Forward Operating Base Sharana

Forward Operating Base (FOB) Sharana was a large forward operating base with many amenities, including a United Service Organizations installation.[2] It is located in Paktika Province, Afghanistan.[3]

FOB Sharana
Sharana, Paktika Province in Afghanistan
FOB Sharana
Shown within Afghanistan
Coordinates33°07′44″N 68°50′21″E
TypeForward operating base
Site information
OwnerInternational Security Assistance Force (ISAF)
OperatorUnited States Armed Forces
Site history
Built2005 (2005)
In use2004-2013 (2013)
Airfield information
IdentifiersIATA: OAS, ICAO: OASA
Elevation2,237 metres (7,339 ft) AMSL
Runways
Direction Length and surface
14/32 1300m Asphalt
[1]

FOB Sharana was initially established as Camp Kearney on 21 November 2004. This was followed by the construction of an airstrip and helicopter landing zone. It was completed in 2005 and the name officially changed to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Sharana. The perimeter of the FOB grew steadily through 2007. It was a hub to many NGO construction projects and vocational training programs that went on in Paktika Province as well as hosting ISAF units from other nations such as South Korea and Poland.

The FOB was constructed on a prominent rise overlooking Route Audi. Additionally OP Mest near the village of Yahya Kheyl at the entrance of the valley was built. It was continuously manned to provide additional security and overwatch for the FOB.

Opening on 1 March 2011, The SPC Jordan Byrd Trauma Center provided combat medical services for the region. The center was named in honor of Specialist Jordan Byrd, a Task Force Red Currahee medic from Company A, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, who had died at OP Mest the previous October while saving another soldier.[4]

In May 2013 Security Force (SECFOR) 240B, consisting of Jordanian military volunteers, assumed security duties for the FOB as American forces began to drawdown.[5] The FOB was dismantled and returned to the Afghan Government on 1 October 2013.[6] The site is now the location of Sharana public airfield.

Units
  • May 2004 to May 2005 - B Co 1-168 INF 34th Infantry Division in support of Combined/Joint Task Force 168
  • March 2006 to March 2007 - U.S. Army 37th Engineer Battalion (Combat)(Airborne) in support of Combined/Joint Task Force 76, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) and formed Task Force Eagle
  • Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 36th Engineer Brigade (TF Rugged) March 2007 to June 2008
  • ISAF Provincial Reconstruction Team 4 (PRT SHARANA) (United States Army/Navy Joint Task Force CJTF82/TF Pacemaker) March 2007 to April 2008
  • 62nd Engineer Combat Battalion (H),36th Engineer Brigade (Task Force Hammer) April 2008 to July 2009
  • 166th Engineer CO, February 2009 to March 2010
  • 1092nd Engineer Battalion, 372nd Engineer Brigade (United States Army), May 2010 to May 2011
  • 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, May 2011 to May 2012
  • 172 Separate Infantry Brigade (United States Army) July 2011 to June 2012
  • 842nd Engineer Company, Nov 2011 to September 2012
  • 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division (United States Army) May 2012 to February 2013
  • 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (United States Army) January 2013 to October 2013

See also
  • List of ISAF installations in Afghanistan
  • Bowe Bergdahl: US Army soldier who deserted from OP Mest and attempted to reach FOB Sharana

References
  1. "Sharana (OASA)". Civil Aviation Authority. Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Archived from the original on 1 January 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
  2. Morales, Nicolas (21 December 2012). "USO Christmas Party on FOB Sharana". emilitary.org. Retrieved 30 December 2012.
  3. Arnold, Gene (22 December 2012). "Afghan troops train to be specialized fighting force". DVIDS. Retrieved 30 December 2012.
  4. Sinders, Christina (2 March 2011). "Trauma center named after fallen Currahee medic opens". Task Force Currahee Public Affairs. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  5. https://www.army.mil/article/109923/Jordanian_Armed_Forces_transfer_authority_of_FOB_Sharana_security/
  6. "ISAF forward operating bases handed back to Afghan government". AirForces Monthly. Stamford: Key Publishing. December 2013.
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