Landing Support provides outpost with supplies

Landing Support provides outpost with supplies
Sgt. Wayne Edmiston
Cpl. Benjamin R. Flores guides in a CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter in preparation for a supply lift. The landing support Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion
4 ensure equipment is safely loaded underneath the helicopter before it flies to its destination. Flores is the helicopter support team noncommissioned officer in
charge with the battalion.
Sgt. Wayne Edmiston
2nd Marine Logistics Group (Fwd)
AL ASAD, Iraq -- Is it worth the time and risk? If
there is risk, how can we mitigate it? This question is
asked of battlefield commanders before every mission. This situation is no different.
The risk: The roads of Iraq are long and sometimes laden with improvised explosive devices. If a
commander can think of a safer and more effective
way, the Marines of 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) will find it and execute.
In the case of Combat Outpost Timberwolf, a remote location very difficult to get to by road, the sky is
the perfect delivery method.
The mitigation: Helicopter lift mission.
However, the landing support specialists of
Combat Logistics Battalion 4 don’t strategize, they
execute. That means getting the adrenaline rush of
having a 73,000-pound aircraft flying just 6 to 8 feet
above their head as they connect vital supplies to the
bottom of the hovering behemoth.
In the case of Timberwolf, it can take more than
a day of driving to arrive there and about a day to
return. Sending it via helicopter saves time, effort and
possibly lives.
“It takes a while for a convoy to do it, but for us to
do it takes about 30 minutes,” said Sgt. Roy A. Gutierrez, the commander of the helicopter support team
and Bronx, N.Y., native. “We ressuply them so they
can stay in the fight.”
Before they can begin connecting the supplies,
2- Marines, Iraqis team up
3- SMMC visits Al Asad
4- Iraqi town recovers from
insurgency
5- Sheik Sittar honered in parade
6- 3rd LAR Comes back to old haunt
there is a long process of preparation.
In addition to visually and physically inspecting
the slings and nets to ensure a secure load, the Marines must coordinate with the helicopter squadron
transporting the supplies to the outpost.
This requires a clear understanding of when the
load will be lifted and how heavy the load is. Only
then can they perform a lift, explained Cpl. Benjamin
R. Flores, the noncommissioned officer in charge of
the support team and Missoula, Mont., native.
The landing support Marines must guide the inbound helicopter and brace themselves for the 150
mile per hour wind that gushes past as they connect
a grounding wire to a hook dangling from the over-
See LANDING, page 11
7- TFMP watches over Golden Land
8- Vikings serves as eyes from above
9- Truck Company delivers
10- TF 1st Bn., 3rd marines, weeds out
enemies, while training iraqis
12- Pictures from the front
Marines, Iraqis work together for security
Lance Cpl. David A. Weikle
1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment
AR RAMADI, IRAQ -- During December 2006,
Mark Kukis of TIME magazine called Ar Ramadi the
most dangerous city in Iraq. The capital of the Al Anbar province is now considered a prime security example of everything that is going right in Iraq.
Part of this successful turnaround can be attributed to an integration of coalition forces and Iraqi security forces to make a safer Iraq for the people of this
formerly oppressed nation. It’s a turnaround which is
a shining example of what U.S. troops need to do to
win the war.
One of Ramadi’s achievements is the level of
peace and security its residents enjoy. One of the
Bush administration’s major goals for troop withdrawal is having Iraqis responsible for the security of their
country. Marines in Anbar have formed teams, called
military police transition teams, which deal directly
with Iraqi Security Forces to help meet this goal.
Capt. Sean P. Carroll is one such Marine. The
commanding officer of Headquarters and Service
Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, attached to the U.S. Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team,
3rd Infantry Division, Multi National Force-West, Carroll was the coordinator for his battalion’s ISF cell
during their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom. As Carroll and his fellow service members
return home, the Marines of 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, have come to Ramadi to carry on the
mission started by 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, earlier
this year.
“It’s hard to turn over all our hard work and progress to another unit,” said Carroll, a San Diego native.
“We know 1st Bn., 8th Marines, can take over this
program successfully. We’re very satisfied with that.”
