thedrifter
09-17-05, 06:30 PM
Group effort makes hurricane aid possible
24th MEU
Story by Sgt. Tracee L. Jackson
NEW ORLEANS-- (September 16, 2005) -- When Hurricane Katrina demolished the Gulf Coast, hundreds of Marines, led by the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flocked to the storm-stricken area to offer aid to hurricane victims, a mission impossible unless the Marines could sustain themselves.
The Marines of the MEU Service Support Group 24 pulled double duty during their short stay in the south: they brought relief to greater New Orleans and they provided critical support to their fellow Marines.
Maj. Sean Sadlier, executive officer of MSSG-24, explained how the Marine Corps’ ability to function independently makes it an asset. With the combined support of a community, a crisis can be turned into a camping trip.
“We know we have to be organized to make a difference, and that’s what we provide. You don’t have to worry about contracts or politics. We just go in there and do our job. We might not do it all, but we take care of our slice of the pie,” he said.
The tent city that popped up at the NASA Assembly Facility in Michoud, just east of New Orleans, only a few days after Katrina stormed ashore is a self-serving, self-functioning machine that maintains its fast-paced relief effort through a variety of supporting functions.
Sadlier also said that having a safe, strong community to rest in makes Marines more effective, and having assets like food, laundry, and a place to sleep can make all the difference to a Marine who spends long hours keeping Katrina’s destruction at bay.
In the fight to keep up logistically with the operational tempo, the personnel come first.
“There are safety concerns when it comes to cleaning up after a hurricane,” said Sgt. Robert Wrobi, who maintains showers and laundry facilities for the Marines. “When they come out of the field, it’s important they decontaminate their equipment, shower, and wash their clothes.”
He also noted that a good hygiene routine is the best defense against sicknesses in the post-hurricane cleanup phase.
Maintaining people is a small part of the battle. The rest of the task means keeping up with the machines and equipment needed to shoulder the hefty task of moving trees, debris and wreckage out of the New Orleans living spaces.
Gunnery Sgt. Jesse Paulson is the maintenance chief for MSSG-24. He and his detachment work around the clock to make sure Marines have the gear they need to get their job done.
“Maintenance is maintenance wherever you go,” he said. “We’re here to support the units and whoever else comes along the way and needs help. We fix gear for the (Battalion Landing Team), heavy equipment, electronics, communications … you name it, we’re on it.”
Having scores of handymen around the camp is imperative to the overall success of the MEU’s hurricane relief efforts. With all the attachments, gadgets, and working parts to keep it going, the MEU is in healthy condition, he added.
So whether they’re pulling wrecked vehicles out of a barge in town or building improved facilities within the camp, the Marines of MSSG-24 make the MEU possible.
Ellie
24th MEU
Story by Sgt. Tracee L. Jackson
NEW ORLEANS-- (September 16, 2005) -- When Hurricane Katrina demolished the Gulf Coast, hundreds of Marines, led by the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flocked to the storm-stricken area to offer aid to hurricane victims, a mission impossible unless the Marines could sustain themselves.
The Marines of the MEU Service Support Group 24 pulled double duty during their short stay in the south: they brought relief to greater New Orleans and they provided critical support to their fellow Marines.
Maj. Sean Sadlier, executive officer of MSSG-24, explained how the Marine Corps’ ability to function independently makes it an asset. With the combined support of a community, a crisis can be turned into a camping trip.
“We know we have to be organized to make a difference, and that’s what we provide. You don’t have to worry about contracts or politics. We just go in there and do our job. We might not do it all, but we take care of our slice of the pie,” he said.
The tent city that popped up at the NASA Assembly Facility in Michoud, just east of New Orleans, only a few days after Katrina stormed ashore is a self-serving, self-functioning machine that maintains its fast-paced relief effort through a variety of supporting functions.
Sadlier also said that having a safe, strong community to rest in makes Marines more effective, and having assets like food, laundry, and a place to sleep can make all the difference to a Marine who spends long hours keeping Katrina’s destruction at bay.
In the fight to keep up logistically with the operational tempo, the personnel come first.
“There are safety concerns when it comes to cleaning up after a hurricane,” said Sgt. Robert Wrobi, who maintains showers and laundry facilities for the Marines. “When they come out of the field, it’s important they decontaminate their equipment, shower, and wash their clothes.”
He also noted that a good hygiene routine is the best defense against sicknesses in the post-hurricane cleanup phase.
Maintaining people is a small part of the battle. The rest of the task means keeping up with the machines and equipment needed to shoulder the hefty task of moving trees, debris and wreckage out of the New Orleans living spaces.
Gunnery Sgt. Jesse Paulson is the maintenance chief for MSSG-24. He and his detachment work around the clock to make sure Marines have the gear they need to get their job done.
“Maintenance is maintenance wherever you go,” he said. “We’re here to support the units and whoever else comes along the way and needs help. We fix gear for the (Battalion Landing Team), heavy equipment, electronics, communications … you name it, we’re on it.”
Having scores of handymen around the camp is imperative to the overall success of the MEU’s hurricane relief efforts. With all the attachments, gadgets, and working parts to keep it going, the MEU is in healthy condition, he added.
So whether they’re pulling wrecked vehicles out of a barge in town or building improved facilities within the camp, the Marines of MSSG-24 make the MEU possible.
Ellie