Firebase Wilderness Explained

Combat Outpost/Firebase Wilderness
Location:Gerda Serai District, Paktia Province, Afghanistan
Map Type:Afghanistan
Map Size:250
Map Alt:Located near the border between Khost and Paktia
Type:Fire Support Base
Coordinates:33.28°N 69.22°W
Builder:Special Troops Battalion,
3rd BCT, 10th MTN DIV
Used:2006–2013
Controlledby: United States
Garrison:3rd BCT, 10th MTN DIV
4th BCT, 82nd ABN DIV
4th BCT, 101st ABN DIV
4th BCT, 25th INF DIV
3rd BCT, 101st ABN DIV
3rd BCT, 1st INF DIV
Occupants:203rd Corps, ANA
Embedded Training Teams
Battles:Operation Enduring Freedom

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

Overview

The strategic position of FB Wilderness enabled 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. FB Wilderness then 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 occupied was the site of frequent mujahedeen attacks on convoys including the Battle for Hill 3234.[4] The historically hostile region was considered a hotbed of activity, especially during the summer months when insurgent forces often targeted 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

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Firebase Wilderness. GlobalSecurity.org. 11 November 2013. 7 May 2011.
  2. Otero. Stephen. Combined Action in the Khost-Gardez Pass. 11 November 2013. ISAF . 2009. dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131112202528/http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/combined-action-in-the-khost-gardez-pass.html. 12 November 2013.
  3. News: Pintagro. Michael. New firebase boosts regional security, transportation. 11 November 2013. Fort Drum Mountaineer. 2006. 12 November 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131112201101/http://www.drum.army.mil/mountaineer/Article.aspx?ID=3095. dead.
  4. News: Gady. Franz-Stefan. Even as U.S. hands over fight to Afghans, some troops still take fire. 11 November 2013. Miami Herald . Price, Jay. 8 August 2013.
  5. News: Baker III. Fred. Reporter's Notebook: Forward Operating Base Gardez 'Feels' Like Afghanistan . 11 November 2013. American Forces Press Release. 10 Feb 2009.
  6. News: Army Sgt. Zachary D. Tellier. 15 November 2013. Cape Cod Times. https://web.archive.org/web/20131202232107/http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=CC&Date=20120511&Category=MEDIA0150&ArtNo=511009990&Ref=PH&Presentation=desktop#img-1. 2 December 2013. dead.
  7. DoD Identifies Army Casualty . Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs). 15 November 2013 . 1 October 2007 .
  8. News: Afghanistan: Fighting In A "Hornet's Nest". 11 November 2013. CBS News. 3 Sep 2009.
  9. News: Clare. Micah. Second unit in 82nd history wins coveted award. 11 November 2013. U.S. Army News Release. 28 Jan 2008.
  10. Pinnington. Abram. In the darkness of Wilderness, Rakkasans maintain readiness. 11 November 2013. U.S. Army . 20 Dec 2012.
  11. https://www.ausa.org/sites/default/files/Avallone_0608.pdf
  12. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-4526472.html?pageNum=4 CBS News: Afghanistan: Fighting In A "Hornet's Nest"

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