Forward Operating Base Shank


Forward Operating Base Shank was a forward operating base of the U.S. military, located in Logar Province of eastern Afghanistan, about 12 km south-east of the city of Baraki Barak. During Operation Enduring freedom, FOB Shank was one of the most heavily rocketed forward operating bases in Afghanistan. In 2014, the base was turned over to Afghan National Army, who established Camp Maiwand at the northern end of the FOB. American forces later returned and reoccupied the southern portion of the FOB, under the name Camp Dahlke.

History

In 2008 FOB Shank was built by Alpha Company of the 508th Special Troops Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division with assistance from the 555th Engineer Battalion. The FOB was dedicated after SSG Michael A. Shank, who was killed in the Logar Province in 2006. International Security Assistance Force used the base to train the Afghan National Police. The Police Academy, led by a U.S. Police Mentoring Training team, cooperated daily with the Czech Provincial Reconstruction Team Logar, composed of 200 Czech Soldiers and about 10 civilians.
These efforts were focused on training the Afghanistan National Auxiliary Police to become members of the ANP.
As of 8 July 2008, Czech and Afghan instructors were teaching the fourth group of cadets at the academy. Each group attended a three-week cycle which included first-aid treatment, tactics, patrolling, weapons training, vehicle-check-point procedures and many other police-related subjects. The practical part of the training also included scenarios where cadets were ambushed by simulated oppositional forces.
During 2014 the base was downsized partly by 663 Engineer Company and was turned over to the ANA. The ANA utilized the northern portion of the base only, which they renamed Camp Maiwand.
The last few convoys containing equipment from FOB Shank back to Bagram Airbase were completed during October 2014 by the 730th Transportation Company, 419th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Resolute Support Sustainment Brigade.
Following the shutdown of FOB Shank, a new American base was established at the southern end of the perimeter, called FOB Dahlke or Camp Dahlke. Camp Dahlke was expanded in 2018 to support the deployment of the 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade. Camp Dahlke had facilities to house 1200 personnel.

Deployed units

Aviation
  • October 2008-October 2009
  • *101st Airborne 159th Aviation Brigade "Task Force Thunder" under Col. Ronald Lewis / 4-101 "Task Force Wings" under Lt. Col James Benson.
  • October 2009–October 2010
  • *3rd Infantry Division 4-3 AVN Battalion "BRAWLER" under Lt. Col Ault
  • December 2008-December 2009
  • *710BSB 3RD IBCT 10th MTN
2010–2010 10th Mountain
  • April 2011
  • * 10th Combat Aviation Brigade
  • ** Company F, 2nd Battalion
  • August 2011–August 2012
  • * 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade
  • ** Unknown Company, 3rd Battalion
  • ** All Companies, 2nd Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment
  • ** Company B, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment
  • ** Company B, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment
  • ** Company F, 1st Attack Battalion, 1st Air Combat Brigade, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division – first unit to operate Gray Eagle at Shank. This company was deployed as a standalone company and attached to the 82nd Airborne Division upon arrival to Shank. After TF Corsair left, F 227 was attached to the incoming unit until its tour of duty was completed.
  • ** Elements of 122nd Aviation Support Battalion
  • August 2012-January 2013
  • * 173rd ABCT
  • June – December 2013
  • * 10th Combat Aviation Brigade
  • ** Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Assault Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment
  • ** Company C, 2nd Assault Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment
  • ** Company E, 2nd Assault Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment
  • ** Company A, 2nd Assault Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment
  • ** Company B, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment
  • ** Company C, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment
  • December 2013–August 2014
Taskforce Wings
4-101 Aviation Regiment
Ground forces