Firebase Wilderness

Firebase Wilderness, also known as Forward Operating Base Tellier, is a joint U.S.-Afghan outpost in Afghanistan, in the Gerda Serai District of Paktia Province.

Combat Outpost/Firebase Wilderness
Gerda Serai District, Paktia Province, Afghanistan
A M777 155 mm howitzer being sling-loaded to a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Combat Outpost Wilderness, Afghanistan, Oct. 31, 2013
Combat Outpost/Firebase Wilderness
Coordinates33.28°N 69.22°E / 33.28; 69.22
TypeFire Support Base
Site information
Controlled by United States
 United States Army
Site history
Built2006 (2006)
Built bySpecial Troops Battalion,
3rd BCT, 10th MTN DIV
In use2006–2013
Battles/warsOperation Enduring Freedom
Garrison information
Garrison3rd BCT, 10th MTN DIV
4th BCT, 82nd ABN DIV
4th BCT, 101st ABN DIV
4th BCT, 25th INF DIV
3rd BCT, 101st ABN DIV
Occupants203rd Corps, ANA
Embedded Training Teams

Overview

The strategic position of FB Wilderness enables U.S. and Afghan forces to provide security along the Khost-Gardez Pass, a critical route through the Sulaiman Mountains, which connects downtown Khost to Gardez City.[1][2] FB Wilderness was first occupied in late 2006 after being built from scratch by elements of 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.[3] Since that time, Wilderness has served as a base of operations for U.S. military elements, Afghan National Army soldiers from 1st Brigade, 203rd ANA Corps, and Afghan regional policemen.[3] During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s, the area of the K-G Pass that Wilderness occupies was the site of frequent mujahedeen attacks on convoys including the Battle for Hill 3234.[4] The historically hostile region continues to be a hotbed of activity, especially during the summer months when insurgent forces often target Wilderness with mortars and rockets.[5]

In 2007, 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers from 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment and based at FB Wilderness, renamed the firebase to FOB Tellier in honor of their fallen brother, Sergeant Zachary D. Tellier.[6] During a gun battle with insurgent forces in the vicinity of FB Wilderness, SGT Tellier was fatally wounded on Sept. 29, 2007.[7]

In October 2008, the CBS news program 60 Minutes aired a report by Lara Logan from FB Wilderness titled "Afghanistan: Fighting In A "'Hornet's Nest'".[8]

U.S. military occupants

Since its establishment in December 2006, U.S. Army units have assumed control of Wilderness, including:

See also

References
  1. "Firebase Wilderness". GlobalSecurity.org. 7 May 2011. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  2. Otero, Stephen (2009). "Combined Action in the Khost-Gardez Pass" (Press release). ISAF. Archived from the original on 12 November 2013. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  3. Pintagro, Michael (2006). "New firebase boosts regional security, transportation". Fort Drum Mountaineer. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  4. Gady, Franz-Stefan; Price, Jay (8 August 2013). "Even as U.S. hands over fight to Afghans, some troops still take fire". Miami Herald. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  5. Baker III, Fred (10 Feb 2009). "Reporter's Notebook: Forward Operating Base Gardez 'Feels' Like Afghanistan". American Forces Press Release. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  6. "Army Sgt. Zachary D. Tellier". Cape Cod Times. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  7. "DoD Identifies Army Casualty" (Press release). Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs). 1 October 2007. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  8. "Afghanistan: Fighting In A "Hornet's Nest"". CBS News. 3 Sep 2009. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  9. Clare, Micah (28 Jan 2008). "Second unit in 82nd history wins coveted award". U.S. Army News Release. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  10. https://www.ausa.org/sites/default/files/Avallone_0608.pdf
  11. CBS News: Afghanistan: Fighting In A "Hornet's Nest"
  12. Pinnington, Abram (20 Dec 2012). "In the darkness of Wilderness, Rakkasans maintain readiness" (Press release). U.S. Army. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
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