Carroll credited part of the battalion’s success to
the efforts of the MTTs and PTTs that were brought
together as the ISF cell. He said the success of the
cell came from their hard work and determination.
“The first thing we had to do was clear our area
of operations of insurgent safe houses and strongholds,” said the 1994 Valhalla High School graduate.
“There was a large involvement with the Iraqi Police,
the Iraqi Army and the emergency response units.
Then we started organizing the ISF units in our AO
into a more capable and effective force.”
Carroll’s ISF cell pushed for more training for
the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army units in their area of
operations including formal training academies and
daily training with Marines in the ISF cell. Carroll’s
team was also responsible for starting programs to
train female IPs.
“It was a major accomplishment,” he said. “We
were able to start a training program for the female
IPs and integrate them into the force.”
The Marines of 1st Bn., 8th Marines, hope to carry on the accomplishments achieved by Carroll and
his men as they begin their deployment in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom. First Lt. Jeromy Johnson
was selected to replace Carroll as the ISF coordinator for the battalion.
“The ISF cell is a very important part of the mission,” said Johnson, the executive officer for Head-
quarters and Service Company, 1st Bn., 8th Marines.
“All the police transition teams in the ISF cell can
show Iraqis how to do things. The Iraqis have the
knowledge to take over security.”
Johnson has been given a section of the battalion’s personnel security detachment to help carry out
his mission. Johnson says the decision to place a
section of PSD in the ISF cell came from the battalion
commander.
“They provide security for the ISF cell,” said the
Roxboro, N.C., native. “We’d have no one to provide
security during our meetings without them.”
Johnson’s goal is to get several of the IP stations
operating independently of his Marines in the ISF
cell. He plans to accomplish this by gradually pulling
back the coalition forces operating with Iraqi Police
and Iraqi Army units.
“I think we will have multiple stations operating independently before we leave,” said the husband and
father of three. “The stations will only need logistical
support from us.”
Before U.S. troops can turn over the security of
Iraq to Iraqis, the people of Iraq must demonstrate
they can provide security for their country. With help
from service members like Carroll and Johnson, the
day when American troops can leave Iraq, knowing
that Iraq and the United States are safer, is approaching faster with each passing day.
Lance Cpl. David Weikle is a combat
correspondent serving with 1st Battalion, 8th
Marine Regiment, in Al Anbar Province. For
information, e-mail him at [email protected].
Lance Cpl. David A. Weikle
First Lt. Jeromy Johnson, executive officer, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, currently attached to the U.S. Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Multi National Force-West, briefs Marines of the battalion’s military police transition team before a convoy into Ar Ramadi.
The team’s mission is to work with Iraqi security forces in joint security operations.
Marine Top Enlisted visits ‘Devil Dogs’
Cpl. Ryan Jackson
Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlton W. Kent recently held a town hall meeting with Marines to discuss upcoming policy changes. Kent discussed new
policies such as the wearing of the new physical training uniform off base instead of the digital camouflage uniform.
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Career Retention Specialists
Multi-National Force-West
Master Sgt. Mark McKay
Regimental Combat Team 2
Gunnery Sgt. Gary Cassel
Regimental Combat Team 6
Gunnery Sgt. Paul McCrimmon
2nd Marine Logistics Group (Fwd)
Master Sgt. Terry Cole
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)
Staff Sgt. Tiffany Richardson Headquarters Battalion
Staff Sgt. Julie Seadler 3405-125
3412-406
3649-851
3422-731
3416-378
3405-468
Cpl. Ryan Jackson
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward)
AL ASAD, Iraq -- Instead of the age-old congratulations and pat on the back passed down the chain of
command, Marines on the front lines in Iraq received
a visit and words of thanks directly from the Sergeant
Major of the Marine Corps.
During his Middle Eastern tour, the 16th Sgt. Maj.
of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlton W. Kent, came
to Al Asad, Sept. 24, on a well defined and concise
mission--to thank his Marines.
“First of all, I wanted to come over here and thank
them for what they do for our Corps and our country,”
said Kent. “As you know, the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen and everyone in the Western part of
Iraq are doing great things for our nation. This place
has turned around and the local people trust us and
we are out there every day doing great things.”
