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thedrifter
06-03-04, 07:11 AM
Wusbin patrol announces “new sheriff” in town
Submitted by: Combined Joint Task Force - 180
Story Identification #: 20046295427
Story by Lance Cpl. John E. Lawson Jr.



SUROBI DISTRICT, Afghanistan(May 31, 2004) -- Operation Bama, the first large-scale operation conducted by 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, since deploying to Afghanistan earlier this month in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, was completed here May 28.

The battalion is continuing operations started by 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, earlier this year, as well as beginning new operations in the Surobi District, located about 45 kilometers east of Kabul. Operations include patrols, vehicle checkpoints, civil and humanitarian assistance coordinated with the coalition’s provincial reconstruction teams.

Operation Bama was conducted in the Wusbin Valley, an area believed to be a hiding place of many anti-coalition militia members, as part of the coalition’s ongoing effort to disrupt terrorist activity in Afghanistan.

The valley, north of Surobi, is an area coalition forces haven’t really made a presence in before, said Capt. Justin Ansel, company commander, I Company. “The intent of this operation was to show our presence in the area.”

Operation Bama began with the helicopter insertion of scout sniper teams and subsequent ground insertion of mortarmen to provide additional firepower if needed during the patrol.

Hours after the mortarmen departed more than 50 Marines and Sailors from the battalion stood ready near a landing zone marked with chemlights. The sun began to rise over the distant mountains as the Marines lifted their packs onto their backs, preparing for their helicopter transports.

Two Army CH-47 Chinook medium transport and four Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopters neared overhead. The Apaches quickly began circling the area as the two Chinooks began their landing.

Dust and debris flew everywhere as the Marines ran in two single-file lines into the rear hatches of the “birds.” Everyone took their seat and the helicopters lifted off the ground, carrying their combat-ready troops to their destination.

The Chinook helicopters touched down on a mountain near the first village of the 15-kilometer patrol route through the valley. Marines rushed from the back of the helicopters, quickly establishing perimeter security.

Two Apaches remained with the Marines, circling overhead to provide close air support for the patrol. From the mortar positions, Marines watched the village and observed the reaction of the villagers as the Marines neared the village. They radioed their report to the Marines on the ground.

After patrolling down the steep mountainside, the Marines took a security position outside the village. Ansel, a few other Marines and an interpreter approached a villager and asked to speak to the Malik, or village leader.

Speaking to the villagers, they introduced themselves as a friendly coalition force in the area to protect Afghanistan’s best interest and continue ongoing efforts to destroy terrorist infrastructure and weapons caches. After the introduction and various conversations, Ansel presented the village with a radio as a gesture of good faith, he said.

“I thought this operation was a good way to let the people in the valley know the coalition is here,” said Lance Cpl. Matthew Bailey, mortarman. “We did some humanitarian assistance too; handing out toys to the local children.”

The Marines continued their patrol through the valley, repeating the scene in each of the several villages along the way. The Afghans responded differently in each village, but the majority supported the Marines. Many of the children in one village snacked on food and candy the Marines had given them.

As the day wore on, the patrol element grew larger as the teams of scout snipers, who had been watching the area for a few days, joined the rest of the company.

“The terrain and the weather were challenges, but it’s what we’ve been training for,” Bailey added, referring to the battalion’s recent Combined Armed Exercise held at Twentynine Palms, Calif.

As temperature here reached about 120 degrees, the sun bore down on the patrol. Each Marine wore his body armor and helmet, which protect them from bullets and shrapnel, but not heat. They also carried their weapons and packs, weighing about 80 pounds, Ansel said.

“Despite the tough conditions and harsh weather, the Marines maintained their focus and discipline,” he said. “The patrol was long, hot and monotonous.”

As the patrol continued, the non-commissioned officers ensured their Marines stayed hydrated. Marines shared their water with their fellow devil dogs, encouraging them to continue and keep their mind in the game.

