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Camp Bucca Changes Hands

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080111-02
Release Date: 1/11/2008 8:23:00 AM

By Task Force 134, Camp Bucca Public Affairs

CAMP BUCCA, Iraq (NNS) -- The command of the third largest forward operating base in Iraq, Camp Bucca, changed hands Jan. 9, as Capt. Craig A. Roll relinquished command of his post to Capt. Bruce A. Derenski.

Presiding over the Change of Command ceremony was Marine Maj. Gen. Doug Stone, the commander of detention operations in Iraq and Army Col. James Brown, the head detention operations at Camp Bucca.

For Roll, 49, his departure from Camp Bucca marks both a self-described high point in a 27-year career and the conclusion. Roll announced his plan to retire shortly after he returns from deployment.

"I've decided to retire, because I couldn't think of another thing I would rather do," Roll said. "So, I've decided to go out on top."

During his command at Camp Bucca, Roll facilitated more than $370 million in expansion contracts, the construction of 37 guard towers, a small arms range and the expansion of the dining facilities not once, but twice.

"To Command Camp Bucca, to have the moral and ethical responsibility that comes with that, and to lead with such distinction, is not just something that happens on occasion in a very complex war [and] at a very complex time," said Stone. "I think it remarkable when you can reach into the kit of 27 years of military service [Roll's extensive career] and find whatever it is you need to be able to ensure that the achievements here at Camp Bucca are accomplished."

For his service at Camp Bucca, Roll received a Bronze Star for "outstanding dedication to duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom."

The incoming commander, Derenski's most recent shore assignment was from 2003 to 2005 as the deputy commander for Readiness at Submarine Squadron 4 at New London, Conn. He oversaw the material readiness of seven attack submarines, including all submarines of the Seawolf class.

Camp Bucca is part of Task Force 134, which manages detainee operations for all of Iraq. More than 20,000 detainees are held at Camp Bucca. They are held for imperative reasons of security, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions that are endorsed by the Government of Iraq, and are afforded the same standards of care and custody as outlined in Geneva Convention IV regarding the treatment of civilian internees.

Additionally, coalition forces have developed a number of education programs to help prepare detainees for release and reintegration. The team on Camp Bucca works to offer basic educational programs to detainees, providing a basic core curriculum of Arabic, Civics, History, Science, Geography and Math in an attempt to make them successful citizens who resist extremist influences. Detainees also have access to religious discussions led by Iraqi imams, part of a comprehensive program designed to assist them with a successful transition back into Iraqi society.

For more news from Task Force 134, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/TF134/.