for the Iraqi Army when the camp was turned over after the completion of the paperwork.

“The reposture effort was a priority from day one of arriving in country,” said Hart. “The bottom line is that transferring bases, facilities, infrastructure and equipment to the Iraqi Security Forces translated into increased capability for them and represents an investment by the American people in the enduring strategic relationship between our two countries.”

Hatim and inspectors from his command conducted inventories on all equipment and buildings on the camp. He will be responsible for the custodianship and the security of the base.

Talking through an interpreter, Mostof thanked Hart, saying he had made the transition smooth so that the Government of Iraq can take over and make things better for Ramadi.

Within an hour of the signing over of Camp Ramadi, Iraqi Soldiers were poised to take over guard towers and security at the camp’s entry points.

Due to the contributions of U.S. military service members and Iraqi Soldiers, policemen and civilians over the last eight years, Ramadi has transformed from a hotbed of terrorist violence into a city mostly free of terrorist attacks. The city has a place in history as previous being one of the toughest cities in Iraq, but had an “Awakening” in 2006 when coalition forces and tribal leaders came together to fight Al-Qaida.

Because of the continued efforts in Ramadi to recruit and train Iraqi Soldiers and Policemen, American military Troops can now leave the city in the capable hands of the Iraqi Security Forces.

Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Navarro, the acting first sergeant for B Battery, 2-319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment “Black Falcons,” said his deployment in support of Operation New Dawn was a much better experience than his previous two deployments to Iraq, the first in 2003 as part of the initial invasion and again four years later during the Surge. The aluminum trailers Navarro and his Soldiers stayed in were better accommodations than his first two tours, and the security situation was much better.

Now, as they made final preparations to leave their current accommodations, there were more than 40 vehicles lined up waiting for the order to begin movement. They were the last of the almost 300 military vehicles to leave the camp. This would be the last movement out of Camp Ramadi for U.S. Forces.

The “Black Falcons” first destination of the two-day convoy was Contingency Operating Base Kalsu. Paratroopers cleaned out the vehicles of the day’s debris, ensured they were ready for the next leg of the trip and talked about what they were going to do when they got home.

“I am going to cook my own food and spend time with my wife and daughter,” said Sgt. Edwin Tyren, a 2-319th gunner.

After leaving Kalsu the next morning, the Troopers had a short stopover in Contingency Operating Base Adder to check their vehicles, stretch their legs and get something to eat. This would be their last meal in Iraq after more than six months. They had arrived earlier than expected, so they continued on to Kuwait that day.

After arriving at Camp Virginia, Kuwait, the 2-319th Paratroopers worked late into the night and early into the next morning, turning in ammunition and preparing the vehicles for turn-in later that day, and reflecting on what they accomplished.

“I am proud of what we have done here in Iraq,” Navarro said. “Completing the mission honors all who came before us.”

Written by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo for Army.mil.

Face of Defense: Soldier Earns Medal for Saving German’s Life

By C. Todd Lopez
Army News Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2011 – Army Staff Sgt. Peter Woken was uniquely honored recently for proving that, in combat, it doesn't matter what languages your allies speak, every soldier who fights alongside you is like a brother.

The German government highlighted that reality of war Dec. 8 when German Ambassador to the United States Peter Ammon presented Woken with the German Medal of Honor for Gallantry in Action -- an award similar to the American Silver Star.

Addressing the noncommissioned officer’s wife and two sons who attended the ceremony, Ammon told the family an entire nation is thankful for Woken’s actions in Afghanistan which saved the life of German Cpl. Tim Focken.

"The German government and the German people are deeply grateful for your husband and your father," Ammon said.

Ammon pinned the medal on Woken's uniform. The sergeant, now part of the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Hood, Texas, is the first American to receive the medal on American soil. Seven other U.S. soldiers involved in saving Focken's life also received the medal, though it was presented to them in theater by German Defense Minister Thomas de Maizière.

