Forward Operating Base (FOB) SYKES is located just south-west of the Iraqi city of Tal Afar. It is situated on a former Iraqi Airbase. The major features are a long runway and numerous concrete bunkers and hangars. The terrain is predominantly flat and dusty with mountain ranges rising to the Northwest and Southeast. We live in Containerized Housing Units (CHUs), which are 20’x8’x8’ metal containers with a front door and window as well as air conditioning, lighting and a linoleum floor, they are situated in rows and about 10 and they are arranged around central restroom and shower containers. So I guess I have about 160ft2 that I can call my own. In my container I have a twin bed, a refrigerator, TV, a desk and chair as well as a couple of wall lockers and shelves. It’s not bad living, a bit Spartan and institutional, but comfortable nonetheless.
FOB Sykes has some pretty good amenities, the DFAC (Dining Facility) is among the best I’ve seen, they always have fresh fruits and a wide assortment of deserts and entrées. Most importantly to me they have a cooler stocked with soda including Coca Cola Light imported from Turkey; needless to say a couple of those somehow find their way into my cargo pocket after just about every meal. It’s hard to maintain some sort of diet and avoid the French-fries, hamburgers and pizza. I try to lean towards the baked chicken breasts and fresh tomatoes as much as possible; it would be all too easy to gain a couple pounds a week here. The MWR (Morale Welfare and Recreation) center is fondly referred to as the MUF, or multi-use facility, inside you can find a great gym with free weights, cardio machines as well as plenty of Hammer Strength machines. There is a recreation room with pool tables, ping-pong, shuffleboard and air hockey. There is a computer lab and phone center as well as a full court basketball/volleyball court. There is even a movie theater used each night for movies and during the day for large briefings or other business. Most of the amenities were built when the 3rd ACR had upwards of 3,000 soldiers living here, now there perhaps 1,000 which reduces crowding most of the time.
The entire FOB is hundred’s of acres, and to reduce the need for walking there are three different shuttle bus routes to whisk soldiers wherever they need to go. Our team has taken it a step farther and has commandeered three vehicles from our Iraqi Army counterparts to drive around and use as we please.
All in all its not a bad place to be, mortar attacks are non-existent which is quite a change compared to FOB Marez where I was in 2004-05 where it was not uncommon to receive 5-10 mortars in one day. I used to lead convoys out here a couple times of week when I was here the last time and it has changed quite a bit.
FOB Sykes has some pretty good amenities, the DFAC (Dining Facility) is among the best I’ve seen, they always have fresh fruits and a wide assortment of deserts and entrées. Most importantly to me they have a cooler stocked with soda including Coca Cola Light imported from Turkey; needless to say a couple of those somehow find their way into my cargo pocket after just about every meal. It’s hard to maintain some sort of diet and avoid the French-fries, hamburgers and pizza. I try to lean towards the baked chicken breasts and fresh tomatoes as much as possible; it would be all too easy to gain a couple pounds a week here. The MWR (Morale Welfare and Recreation) center is fondly referred to as the MUF, or multi-use facility, inside you can find a great gym with free weights, cardio machines as well as plenty of Hammer Strength machines. There is a recreation room with pool tables, ping-pong, shuffleboard and air hockey. There is a computer lab and phone center as well as a full court basketball/volleyball court. There is even a movie theater used each night for movies and during the day for large briefings or other business. Most of the amenities were built when the 3rd ACR had upwards of 3,000 soldiers living here, now there perhaps 1,000 which reduces crowding most of the time.
The entire FOB is hundred’s of acres, and to reduce the need for walking there are three different shuttle bus routes to whisk soldiers wherever they need to go. Our team has taken it a step farther and has commandeered three vehicles from our Iraqi Army counterparts to drive around and use as we please.
All in all its not a bad place to be, mortar attacks are non-existent which is quite a change compared to FOB Marez where I was in 2004-05 where it was not uncommon to receive 5-10 mortars in one day. I used to lead convoys out here a couple times of week when I was here the last time and it has changed quite a bit.
1 comment:
Hi Tim-
Thinking of you everyday. We miss you!
Love- Adam, Julie & Gavin
p.s. can we read the article you mention?
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