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 is located in Afghanistan
FOB Sharana
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, Poland and Czech Republic.

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. This observation post maintained a full-time garrison 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 draw down.[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
Aviation

See also

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. "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.
  7. http://www.ww45.usafunithistory.com/PDF/0600/655%20AIR%20EXPEDITIONARY%20SQ.pdf
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