TIKRIT, Iraq –
The supply lines become the front lines for the Air Force when it provides ground force convoy security for the Army.
The 1058th Gun Truck Company, United States Air Force, under command of the 561st Corps Support Battalion, United States Army, is a unit that provides security for the roadways in Iraq. Created specifically for this mission, the 1058th does a job normally assigned to Army units.
“The Army came over two years ago and asked the Air Force if they could provide some people for transportation units because they were short handed,” said Senior Airman James Bojonny, gunner for the 1058th and Transportation Airman of the Year.
According to Bojonny, of Nanticoke PA, the Army was short staffed in this area of operation after its first rotation of troops went stateside and additional troops were realigned to other areas of Iraq.
“This unit has gone all over Iraq,” said Capt. Lena Haskell, alpha flight commander for the 1058th, “There is no Forward Operating Base in Iraq we have not been to.”
They have provided this type of security to all FOBs for Kellogg, Brown and Root, Third Country National, and Coalition Forces for the last couple of years. Encountering obstacles on their travels together, which range from Improvised Explosive Devices to small arms fire and things as simple as a flat tire.
“When a team can pull together and overcome major obstacles in a life and death situation, it doesn’t matter who gives you that paycheck. It just matters you get home with all parts intact,” said the KBR convoy commander, known only as Road Dog to protect his identity.
Sustaining only minimal injures, and completing all missions the Air Force’s gun truck commander and KBR’s convoy commander consider the Air Force’s role in the security escort a great success. The unit’s mission, however, is ending because all supplies will now be flown into the FOB.
The Army will phase out this mission because the 426th Brigade Support Battalion will take over the supply transport mission. This change took place as of Nov. 21, said Army Staff Sgt. Alice Williams, of the 561st CSB.
“The 1058th will continue to run to FOB Key West until all their (FOB Warrior) supplies are delivered,” said Williams, “Then the FOB will be solely supported by 426th.”
“We enjoyed our job but the Army is phasing it out so we can go back and do what we’re supposed to do and that’s to provide Air support,” said Haskell.