An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Jan. 5, 2012

Texas Guard unit signs forward operating base over to Afghan control

By Staff Sgt. Luke Graziani Combined Joint Task Force 1 - Afghanistan

PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Another big step in the transition process has been taken with Forward Operating Base Lion now under the direct control of the Afghan government.

A provincial reconstruction team from the Texas National Guard, 321st Civil Affairs Brigade, officially signed over authority of the FOB to the Panjshir Provincial Governor, Keramuddin Karim on Dec. 28.

A formal ceremony was held to sign the last legal documents and to present the governor with an oversized 'key to the city'.

"It's a little nerve wracking, but it's exciting," said Army Master Sgt. Valerie Lofton, native of Bucyrus, Ohio, 321st CA Brig. FOB mayor. "I actually hate to leave. It's a great province. It's been a great experience working with everybody here."

Forward Operating Base Lion resides in, what has been deemed the model
province - Panjshir.

"We're very proud of the work that the team has accomplished here," said Army Lt. Col. Daniel Gajewski, native of Chicago and 321st CA Brig. Provincial Development Support Team commander, "This is one of the true success stories. We see nothing but a bright future for the people of Panjshir. We look forward to coming back here someday as tourists."

The governor of the province envisions great things for the future of the FOB. There are plans to convert the namesake of the province into a college for women.

"We do have our four-year development program planned for Panjshir," said Keramuddin Karim, Panjshir provincial governor. "What we are trying to do is...make a college or university for the young generation of Afghanistan."

 

 

Related Articles
Photo of medical training during a Port Subject Matter Expert Exchange at the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, August 20, 2025. (Courtesy Photo)
Washington Guard Continues Strengthening Relationship at Thailand’s Port of Laem Chabang
By Joseph Siemandel, | Sept. 30, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Four members of the Washington National Guard partnered recently with more than 170 employees from the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, to continue improving the port’s all-hazard response as part of the...

Leaders and attendees from the Hawai‘i National Guard, Guam National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines gather for a group photo during the 25th anniversary celebration of the State Partnership Program between the Hawai‘i National Guard and the AFP at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Sept. 25, 2025. The Hawai‘i Guard and AFP launched the Indo-Pacific’s first State Partnership in 2000, marking 25 years of cooperation in training, disaster response and regional security.
25 Years Strong: Hawai‘i Guard and Philippines Celebrate Enduring Partnership
By Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy, | Sept. 30, 2025
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — Cheers, handshakes and shared stories filled the air Sept. 23–25 as the Hawai‘i National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrated 25 years of partnership — a bond that has endured...

Oklahoma National Guard leaders and Italian representatives unveil a plaque at the former headquarters of the 45th Infantry Division during WWII in Venafro, Italy, Sept. 8, 2025. A delegation of Oklahoma National Guard members and veterans toured key locations from the 45th Infantry Division’s campaign in Italy against German forces during World War II, continuing the development of the Thunderbird Trail. The initiative is aimed at preserving the Division's role in World War II through a memorial trail tracing its footsteps through Italy, France and Germany, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Danielle Rayon)
Thunderbird Trail: Preserving Sacrifice, Strengthening Connection for Oklahoma Guard
By Sgt. Danielle Rayon, | Sept. 29, 2025
ITALY – Standing among rows of white marble headstones at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial, Soldiers of the Oklahoma National Guard bent to place sand from the beaches of Anzio into the carved names of...