Firebase Phoenix is a small American firebase in the Korengal valley in Kunar Province, Afghanistan.[1][2] The valley is very close to the Pakistani border, north of the Khyber Pass, east of Tora Bora.
One of the purposes of the Firebase is to guard and help facilitate those rebuilding the Pesh River Road. The American Forces Press Service quoted Sergeant first class Jose Magaña[1]:
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“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.” |
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 little resemblance to the actual Firebase Phoenix (it was surrounded by desert, rather than greenery, for instance).
Firebase Phoenix was also featured in the National Geographic movie Restrepo focusing on the Second Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (airborne) of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team in the Korangal Valley.