Shank Air Base (OAA)

Shank Air Base (OASH (OAA)), historically known as Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shank or "Rocket City," was a critical U.S. military installation in Baraki Barak, Logar Province, Afghanistan. Due to its nature as a military base in a conflict zone, conventional "traveler reviews" in the commercial sense do not exist. Information regarding experiences at Shank Air Base primarily reflects the operational environment and living conditions for military personnel stationed there, particularly before the full withdrawal of U.S. forces in 2021. Overall sentiment among those who served was largely shaped by the high-threat environment and the challenges inherent to operating in a combat zone.

Overall Traveler Sentiment and Satisfaction (Military Personnel Experience - Pre-2021 Withdrawal):

Traveler sentiment (from the perspective of military personnel) at Shank Air Base was heavily influenced by the constant threat of indirect fire and the demanding operational environment. The base was notoriously referred to as "Rocket City" due to its frequent targeting by rocket attacks, indicating a high-stress and dangerous setting for those stationed there.

What Travelers Love (Operational Strengths for Military Personnel - Pre-2021 Withdrawal):

• Established Infrastructure (Camp Dahlke): While not explicitly "loved," the base had significant infrastructure development over time. A portion reoccupied by American forces as Camp Dahlke was expanded in 2018 to house approximately 1200 personnel, suggesting a degree of established living and operational facilities for its occupants.
• Aviation Capabilities: The base featured an airfield with asphalt runways for aircraft and helipads, indicating its importance as an air hub for military operations.

Common Complaints (Challenges and Disadvantages for Military Personnel - Pre-2021 Withdrawal):

• High Threat Environment ("Rocket City"): The most significant complaint and notable characteristic of Shank Air Base was the persistent threat and occurrence of indirect fire (IDF) attacks, earning it the moniker "Rocket City". This constant danger meant personnel faced a higher risk environment compared to other, larger fortified bases.
• Limited Traditional Amenities: As a forward operating base, it would have had functional but likely austere facilities, prioritizing operational needs over comfort. Specific details on commercial-style amenities, cleanliness standards for non-military areas, or recreational options are not publicly available for a military installation of this nature.
• Security, Customs, and Transportation: The concepts of "security wait times" or "customs/immigration experience" are not applicable in the traditional sense for a military air base. Security was an ongoing, critical operational function against external threats. Transportation connections would have been military-controlled logistics, not commercial services.

Shank Air Base served as a critical but challenging military outpost for U.S. and NATO forces until its eventual handover during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. Experiences at the base were largely defined by its high-risk operational environment and the functional, rather than luxurious, nature of its facilities. Traditional "traveler reviews" for such a military installation are not available.