“You have to keep a brave face in front of your Marines, even if you’re hurting,” said Cpl. Raymond Butler, squad leader, weapons platoon. “Take some of the weight if they have too much; give them some of your water. You have to encourage them, not de-motivate them.”

As the Marines reached the end of their patrol route, they knew their hard work had paid off; establishing their presence and completing their mission.

“Completing a patrol like this is a significant feat in and of itself,” Ansel said. “Add the weight, the weather and the terrain and it’s a real challenge. But, in typical Marine fashion, these Marines successfully accomplished their mission.”

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200462121840/$file/040528-M-8458L-007low.jpg

Marines from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, patrol the Wusbin Valley here May 28. The 15-kilometer patrol was part of Operation Bama, the battalion’s first major operation since deploying here earlier this month. Photo by: Lance Cpl. John E. Lawson Jr.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/F7D92F913934E15D85256EA7004C656C?opendocument


Ellie

thedrifter
06-03-04, 07:12 AM
Field chow provides much-needed alternative to Meals Ready-to-Eat
Submitted by: 22nd MEU
Story Identification #: 200453111393
Story by Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks



FORWARD OPERATING BASE RIPLEY, Afghanistan (May 31, 2004) -- For many Marines in the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), May 18 was special in that they were able to enjoy their first hot meal in a month when the chow hall at Forward Operating Base Ripley opened its tent flaps.

The chow hall adds a welcome break from the Meals-Ready-to-Eat many Marines have been subsisting on for weeks and continues to provide the nutrition needed to maintain combat readiness.

"It's the same nutritional value as an MRE," Lance Cpl. Andrew Cagle, of Ellijay, Georgia, a food service specialist assigned to the MEU Command Element. "It's like an MRE on a larger scale."

The chow hall feeds all Marines and Sailors from the MEU Command Element, Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 6th Marines, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 (Reinforced), and MEU Service Support Group 22, as well as Army units attached to the MEU.

Preparing meals is a relatively simple process. The elements of the meal (main dish, side items, dessert, etc.) come pre-packaged in containers that are then cooked in a tray ration heater. Once finished, the food is emptied into serving trays, where they are sealed until ready to put out on the line. Everyday is different, however, for the field cooks.

"We get tasked for different things every day," said Cpl. Juan Romero, of Queens, N.Y., another Command Element food service specialist. "Sometimes you cook, and you sometimes work the line."

The challenge of the chow tent comes from the sheer volume of meals prepared on a daily basis by the chow hall relatively small staff. Currently open for two meals a day, units are assigned specific times for eating so as to not overwhelm the twelve Marines working in the chow hall. Though expecting a lot of hungry service members to feed on the first day, the initial turnout for the chow hall still surprised food service specialists.

"It was long," said Romero. "We didn't expect that many people."

The Marines preparing the food begin three hours prior to opening the serving line, and continue cooking throughout the meal to ensure there's enough food to go around.

The chow hall at FOB Ripley is also unique in the fact that it is one of the last places where one can find Marine cooks still working the kitchen. Currently, the Marine Corps is contracting out work at the chow halls aboard its bases, leaving only field cooks as the heirs of a long tradition of Marine cooks.

The MEU is in Afghanistan conducting combat and civil military operations as Task Force Linebacker.

For more information on the 22d MEU (SOC)'s role in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, visit the unit's web site at www.22meu.usmc.mil.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2004531114238/$file/Chow_Serving-Line_Low.jpg

Medical specialists from MEU Service Support Group 22, the combat service support element of the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), take their turn ladeling chow to Marines and Sailors at the chow hall at Forward Operating Base Ripley, Afghanistan. Photo by: Sgt. Matt C. Preston

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/DA60F0C68B4F63D085256EA50055F90E?opendocument


Ellie

thedrifter
06-03-04, 07:21 AM
MSSG-22 drivers brave perilous terrain to keep 22nd MEU (SOC) in the fight
Submitted by: 22nd MEU
Story Identification #: 200452852011
Story by Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks



FORWARD OPERATING BASE RIPLEY, Afghanistan (May 28, 2004) -- Decades of war have left Afghanistan's civil infrastructure in shambles, and nowhere is this more evident than in the country's lack of roads and highways.