Woken had said that he views the recognition as confirmation of what soldiers know about their comrades -- that soldiering together unites servicemen across languages and nationalities.

"Even though Germany is honoring me this way, I think what they are conveying is that we are all brothers," Woken said. "This type of award generally doesn't go to Americans. It will go to Germans on German soil. We feel the same way. They are fighting the same enemy that we are, and we are all brothers."

To an infantryman, uniform, language and nationality make no difference if you're fighting on the same side, Focken said.

"We've had a lot of battles, and we've fought side-by-side with 10th Mountain," he said. "There was never a discussion of who is there to help who and to save who. It's basically like brothers, and if anybody needed help, nationality doesn't matter. You're there to help."

Focken was shot Oct. 7, 2010 when his German ground patrol at Qala-ye Zai, Afghanistan, came under enemy fire. After receiving immediate medical assistance from German army medics, Focken boarded an American Black Hawk helicopter where flight medic Woken tended to the injured soldier's wounds during travel to a military hospital.

The action in Afghanistan that earned him the award was typical of what combat medics are called upon to do as many as 10 times a day. Woken said he has performed so many rescues that he's lost count.

"I had stopped counting at 357," he said. "At that point, it was becoming kind of redundant to even count."

Woken, a Tacoma, Wash., native, said teams like his are on call for 48 hours at a time with 24 hours of down time between. On that day in Afghanistan, his team was waiting in a "relaxed state," he said, until they got the call to do a rescue. Then, he said, "We went from basically zero to 100 in a matter of minutes."

"We were flying about as fast as we could go to the scene," he said. "We were told there were troops in contact. Once we got there, we overflew the scene one time. Normally we will do a high recon and then a low recon. And we only did one low recon and we landed. I guess our pilot chose to not do a full landing. We took off due to safety reasons."

The crew decided quickly to land again to pick up the injured German soldier; personal risk is not part of the equation, he said, when you are trying to save somebody's life.

"A flight medic shouldn't feel like they are taking a risk whatsoever," Woken said. "You have to think that God has your back, and you have the back of the soldier on the ground."

The Black Hawk stayed on the ground for less than a minute before Focken, who had been leading a team of three soldiers on the ground, was on board, Woken said.

"Our job was to go into the town, Qala-ye Zai, to do recon," Focken said. "We got there early so our company commander could do [intelligence gathering] and recon. My three soldiers and I were on the compound roof securing the perimeter. About a half hour after we got into Qala-ye Zai, heavy fighting broke out, with the Taliban insurgents firing. After about one and a half hours of intense fighting, a sharpshooter picked me off the roof."

Focken was hit in the left shoulder.

"I was talking to one of my guys when I got shot," he said. "It felt like a bolt of electricity going through my arm."

He was able to maintain order among his soldiers even after he was shot, and his soldiers applied aid to try to stop his bleeding. Once on the ground, a German medic tended to his wound, and then he was able to get to the helicopter.

"His attitude was probably one of the best I've seen out of any injured soldier," Woken said. "He was still in top physical condition. He was able to jump into the helicopter even though it was three and a half feet off the ground. He was able to speak with me and explain how he was feeling. And at the end of the mission, he walked off the helicopter."

Both Woken and Focken were present at the ceremony -- brought together for the event by the German government. The two had not been in contact with each other since Focken departed Woken's Black Hawk in Afghanistan in 2010.

"Normally I'll get my patient, I'll take care of them on the aircraft, then they walk away. I never hear or see from them again,” Woken said. “This morning, I got to meet Corporal Tim Focken and start a relationship. It provides a lot of closure for me."

For Focken, he got a chance to say "thank you" to one of the American soldiers that helped save his life. "It's a great thing to say ‘thank you’ personally to Sergeant Woken and to his crew that saved me," he said.

Ammon said the award ceremony was about more than just a medal. He said it was about an enduring friendship between two allied nations.

