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Forward Operating Base Shank

Forward Operating Base Shank (IATA: OAA, ICAO: OASH, also known as Rocket City) is a former Forward operating base of the U.S. military, located in Logar Province of eastern Afghanistan, about 12 km south-east of the city of Baraki Barak. During Operation Enduring freedom, FOB Shank was one of the most heavily rocketed forward operating bases in Afghanistan.[1] In 2014, the base was turned over to Afghan National Army, who established Camp Maiwand at the northern end of the FOB. American forces later returned and reoccupied the southern portion of the FOB, under the name Camp Dahlke.

History

In 2008 FOB Shank was built by Alpha Company of the 508th Special Troops Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division with assistance from the 555th Engineer Battalion. The FOB was dedicated after SSG Michael A. Shank, who was killed in the Logar Province in 2006. International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) used the base to train the Afghan National Police (ANP). The Police Academy, led by a U.S. Police Mentoring Training team, cooperated daily with the Czech Provincial Reconstruction Team Logar, composed of 200 Czech Soldiers and about 10 civilians.

These efforts were focused on training the Afghanistan National Auxiliary Police to become members of the ANP.

As of 8 July 2008, Czech and Afghan instructors were teaching the fourth group of cadets at the academy. Each group attended a three-week cycle which included first-aid treatment, tactics, patrolling, weapons training, vehicle-check-point procedures and many other police-related subjects. The practical part of the training also included scenarios where cadets were ambushed by simulated oppositional forces.[citation needed]

During 2014 the base was downsized partly by 663 Engineer Company (cbt hvy)and was turned over to the ANA.[2] The ANA utilized the northern portion of the base only, which they renamed Camp Maiwand.[3]

The last few convoys containing equipment from FOB Shank back to Bagram Airbase were completed during October 2014 by the 730th Transportation Company, 419th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Resolute Support Sustainment Brigade.[4]

Following the shutdown of FOB Shank, a new American base was established at the southern end of the perimeter, called FOB Dahlke or Camp Dahlke. Camp Dahlke was expanded in 2018 to support the deployment of the 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade. Camp Dahlke had facilities to house 1200 personnel.[5]

Deployed units

Aviation

2010–2010 10th Mountain

Taskforce Wings 4-101 Aviation Regiment

Ground forces

See also

References

  1. ^ ""Rocket City," Afghanistan: Army thinks outside the box to protect troops at front-line base". CBS News.
  2. ^ "Afghanistan: April 2014". The Atlantic. 10 May 2016.
  3. ^ "Welcome to 'Zombieland': A former US Army base rots in the hands of overwhelmed Afghans". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  4. ^ "Ruffians close down FOB Shank". DVIDS. 9 August 2016.
  5. ^ "An austere base in Afghanistan rapidly expands for more US troops". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  6. ^ Brooks, Drew. "With the Troops: Afghanistan remains dangerous as drawdown leaves fewer soldiers at war". The Fayetteville Observer.
  7. ^ "40th CAB joins the fight at FOB Dahlke".
  8. ^ "710 BSB bolster security around FOB Shank". United States Army. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  9. ^ "10th Mountain Division soldiers prepare to go out on patrol from FOB Shank". World Armies. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  10. ^ "Dr. Swanson retires from Army Reserve". 5 May 2016.

External links

Media related to Forward Operating Base Shank at Wikimedia Commons