Kent spent most of the day visiting units aboard
Al Asad assessing morale as well as mission accomplishment. Individual Marines had the opportunity to
address the sergeant major one-on-one.
“I’ve been visiting Marines outside the wire and at
different FOBs,” said Kent. “Things are going really
good, the Marines are motivated. The news agencies
will tell you this thing is going bad, but I’m here to tell
you it’s not going south. There are a lot of positive
things we’re doing here and the morale is extremely
high amongst Marines, and I’ve talked to thousands.
They can see the progress.”
Kent also hosted a town hall meeting to tell Marines about the latest changes being made in the
Corps and receive feedback from the warfighters.
“The commandant and the leadership of our
Corps are making great changes for us today that
are going to benefit us in the future fight,” said the
top enlisted Marine. “Not just the present, but we’re
focusing on the future of our Corps.”
He answered questions concerning height and
weight standards, revealing the Corps’ intentions of
refining the current order and making it more concise.
Details on the revised body composition program
were few, but he warned that the changes were on
the way.
He also addressed the Corps’ need to keep experienced Marines due to the new end-strength goals.
“Our goal is to grow over the next five years by
27,000 and we have already met this year’s endstrength goal,” said Kent. “We’re going to keep meeting it because we’ve got great Marines around our
Corps and we’ve got recruiters that are recruiting the
best without lowering the standards. We will continue
to grow and we want great Marines to stick around
the Corps.”
Kent encouraged Marines to stay and use their
experience to make tomorrow’s Marine Corps a better place. Kent also motivated Marines by explaining
what has kept him focused throughout his career citing; God, Marines and his family for helping him to
reach success.
Cpl. Ryan Jackson is a combat correspondent
serving with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
(Forward), in Al Anbar Province. For
information, e-mail him at Ryan.Jackson@
acemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil.
Sgt. Stephen DeBoard
Children mass in the doorway of their Zaidon, Iraq, classroom Oct. 22 after receiving school supplies from Iraqi Police and Marines from Company I, 3rd Battalion,
3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6. The supply run served the dual purpose of both helping schoolchildren by providing much-needed pens, pencils
and bookbags, in addition to introducing the city’s new mayor, Iraqi Police Lt. Col. Ishmael, to the people.
Once haven for insurgents, Iraqi town recovers
Sgt. Stephen DeBoard
Regimental Cmbat Team 6
ZAIDON, Iraq-- While Fallujah and Ramadi are
shining jewels of the combined efforts of coalition and
Iraqi Security Forces in Anbar Province, there still remain towns whose progress is less developed.
One such town is Zaidon. Tucked just a few miles
southeast of Fallujah, the sheiks of Zaidon only appointed the first mayor in mid-October. In one of the
few markets around town, U.S. and Iraqi forces discovered more than a dozen IEDs in one day, just a
few months ago. Coalition Forces only came around
to conduct raids.
Today, however, Zaidon is starting to come
around. The chief of police was appointed as mayor by a council of sheiks, the traditional method of
choosing municipal leadership. On Oct. 22, Marines
with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment,
Regimental Combat Team 6, worked hand in hand
with Ishmael and his Iraqi Police to deliver food bags
and school supplies to area markets and schools.
“The main objective of this was to get a partnership between the new mayor and Coalition Forces,”
said Gunnery Sgt. Dennis A. Rogers, one of the liaisons between the Marines and the Iraqi people. “This
used to be one of the worst areas west of Baghdad,
but (2nd Bn., 7th Marines) did a good job establishing
IPs and Provincial Security Forces. We’re building on
that success.”
That success has come in the form of freedom
of movement through the farmlands that mark the
area, which hugs a thumb-shaped stretch of the Euphrates River. The freshly tilled soil, green grass and
palm groves provide a healthy contrast the expanses
of brownish-gray sand so fine some Marines call it
moon dust. Cows, sheep and horses graze beside
houses and along roadsides. Most families grow
enough food to feed themselves and sell a little extra
at market, said Mamdu abd al Kareem, son of Sheik
Kareem, the head of the Zobai tribe.
