More than 1,000 Iraqi military personnel will soon occupy the new berthing quarters with easy access to a new dining facility, a fuel point and other support structures needed to sustain a full battalion.

"This project is one of the most important projects ever to be completed in Tikrit and belongs to Salah Ad Din province and will be a real asset for all of our units in the northern region,” said Kassim Al Timimee, representing the Iraqi Department of Defense. “It will undoubtedly contribute directly to security and stability in the province and the region. We appreciate and thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for their efforts in the building of this important camp.”

The new military facility will provide a base from which Iraqi Soldiers can operate to ensure the security of Iraq. The compound is made up of 75 different buildings, to include its own dining facility, officer, enlisted and non-commissioned officer barracks, a fire station, medical clinic, fuel storage and distribution facility and its own power distribution capabilities.

“The success of this project was due in large part to the efforts of Abkarr Corporation, the military advisory team members, our Iraqi partners, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” said Brig. Gen. Kendall P. Cox, director of U.S. Forces – Iraq, J7. “It is indicative of the continuing effort to ensure partnering between our two countries and symbolizes the commitment to build a future of excellence.”

In addition to Timimee and Cox, the ceremony was attended by Ahmed Al Samarrayee, governor of Salah Ad Din, Brig. Gen. Ali Jassim, commander of the Iraqi Army’s 4th Brigade, 6th Army Division, Ahmed Al Salloum, director of the Abkarr Corporation, Col. Dan Anninos, commander of the USACE GRD and Brig. Gen. Tariq Al Joubori, commander of the new facility.

The Abkarr Corporation employed a 100 percent Iraqi workforce throughout all stages of the $38 million project, funded by the Iraq Security Forces Fund (ISFF).

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq has completed thousands of reconstruction projects in partnership with the U.S. Government and the Government of Iraq. Since 2004, USACE has completed 5,257 projects throughout Iraq valued at more than $9.1 billion, and has more than 350 projects ongoing. The overall reconstruction effort in Iraq currently provides jobs for more than 20,000 Iraqis.

Note: Scott Harris is a public affairs specialist with the Gulf Region District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Iraq. For more information, contact Scott Harris at 540.665.2644 or e-mail requests to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For more information on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq, visit www.grd.usace.army.mil