As the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) pushes deeper into Afghanistan in its hunt for Taliban and anti-coalition militia, the Marines responsible for traversing these dangerous and unimproved roads are showing their true colors.

For more than three weeks, the truck drivers and mechanics from MSSG-22's Transportation Support Detachment (TSD) have been forging over Afghanistan's rough-hewn roads in their Humvees and seven-ton trucks keeping the MEU in the fight.

"Most of our [ground assault convoy] missions have been resupply runs and driving Marines into and out of missions," said Lance Cpl. Kevin Prindable, of Granite City, Illinois, a motor transport operator with MEU Service Support Group 22. "We're always on the move."

While the drivers remain poised and ready to support each of the MEU's major subordinate elements, the terrain is taking its toll on the vehicles themselves.

"The roads are real rough," said Lance Cpl. Timothy Culbertson, of Breman, Ohio, "and it's not only the roads, but the terrain. There are rocks everywhere and really sharp turns. It's hard on the trucks."

"We're seeing a lot of flat tires and problems with seals, power steering, and shocks and springs," he continued, alluding to the problems associated with vehicles constantly bouncing over the rough terrain.

Despite these problems, MSSG-22's cadre of motor transport mechanics are keeping the vehicles rolling. Whether it's on the road or at one of the MEU's forward operating bases, mechanical problems are constantly being met and conquered.

While the terrain has an affect on the vehicles, the most noticeable change is in the drivers themselves.

"We're getting better every day," said Lance Cpl. Gustavis Barfield, of Decatur, Georgia, another MSSG-22 operator. "Some of the marginal drivers have turned outstanding and we're all seeing our skills improve."

"These are really nasty, jagged roads we're driving," Barfield continued. "We're learning to judge turns, decide which is the best ground to go over, and what our trucks can and can't do."

According to Prindable, who's nearing his three-year mark in the Marine Corps, navigating the difficult terrain is a team effort.

"There's always a gunner on top manning a .50 caliber or MK-19 machine gun. He's a driver too and usually has a better view of where we should go so he'll shout directions to the driver and guide from up top."

Shortly after the MEU began conducting combat operations in Afghanistan, a truck driven by an MSSG-22 Marine struck a carefully-hidden improvised explosive device. The blast wounded the driver and two other Marines, and since then, the TSD drivers have grown even more vigilant traveling what some have dubbed 'IED Alley.'

"We're always on the look-out for IEDs and ambushes," said Prindable, "but we can't let that slow us down because we have a job to do."

While an infantryman charging into a firefight may capture far more headlines than a Marine behind the wheel of a seven-ton truck, the MEU's combat operations would grind to a sudden halt without the bravery and hard work of these young men and women.

"In my opinion they're the unsung heroes of this operation," said Maj. Michael R. Barrett, executive officer of MSSG-22.

In addition to MSSG-22, the 22nd MEU (SOC) consists of its Command Element, Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 6th Marines, and Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 (Reinforced). The MEU is in Afghanistan conducting combat and civil military operations as Task Force Linebacker.

For more information on the 22nd MEU (SOC)'s role in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, visit the unit's web site at www.22meu.usmc.mil.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200452852418/$file/GAC_Emerging_Low.jpg

A seven-ton truck emerges from a swollen pond in unusually plush terrain as a Humvee plows through the water during a resupply mission to elements of Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 6th Marines participating in the hunt for Taliban insurgents and hidden weapons caches in Afghanistan's Oruzgan province. The trucks belong to MEU Service Support Group 22, the combat service support element of the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). Photo by: Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/B15E19B15257697485256EA20033497F?opendocument


Ellie

thedrifter
06-04-04, 06:44 AM
Defanging the Taliban one arms cache at a time <br />
Submitted by: 22nd MEU <br />
Story Identification #: 2004531115120 <br />
Story by Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks <br />
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CENTRAL ORUZGAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan (June...