The bags of food delivered by seven-ton trucks
here contained staples such as lentils, rice and
beans. They also contained other essentials such as
diapers. There were also school supplies like book
bags, pens and pencils. For the vast majority of families, the supplies were a welcome relief on their financial strain. For some, however, it was a tough pill
to swallow, said al Kareem. Some men find it a point
of pride to be the sole breadwinner of their families,
even if the income they generate is barely enough to
keep food in their children’s bellies.
For Capt. John Allsup, Company I’s commanding
officer, it is an acceptable trade-off. The supply runs
also served to take the new mayor around the city
centers, introducing him to the locals.
“The food bags are a gesture of goodwill at the
end of Ramadan,” Allsup said. “We’re (also) letting
the people know there’s a new mayor in the area.”
It is the end of Ramadan that brings the children
back to school, but there could be no classes without teachers. While Anbar Province became more
violent, teachers abdicated their classrooms to insurgents, who used schools as staging points and
safehouses, said Allsup. The flight of teachers led to
more students being home schooled. In this heavily
agricultural area, studies often gave way, for children
old enough, to chores or working at the market.
As peace returned to Zaidon, so did the teachers. Right behind the teachers were students. Now,
schools are packed with schoolchildren dressed in
vivid oranges, reds and blues, singing songs to help
them learn how to spell. Because of the renewed partnership between IPs and Coalition Forces in the area
some sense of normalcy has returned to Zaidon.
“The relationship between us and the IPs is absolutely critical. Lt. Col. Ishamel established the IPs,
and they have made it possible for the kids to come
back to school after four years,” Allsup said.
While there is still progress to be made, the tone
is distinctly hopeful. The task of firmly tying in the local Zaidon government to the district government in
Fallujah and the provincial government in Ramadi is
crucial to solidifying the gains made in the region.
Though much work remains in Zaidon and other
small towns like it, the combined efforts and dedication of Iraqi Police and Coalition Forces help move
toward a brighter future for Zaidon’s residents.
Sgt. Stephen DeBoard is the public affairs chief
serving with Regimental Combat Team 6, Multi
National Force-West in Al Anbar Province. For
information, e-mail him at Stephen.DeBoard@
gcemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil.
Ramadi holds parade in honor of Sheik
Spc. Ricardo Branch
3rd Infantry Divsion, 1st Brigade Combat Team
RAMADI, Iraq – The last parade held in downtown Ramadi was by insurgent
forces in the fall of 2006 when the city was gripped in daily violence.
Times have changed now as government officials and city locals held a parade down Route Michigan Oct. 23 in Ramadi.
Capt. Aaron Southard, Information Operations officer for 1st Brigade Combat
Team, said the parade speaks volumes when considering the former violence that
plagued Ramadi.
“The Iraqis were able to conduct this event without any attacks or influence
from terrorist organizations because stability is to the point now where events like
this can happen,” he said. “It’s really surreal; the most recent parade was conducted in the fall of 2006 by Al Qaeda in Iraq. It shows that the capacity of the Iraqi
Security Forces is growing daily if not hourly.”
The parade was a celebration of the contributions of Sheik Abdul Sattar, who
was killed last month, and for the Iraqi Security Forces, who were instrumental in
defeating Al Qaeda in Al Anbar province.
“The ill-intentions of Al Qaeda in Iraq, and their path line, which was anti-Iraqi
triggered a change here,” said Gen. Nasier Abadi, Vice Chief of Armed Forces of
Iraq. “All across Al-Anbar and other provinces people are rising up and revolting
against Al Qaeda.”
He said that although Anbar was the first province where people awakened to
fight against terrorists, it’s definitely not the last.
“You can see the same thing happening in Diyala where the sheiks are organizing and getting the people to stand up,” Abadi said.
The voice of the people could be heard as city officials and Iraqi Security
Forces joined in the singing of the country’s national anthem and clapped along
to the beat of the Ramadi Police band. As the security forces marched along the
streets in crisp, clean uniforms, cheers from the side caused a strut in the stride
of many of the troops.
“This is a day to celebrate what’s possible when local political leaders, government leaders, and tribal leaders work together for their people,” said Lt. Gen.
James Dubik, Multi-National Security Transition Command commanding general.
