Firebase Phoenix

The view from a gun position at Firebase Phoenix overlooking the Korengal valley. Paratroopers from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, occupied several small firebases along the valley in one of the most hard-fought areas in Afghanistan's Regional Command - East area of responsibility.

U.S. Army Pfc. Mathew Moreno, 2nd Platoon, Battle Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), looks through a Lightweight Laser designator Rangefinder at Firebase Phoenix in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, 10 June 2007. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brandon Aird

Firebase Phoenix was a small American firebase in the Korengal valley in Kunar Province, Afghanistan.^[1][2] The valley is 20 km from the Pakistani border, northwest of the Khyber Pass and northeast of Tora Bora.

One of the purposes of the Firebase was to guard and help facilitate those rebuilding the Pech River Road. The American Forces Press Service quoted Sergeant first class Jose Magaña:^[1]

“I hope they know by now why they are here. To look out outside the base and see people doing things, selling things, kids going to schools, even girls, that’s why we’re here, so that the Afghan people can do things many take for granted. It’s not easy to bear all the sacrifices these soldiers are making, but their role is historic in granting people the same freedoms we have at home.” “Our job is to secure an area of the Pech River road. The strategic location and purpose of this road make it very valuable. We need to ensure the road’s progress moves forward. This road will improve the lives of the people who live here, enhance the Afghan security forces’ ability to control the area and stimulate economic and social development.”

In popular culture

Firebase Phoenix was featured in the first mission of the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 campaign in the mission S.S.D.D. where PFC Allen trained on a simulated course, although the in-game version bore very little resemblance to the actual Firebase Phoenix. The in game version portrayed the FSB to be located in a desert rather than a green valley.

Firebase Phoenix was also featured in the National Geographic movie Restrepo focusing on the 2nd Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team in the Korangal Valley.

References

1. 1 2 Spc. Jon H. Arguello (9 July 2007). "Task Force Rock Prepares to Tame Afghanistan's 'Valley of Fire'". American Forces Press Service. Retrieved 17 February 2008. 
2. ↑ Sgt. Brandon Aird (18 June 2007). "Battle Company Makes Presence Known". 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs. Retrieved 10 February 2008.