Abbott visits new Eagle Pass forward operating base
TEXAS – Texas Governor Greg Abbott visited the state’s new Forward Operating Base over the weekend and welcomed the first 300 National Guard soldiers to the Eagle Pass base camp.
Following the visit, the governor highlighted Texas’ historic border security efforts and has explained how the new base camp will help soldiers deployed in Operation Lone Star respond more effectively to the current border crisis.
Abbott noted that over the past two years, illegal migration has decreased in the state of Texas by 72%, attributing the figure to the implementation of the so-called Operation Lone Star.
“That dramatic decrease is a direct result of the deterrence put in place by the Texas National Guard. Troops deployed in Operation Lone Star have been dispersed for miles across the region. It has been an ineffective method of housing our soldiers, and this base camp will provide the type of housing and standard of living that will improve the quality of life for the men and women in uniform protecting our border and allow Texas to have a permanent presence on the southern border. About 300 soldiers are moving in, and more will be arriving soon. Texas will not stop until we gain full operational control of the border,” said the governor.
At the ceremony, the governor was joined at the press conference by Texas Adjutant General Major General Thomas Suelzer, Texas Border Czar Mike Banks, and soldiers deployed in Operation Lone Star.
“What we see here is the completion of the first of six phases of this base camp,” said Maj. Gen. Suelzer. “Many of the troops you see behind me have had an hour of transit just to get to the border. Some are coming from base camps further north, which are also far away. Having them here at this base camp will help our soldiers operate more effectively to secure the border. We are also going to move the military headquarters to this base.”
“Texas has decreased illegal crossings in Texas, while it has increased in other states,” Border Czar Banks said. “As we see less and less traffic in certain sectors, it is important that we adjust where our border security efforts are taking place. Having this base camp here will help us respond to this ever-changing crisis.”
Abbott outlined the six phases planned for the development of the Texas Forward Operating Base. He also discussed how the establishment of the base camp is an important step in ensuring that soldiers deployed in Operation Lone Star have access to quality housing, food and resources and that Texas has a permanent, cost-effective and conveniently located border security headquarters.
The Texas Military Department acquired 80 acres of land in Eagle Pass to build the Forward Operating Base that will be able to house up to 1,800 Texas National Guard soldiers, with the capacity to accommodate an additional 500, deployed to respond to the immigration situation.
The base camp features a 700-seat dining facility, a recreation center, laundry facilities, WiFi access, single rooms for soldiers starting at 118 square feet, chaplaincy programs, and medical and psychological health facilities.
