8th ESB wraps up deployment in Anbar

[thedrifter]

The Marines with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), have completed a six-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Marines with the battalion enjoyed many accomplishments, including major construction projects for both coalition and Iraqi Security Forces. Many of those missions were larger than those normally performed by a battalion.

“Constructing combat outposts and observation posts for (5th Battalion, 7th Calvary Brigade) during Operation Fardh al Qanoon and the introduction of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of Operation Faridh al Aminh helped facilitate a persistent security presence in areas previously left unchecked,” said Lt. Col. Daniel P. O’Hora, the commanding officer of the battalion.

During their deployment, more than 100 buildings were constructed for use as billeting and workspaces that are fully equipped with utilities such as electrical power, lighting and environmental control units in rigorous locations, he explained.

They also provided force protection measures built for the safety of the occupants of the newly constructed combat outposts and observation posts in the form of protective berms and barriers through more than 8,300 hours of heavy equipment operation.

The battalion was also responsible for moving their own equipment and supplies to and from construction sites, which added up to countless hours on Anbar’s roadways.

Many of the units 8th ESB supported were appreciative of the Marine’s efforts on the ground to make their lives easier.

“Supported units were sure to offer their thanks to the Marines and sailors of 8th ESB and it provided our folks a great sense of accomplishment and purpose, seeing firsthand the fruits of their labor,” O’Hora said.

Gunnery Sgt. Scott S. Rickards, the company first sergeant of Bridge Company, 8th ESB, explained how seeing his Marines develop made his deployment worthwhile.

“I enjoyed seeing my Marines perform in combat,” he explained. “They have truly come a long way.”

Many of the junior Marines had positive things to say about the accomplishments the battalion made throughout their time in country.

“It went really well and we got a lot done,” Cpl. Marcus Penn, the career retention specialist with the battalion, explained. “For all the stress that goes along with deploying, we managed to stay focused and we did a lot of good for Iraq.”

After helping make Iraq safer one nail or one protective barrier at a time, the Marines are ready to return home to family they left behind.

“I think the majority of the Marines and sailors are looking forward to spending time with their families and relaxing for a while,” O’Hora said. “There has been absolutely no rest for the weary and I, for one, know that they deserve a break.”

O’Hora said the Marines returning home could take their break knowing they performed to the best of their abilities.

“I couldn't be more proud of the way in which this battalion has performed its mission,” O’Hora said. “Marines and sailors can point to the operations they've been involved in and tell you that they built outposts where there weren't any and now we have coalition and Iraqi forces in those areas, and Iraq is safer for it.”