The Citizen of Laconia March 19, 2007
Rumney woman serving in Kuwait
By Bob Martin
Angela Lyford is like many other working women in their 20s. She has a lot of pride in her line of work and will often work long hours. In fact, she also works on holidays and weekends, and is even working on her days off.
However, there is something that makes her situation different from most women her age: She is Navy petty officer stationed in Kuwait.
Lyford, 27, has been mobilized since last July. She is currently stationed at Camp Patriot on the southeast coast of Kuwait. According to Globalsecurity.org, the base is home to nearly 3,000 U.S. soldiers, sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guard personnel. The camp was created in May 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
As a second-class petty officer, Lyford is uses her military expertise to help the Kuwaiti Navy. She said a main focus pertains to harbor defense.
"I'm helping make sure that attacks like the Cole Boat attack don't happen again," said Lyford.
Lyford is referring to an al-Qaida terrorist attack on the USS Cole in October 2000, which killed 17 people aboard the destroyer, with 39 others injured. The ship was entering Aden Harbor in Yemen to make a routine fuel stop when a small boat came alongside the $1 billion destroyer and exploded.
"I teach the soldiers basic fundamentals," said Lyford. "My crew and I work with them on how the boats operate and work with weapon training. I even get to blow some stuff up."
Lyford said that they are constantly running drills and use planned scenarios. She said that this is a good way to plan for attacks like the USS Cole situation.
Lyford also said that it is interesting to be in this position as a woman because of the cultural differences between Kuwait and the West. She said that she went into the Middle East with an open mind and didn't have any preconceived notions.
"It's interesting," said Lyford. "They have actually been eager to learn from a female. In Kuwait, none of their females are involved in the military. It shows how they are adopting some Western ways."
Lyford said that she feels good at the end of the day because she knows that her work is directly helping Kuwait's navy progress and become more efficient. She said that their military is active and ready to learn how to better defend themselves. However, she said that they are trying to learn American ways but preserve their own culture as well.
Lyford really doesn't get too much time to relax, but this is something that doesn't bother her very much. She said that it has been a memorable experience since she has arrived in the Middle East for the first time. She said that something she has enjoyed is helping the Kuwaiti soldiers and spending time getting to know those around her.
"I've enjoyed the camaraderie with people I'm working with," said Lyford. "It's a good chance to get to know my crew since we are always around each other. I also enjoy seeing different aspects of other cultures."
While this is Lyford's first time in the Middle East, she has been all around the world since she began her military career. Other spots include Japan, Indonesia and Singapore. While away in these exotic places, she is still able to keep contact with her family. She has access to e-mail and usually keeps in touch with them fairly regularly.
"I always tell them that no news is good news in our situation," said Lyford. "I try to keep in touch though.
Lyford said that she doesn't have any military history in her background. However, her family accepts her choice to join the military. She said that she has thoroughly enjoyed her nine years of service.
"I just thought I might as well do something different and exciting," said Lyford.
© Copyright 2007, George J. Foster Co.
