Fairbanks-Based Strykers Go On Patrol in Afghanistan

The region where 4,000 troops from Fort Wainwright are deploying is home to Afghanistan’s second-largest city and some of the most intense fighting the country has seen in the last year.

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By Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Story Created: May 12, 2011 at 9:02 AM AKDT

Story Updated: May 12, 2011 at 9:02 AM AKDT

 FAIRBANKS — The region where 4,000 troops from Fort Wainwright are deploying is home to Afghanistan’s second-largest city and some of the most intense fighting the country has seen in the last year. 

The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division recently relieved a Canadian unit that served in the southeastern provinces of Kandahar, Zabul and Uruzgan. Their mission is to assist the Afghan government and train Afghan military and police forces. About 80 percent of the Stryker soldiers have now left Fort Wainwright for Afghanistan. Some are already working in Zabul province, as seen in recent photographs provided by a U.S. military photographer. 

The capital of the region the soldiers will be serving in is Kandahar, a city of about 486,000 that was a former Taliban capital and is the hometown of Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

Last month, the city was the site of a prison break that freed about 480 inmates through a 1,000-foot tunnel, according to a report from The Associated Press. This week, the Taliban launched an attack on eight government compounds in a failed attempt to gain control of the city. 

Col. Todd Wood, commander of the Strykers from Fort Wainwright, warned of increased attacks at the brigade’s deployment ceremony because soldiers are arriving during the Taliban’s traditional spring fighting season. He said his troops are prepared for the challenge. 

Contact staff writer Sam Friedman at 459-7545.

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ArmyWife said on Thursday, May 12 at 7:55 PM

Endub, fyi, I and the families of those 4,000 soldiers care. It is important that our community be aware of our soldiers going off to war to fight for our freedoms, one of which is your right to to complain about your non government censored news. Think about that the next time you are chomping at the bit to read about how teachers are stealing lunch money from kids or how politicians want to build another bridge. Yeah, that is so more news worthy. That's whats so sad.

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Redtag said on Thursday, May 12 at 11:43 AM

Obviously a bleeding heart idiot that wants the freedom but doesn't wish to acknowledge how we get it.

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Homunculis said on Thursday, May 12 at 11:22 AM

Be safe and good luck guys! Strike hard and strike first, go Arctic Wolves.

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Donald W.Y. Kilbuck said on Thursday, May 12 at 9:33 AM

Send the Population that of our Prisoners in the USA over there n release them overseas. That way our tax payers will be relaxed, knowing that they wouldn't revolve the doors anymore. Specially the gangs that think they are bad ass.

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Donny said on Thursday, May 12 at 9:27 AM

Good luck, keep your spirits up and your head down.....ARTICWOLVES!!!!!!

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Endub said on Thursday, May 12 at 9:22 AM

Who cares, seriously! All the crap that is going on in town that is truly news worthy and this is the best you can come up with, definitly says alot about our community. So sad

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