CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq — Soldiers of 17th Fires Brigade from Fort Lewis, Wash. began arriving in Basra Province this month in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, replacing 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division based in Fort Carson, Colo.
This tour will be the brigade’s third in support of OIF operations since 2003.
“This is an incredibly important time in the eyes and hearts of the Iraqi people,” said Col. Steven L. Bullimore, commander, 17th FB, “Thunderbolt” Brigade. “It closes out the chapter on the Saddam era and begins the era of the new Iraq,” he said. “We saw the results of that more than a month ago with the implementation of the security agreement and the departure of U.S. forces from the country’s urban areas.”
Bullimore said the Thunderbolt Brigade’s mission this year is one of transition as well as completing all training and improvements with Iraqi Security Forces while conducting a responsible scale-back of U.S. forces. “We’re in a support role; everything we do is going to be done by, with and through the ISF,” said Maj. Dennis B. Slaton, the brigade’s ISF coordinator from Tulsa, Okla. “We want the ISF to see themselves as self-reliant. We’re here to provide additional training and partnership when requested.”
Brigade leaders have met with the local government to develop a working relationship and determine the needs of Basra and its citizens.
“Currently our civil capacity campaign is focusing on sewer, water, electricity, academics and trash,” said Lt. Col. Ross C. Scott, civil affairs. “Our efforts are focused on restoring the essential services to Basra city, which will draw international investment into what is the second largest city of Iraq.”
He said the brigade will measure its success by how much potable drinking water the city has, the hours of uninterrupted electrical power, the cleanliness of the streets and the establishment of new businesses.
Scott said the 2nd BCT has initiated several incentives and ongoing projects and the 17th is excited to complete these projects for the Iraqi people. The Thunderbolt Brigade, scheduled to assume command of Basra operations during a transfer of authority ceremony this month, expresses only satisfaction with the 2nd BCT’s support.
“The brigade has been great in receiving the leaders and Soldiers of the 17th with open arms,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph E. Santos, 17th FB senior enlisted leader. “The leaders and Soldiers of the 17th are excited about the mission and look forward in continuing the partnering process that 2-4 has established with the ISF and U.S. State Department Provincial Reconstruction Team in facilitating governance and economic development in Basra province.”
The Thunderbolt commander expressed confidence his Soldiers can complete their mission. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of how far they’ve come to get ready for this mission,” Bullimore said. “I’m completely confident in their ability to execute all assigned tasks.” The Soldiers are equally confident and looking forward to the months ahead.
“It’s a little more exciting to be working here as opposed to back in garrison,” said Pfc. Joseph C. Mazzella, information technology specialist, 256th Signal Company, and a native of Saginaw, Texas. “There’s a bit more pressure to be more cognizant of our work, because someone else’s life is directly depending on our performance now.
“It’s hard being so far from home, but I’m doing what I signed up to do. Once this mission is complete, I can’t wait to get home and spend time with my family.”
