thedrifter
09-18-07, 06:37 AM
An Engineer Support Battalion’s contribution to building a better Iraq is often literally just that, building. As 6th ESB officially assumed the responsibilities formerly belonging to 8th ESB, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), they began a deployment in which they hope to build upon the outgoing unit’s successes.
“Welcome aboard,” Brig. Gen. James A. Kessler, 2nd MLG (Fwd) commanding general, said as he greeted the incoming unit at the Sept. 14 transfer of authority ceremony. “We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us and I know you’re up to the task.”
The work performed by the outgoing unit is evident as their mark remains in not only structures, but in roads and entire combat outposts throughout Al Anbar Province. Many Marines benefit from the products of 8th ESB’s labor every day, in particular, the Marines operating out of recently built posts in the Thar Thar and Amariyah-Ferris regions, and anyone who travels a road 8th ESB has repaired. From the convenience of electrical power to the safety of berms and barriers, 6th ESB is reminded daily of their mission’s products and the advantages they provide.
But, one of the 8th ESB’s own made sure he especially made his appreciation known.
“I thank you for each and every day you got up and attacked those tasks,” Lt. Col. Daniel P. O’ Hora, commanding officer for 8th ESB, said to his Marines at the ceremony. “You have certainly done whatever it takes to accomplish the mission.”
They often did so by the means of their most familiar craft: building. During their time here, they’ve built numerous combat outposts and more than 100 buildings for billeting and workspaces. One of the most precious things was a partnership with Iraqi forces.
For 6th ESB, however, training requirements needed to be met before ever driving a nail here, even though the unit’s commanding officer explained approximately 40 percent of his Marines have deployment experience. Through all of July, they conducted desert combat training at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Even after arriving here, training continued.
They took advantage of 8th ESB’s honed skills, practicing a method called “left seat, right seat.” After 8th ESB spent time in the driver’s seat with the relieving unit looking on, Lt. Col. William J. Rusciolelli, the commanding officer of 6th ESB, explained the two battalions have swapped seats.
“We look forward to picking up the mission that you took on,” Rusciolelli said addressing the outgoing unit. “We’ve got a great staff here and we’re ready to rock and roll.”
But, 6th ESB was benefited by more than just the insight of the outgoing Marines. They will also inherit the hardworking reputation of engineers; a sturdy reputation 8th ESB played a part in building, and that 6th ESB intends to build upon.
“Welcome aboard,” Brig. Gen. James A. Kessler, 2nd MLG (Fwd) commanding general, said as he greeted the incoming unit at the Sept. 14 transfer of authority ceremony. “We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us and I know you’re up to the task.”
The work performed by the outgoing unit is evident as their mark remains in not only structures, but in roads and entire combat outposts throughout Al Anbar Province. Many Marines benefit from the products of 8th ESB’s labor every day, in particular, the Marines operating out of recently built posts in the Thar Thar and Amariyah-Ferris regions, and anyone who travels a road 8th ESB has repaired. From the convenience of electrical power to the safety of berms and barriers, 6th ESB is reminded daily of their mission’s products and the advantages they provide.
But, one of the 8th ESB’s own made sure he especially made his appreciation known.
“I thank you for each and every day you got up and attacked those tasks,” Lt. Col. Daniel P. O’ Hora, commanding officer for 8th ESB, said to his Marines at the ceremony. “You have certainly done whatever it takes to accomplish the mission.”
They often did so by the means of their most familiar craft: building. During their time here, they’ve built numerous combat outposts and more than 100 buildings for billeting and workspaces. One of the most precious things was a partnership with Iraqi forces.
For 6th ESB, however, training requirements needed to be met before ever driving a nail here, even though the unit’s commanding officer explained approximately 40 percent of his Marines have deployment experience. Through all of July, they conducted desert combat training at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Even after arriving here, training continued.
They took advantage of 8th ESB’s honed skills, practicing a method called “left seat, right seat.” After 8th ESB spent time in the driver’s seat with the relieving unit looking on, Lt. Col. William J. Rusciolelli, the commanding officer of 6th ESB, explained the two battalions have swapped seats.
“We look forward to picking up the mission that you took on,” Rusciolelli said addressing the outgoing unit. “We’ve got a great staff here and we’re ready to rock and roll.”
But, 6th ESB was benefited by more than just the insight of the outgoing Marines. They will also inherit the hardworking reputation of engineers; a sturdy reputation 8th ESB played a part in building, and that 6th ESB intends to build upon.