Fort Suse Welcomes MCPON
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060320-05
Release Date: 3/20/2006 12:58:00 PM
From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
FORT SUSE, Iraq (NNS) -- Arriving by a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SS/AW) Terry Scott touched down at Fort Suse, Iraq, March 15, where he visited with Soldiers and Sailors of Fort Suse’s Theater Internment Facility (TIF) and Forward Operating Base (FOB).
Along with Chief of Naval Operations-Directed Command Master Chief Kelly Schneider of U.S. 5th Fleet, MCPON toured the facility and conducted an all hands call for the service members who populate the base.
Task Force 26 oversees the operation of Fort Suse and the Navy Provisional Detainee Battalion (NPDB), comprised of more than 700 active and reserve service members, which manages the daily operation of the TIF.
The NPDB is manned by several units, including the Portsmouth, Va.-based Mobile Security Detachment 26, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 Detachment from Port Hueneme, Calif., and numerous active and reserve Individual Augmentees. The task force also includes 80 Soldiers from the 508th MP Battalion, deployed from Fort Lewis, Wash., and about two dozen Soldiers from the 25th Rear Operations Center, and Army medical personnel from the 101st Sustainment Brigade.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the job you’re doing,” Scott said, as he addressed the hundreds of officers and Sailors attending his all hands call.
MCPON stood atop a plywood storage unit while the crowd huddled closely, eager to listen to the Navy’s top enlisted Sailor as he answered their questions.
“Over the past few months, there hasn’t been a speech I’ve given where I didn’t mention Sailors stationed at Fort Suse in Iraq,” said MCPON. “It was incredibly important for me to come out here and get a chance to look you guys in the eye and tell you one important thing – thank you."
“Thank you for what you’re doing. Thank you for being over here. Thank you for the sacrifice you’re making. Thank you for stepping up to the plate and doing this job,” he added.
The Fort Suse TIF was originally manned by the Army’s 1st Battalion 504th Parachute Infantry Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division. Task Force 26 took over the operation Feb. 5.
The NPDB runs the daily operations of the FOB, including detention operations and convoying detainees to and from other TIFs and medical facilities. They also provide logistical convoys and security outside the FOB.
“I’m really proud of these Sailors who’ve come together and formed a battalion from scratch, doing things most have never imagined they would be doing in their naval career, and doing it under some unique circumstances, with great skill and dedication,” said Task Force 26 Commanding Officer Capt. Michael Olmstead. “Every time I turn around, I see these Sailors exceeding all expectations and hear the Army speaking highly of their performance in this mission.
“I appreciate the opportunity to show the MCPON the dedication and professionalism of our Sailors,” he added.
Air Traffic Contolman 3rd Class Anthony Servedio, who attended the MCPON’s all hands call, liked the MCPON’s straightforward approach.
“I thought he answered all the questions pretty candidly,” said the Bridgewater, N.J., native. “I walked away with a better understanding of where the Navy is going as far as its operations in Iraq."
And according to Scott, that focus has brought Fort Suse some pretty outstanding Sailors.
“This is a place where the United States Navy can step up and play a significant role,” MCPON said. “I’ve seen evidence here that our Sailors are performing incredibly under some pretty difficult conditions. When you’ve got a group of professionals who are well-trained, and especially well-led, they can make any tough assignment a rewarding place to contribute to our national security.”
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