"Today is more than just paying tribute to the bravery of one courageous serviceman who saved a fellow soldier," Ammon said. "Today, we also celebrate the lasting vitality of our alliance in challenging times -- an alliance that has roots going back to the American revolution of 1776, and an alliance that will remain a cornerstone of our security well into the 21st century."

Allen Condemns Death of Afghan Official, Promises to ‘Root Out’ Criminals

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2011 – U.S. and Afghan leaders are condemning the death of an Afghan border official and say his killers will be held accountable, military officials reported.

U.S. Army Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, joined Afghan President Hamid Karzai yesterday in condemning Saturday’s assassination of Abdul Baqi Raghbat in the Shikar Por Darwaza area of Kandahar province.

Raghbat, an advisor to Karzai’s Tribal and Border Affairs ministry (which works with the Afghan Border Police), “played an instrumental role in advancing many areas of Afghan society,” Allen said in an ISAF press release. “He made a difference to the people of this nation, and shamefully, the enemies of peace and stability have taken his life.

“Our heartfelt and sincere condolences go out to the families and friends of Mr. Raghbat and the Kandahar community," he added.

"ISAF will continue to work closely with our Afghan partners to root out these criminals who kill and injure innocent Afghans working toward stability, peace and prosperity for all Afghan people," Allen continued.  "These enemies of Afghanistan must be held to account."

In other news from Afghanistan, combined forces yesterday:

- Discovered a drug cache consisting of about 500 pounds of hashish in Kandahar’s Zharay district.  Security forces destroyed the cache on site without incident.

- Discovered a munitions cache in Helmand province’s Lashkar Gah district consisting of 10 antipersonnel mines, 11 electrical boxes used as detonation devices, and detonation cord. Security forces destroyed the munitions on site without incident.

In Dec. 17 operations, combined forces:

- Discovered a drug cache in Helmand’s Reg-e Khan district consisting of 2,500 pounds of marijuana, 30 pounds of poppy seeds and 75 pounds of marijuana seeds. All of the drugs were destroyed on site without incident.

- In Kandahar’s Zharay district discovered two weapons caches consisting of two 155 mm rounds, one 107 mm round, one antipersonnel mine, two 88 mm rounds, 12 pressure plate detonation devices, and various improvised explosive device-making components. The security force destroyed all munitions on location.

- Discovered a weapons cache in Kandahar’s Panjwa’i district consisting of four emplaced IEDs, one rocket-propelled grenade warhead with two boosters, multiple radios, explosive material and various assortments of wire and small arms ammunition. The security force confiscated all materials for destruction at a later date.

-Captured a Taliban operative involved in a recent suicide bomb attack in Baghlan province during an operation in Kunduz province’s Khanabad district.

In Dec. 16 operations, combined forces:

- Detained multiple suspects in Helmand’s Kajaki district after searching for a Taliban leader who coordinates shipments of explosives and weapons in support of insurgent operations.

- Killed an insurgent during a search for a Taliban leader in Logar province’s Pul-e ‘Alam district after the armed man displayed hostile intent.  The force recovered an AK-47 assault rifle and detained a suspected insurgent.

- Discovered a weapons cache in Uruzgan province’s Tarin Kot district consisting of five 107 mm rockets with fuses. The security force confiscated all rockets for destruction at a later date.

- Discovered an 800-pound marijuana cache in Kandahar’s Arghandab district. Security forces burned the marijuana on site without incident.

- Captured a Haqqani network leader in Khost province’s Sabari district. The man conducted attacks on Afghan forces and coordinated the movement of bomb-making materials throughout the area. The security force seized multiple firearms and detained four additional suspects.

Dempsey, Saudi Partners Discuss Iraq, Regional Challenges

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia  – Hours after the last U.S. Forces Iraq convoy crossed the border into Kuwait on its way home, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff sat down for the first time with Saudi officials here to discuss Iraq and other developments in the region.

Traveling with a multicountry USO holiday tour to Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and other nations, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey took time today to meet with leaders of one of the United States’ long-time partners in the Middle East.

“I’ve been very clear with all of our partners -- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and others -- [that] if you’re concerned about the future of Iraq, then we should all work together to help ensure that we achieve a brighter future for Iraq,” Dempsey told reporters who are traveling with him.

“[If Iraq is] left unattended or left to its own devices,” he said, then countries that could have helped the newly sovereign nation “shouldn’t come back and complain about the outcome.”

Today Dempsey met with officials from the Saudi Ministry of Defense and the Saudi Arabia National Guard.

The chairman, who from 2001 to 2003 served in the kingdom to train and advise the Saudi Arabian National Guard, said he and the Saudi officials spent time renewing their acquaintance.

But they also discussed Iraq, Iran’s potential influence on Iraq, the Arab-Israeli conflict, he added, and the growing Saudi investment in the U.S. foreign military sales program.

“On the specific issue of Iraq, I’d say [Saudi officials] are probably concerned about the Iranian influence and are eager to know what we intend to do to make sure that influence doesn’t permeate Iraq,” Dempsey said.

“They asked me what I thought it meant [that the U.S. military is out of Iraq] and they offered to tell me what they thought it meant,” he said, adding, “I wouldn’t describe our discussions at this point as suggesting to each other what we might do.”

The Arab-Israeli conflict was also on the agenda, the chairman said, a routine topic in meetings with Saudi leaders.

“Generally speaking we begin our meetings with a reflection on the fact that from their perspective the key to a lasting settlement in the region is the Arab-Israeli conflict,” Dempsey said.

The Saudis made no judgments about how the United States is managing the conflict, “but I would describe on the part of both the leaders in the Saudi Arabia National Guard and the Ministry of Defense … a heightened sense of concern on the basis of what they consider to be two facts,” Dempsey said.

First, he added, “they are very concerned that our withdrawal from Iraq opens the door for greater Iranian influence, [and] they consider that Iranian influence in Bahrain has a very real chance of destabilizing the region.”

A positive signal from the Saudis is a rapidly growing investment in the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, he said, with the Saudi Arabia National Guard investment growing four-fold and the Ministry of Defense investment nearly doubling.

And the Saudis have established a new facilities-protection program through the program for critical industries such as oil refineries and water and power plants, Dempsey added.

With the Saudis, he said, “We used to talk about stuff -- material procurements, bright shiny objects. It wasn’t that kind of conversation at all today. It was actually quite substantive; about training and of course geopolitical issues.”

Dempsey added, “I think they feel like they’re in a very good place and … a strong place in terms of capabilities.

“I think they’re genuinely interested now in how they can get better at utilizing [equipment they’ve purchased from the United States], the chairman said, “and I find that to be quite encouraging.”

Iraqi National Pleads Guilty to 23-Count Terrorism Indictment in Kentucky

Defendant Participated in Numerous Efforts to Kill U.S. Troops in Iraq with IEDs

BOWLING GREEN, KY—Iraqi citizen Waad Ramadan Alwan pleaded guilty to federal terrorism charges in U.S. District Court before Senior Judge Thomas B. Russell, announced Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; David J. Hale, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky; and Elizabeth A. Fries, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Louisville Division.

Alwan, 30, a former resident of Iraq, pleaded guilty to all counts of a 23-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals abroad; conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction (explosives) against U.S. nationals abroad; distributing information on the manufacture and use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs); attempting to provide material support to terrorists and to al Qaeda in Iraq; as well as conspiracy to transfer, possess and export Stinger missiles. Alwan was indicted by a federal grand jury in Bowling Green, Ky., on May 26, 2011.

Alwan faces a maximum sentence of life in prison under the sentencing guidelines and a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for April 3, 2012, at noon in federal court in Bowling Green before Judge Russell.

Alwan’s co-defendant, Mohanad Shareef Hammadi, 24, is charged in the same indictment with attempting to provide material support to terrorists and to al Qaeda in Iraq, as well as conspiracy to transfer, possess and export Stinger missiles. Hammadi has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. A trial date for him has not been scheduled. Hammadi and Alwan were first arrested on criminal complaints on May 25, 2011.

“The successful investigation, arrest, interrogation, and prosecution of Mr. Alwan demonstrates the effectiveness of our intelligence and law enforcement authorities in bringing terrorists to justice and preventing them from harming the American people,” said Assistant Attorney General Monaco. “I applaud all the dedicated professionals in the law enforcement and intelligence communities who are responsible for this successful outcome.”

According to the plea agreement and other court documents filed in this case, from about 2003 through 2006, Alwan knowingly conspired to kill U.S. nationals in Iraq. During this period, Alwan was in Iraq where he conspired with others to plant and detonate numerous IEDs against U.S. troops in Iraq. For instance, Alwan admitted that he and his co-conspirators planted an IED in a road near the Salah ad Din province in Iraq in an attempt to kill U.S. troops that traveled on this particular road. In addition, the FBI found two latent fingerprints belonging to Alwan on a component of a separate IED that was recovered by U.S. forces in Iraq in 2005.

Alwan also admitted today that from about October 2010 through May 2011, he knowingly taught and demonstrated to another individual in Kentucky how to manufacture and use an IED. Specifically, Alwan drew diagrams of different types of IEDs and also provided detailed oral instructions on how to manufacture and use those IEDs. He provided these diagrams with the intent that they be used to train others in the construction and use of such IEDs for the purpose of killing U.S. nationals overseas, including officers and employees of the United States.

In addition, Alwan admitted that from about September 2010 through May 2011, while in Kentucky, he knowingly attempted to provide material support and resources to terrorists and to al Qaeda in Iraq, including money, weapons, and expert advice and assistance. On multiple occasions, for example, Alwan transferred money believing it would be provided to al Qaeda in Iraq for the purpose of murdering U.S. employees or U.S. nationals overseas. In addition, he also transferred Stinger surface-to-air missile launcher systems, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, C4 plastic explosives, grenades, machine guns and sniper rifles, believing these items would be provided to al Qaeda in Iraq for the purpose of murdering of U.S. employees or U.S. nationals overseas.

Finally, Alwan admitted that on March 16, 2011, while in Kentucky, he conspired with another individual to transfer, receive, possess and export two Stinger surface-to-air missile launcher systems.

Neither the bomb-making instructions, nor the Stinger missiles nor the other weapons or money transferred by Alwan while in Kentucky were actually provided to al Qaeda in Iraq, but instead were carefully controlled by law enforcement as part of an undercover operation.

“Today in open court, Waad Alwan admitted to engaging in terrorist activities both here in the United States and in Iraq. He acknowledged he had built and placed numerous improvised explosive devices (IEDs) aimed at killing and injuring American soldiers in Iraq, and he admitted that he tried to send numerous weapons from Kentucky to Iraq to be used against American soldiers,” said U.S. Attorney Hale. “Bringing Alwan to justice is the result of a comprehensive effort by many in our law enforcement and intelligence communities. The FBI agents of the Louisville Division, along with the federal and local law enforcement members of the Joint Terrorism Task Forces here in Kentucky and our many other partners are to be commended. Their collaborative effort successfully thwarted the ongoing intentions of an experienced terrorist. The guilty plea today sends a strong message to anyone who would attempt similar crimes that they will face the same determined law enforcement and prosecution efforts.”

This case is being investigated by the Louisville Division of the FBI. Assisting in the investigation were members of the Louisville and Lexington Joint Terrorism Task Forces, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Bowling Green Police Department.

This prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Bennett and Bryan Calhoun from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Larry Schneider from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.