“This is a reflection of the success of operations and with the awakening of the
people.”
The success of Ramadi, Dubik said can be attributed to the rapid growth of the
security forces in the city.
“The police force here have been a tremendous help in the security of Ramadi,” he said. “(In Anbar) they’ve grown from 11,000 to 21,000 in a few months,
which is a huge success for coalition and Iraqi forces here.”
As the last vehicle passed by, it reaffirmed the unity and commitment the Iraqi
Security Forces have for the people of Ramadi.
Spc. Ricardo Branch is a combat correspondent serving with 3rd
Infantry Division, 1st Brigade Combat Team, in Al Anbar Province. For
information, e-mail him at [email protected].
Spc. Ricardo Branch
Schoolchildren from the boys and girls schools of Ramadi march down Route Michigan during a parade Oct. 23 at Ramadi. The parade was a celebration of the contributions of Sheik Abdul Sittar, who was killed last month, and for the Iraqi Security Forces, who were instrumental in defeating Al Qaeda in Al Anbar province.
Wolfpack returns to hunt in Rawah
Cpl. Ryan C. Heiser
Cpl. Matthew R. Boeck (right), a patrol leader with Company A, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 2, leads a joint patrol with
several Iraqi policemen through the city streets.
Cpl. Ryan Heiser
Regimental Combat Team 2
COMBAT OUTPOST RAWAH, Iraq -- Third Light Armored Reconnaissance
Battalion recently accepted control of the western Euphrates River valley surrounding Rawah and Anah, and relieved 1st LAR in support of Regimental Combat Team 2.
This year marks the Wolfpack’s fourth deployment in support of Operation
Iraqi Freedom, and their second trip to the Rawah area in the western Al Anbar
Province.
Company A, known as Apache, has assumed responsibility for patrols and
the security of the city, and continues to share a joint living area and working
relationship with the city’s police force.
“We are continuing the idea of; by, with, and through the Iraqis,” said Lt. Col.
James R. Parrington, the Wolfpack’s commanding officer. “We work very closely
with the Iraqi forces because it puts a visible face on the security effort in town.
We are here not only to coach and mentor in patrolling techniques, but to also
show the public their own forces are doing the work.”
The Minneapolis native went on to say the policemen in the area have come
a long way in their training and they understand their duties to ‘protect and serve’
the community.
“By and large, what we have is a good corps of policemen here. Policemen as
you would think of them in the U.S.,” he said.
Many of Apache’s Marines are surprised by how well the Iraqi police force
does its job, in contrast to horror stories they have heard in the past.
“It’s truly a safe environment, considering where we are,” said Cpl. Michael
J. Conto, a fire team leader with the company. “The IPs are doing great and the
relationship we have is going well for everyone. Some of these guys have only
been here for six or seven months and they’re already helping out the junior guys
in the company.”
One of the new techniques the Wolfpack brought with them from Marine Air
Ground Task Force Training Command 29 Palms, Calif., was the rolling snap vehicle checkpoint.
“Its kind of like a quickie VCP with a hug afterward,” laughs Cpl. Matthew R.
Boeck, a patrol leader, after checking a vehicle. “While on patrol, we will randomly snatch up vehicles, thoroughly search them, document the passengers,
check IDs, and afterward, we apologize for the inconvenience and explain it’s for
their safety. Most of the civilians really don’t mind it, and we’ve even made some
friends.”
Almost as if on cue, an Iraqi teenager runs up to the patrol and shakes everyone’s hand, using nearly perfect English to ask the Marines how they are doing,
and thanking them for their work.
“See,” explained Boeck, a Milwaukee native, “This happens all the time. We
meet with store owners, parents, kids, and know people on a first-name basis.
We can walk down the road and a local will run up, yell my name, and shake my
hand. This never would have happened in OIF I, and that’s progress. There are
people back home who live on my block, even in my building, that I don’t know
by name.”
The Wolfpack and Apache, which has set an initial goal of 600 patrols a month,
plan to continue the close relationship with local citizens in hopes of completely
eliminating the threat of insurgency and firmly establishing a safe environment for
provincial Iraqi control.
Cpl. Ryan Heiser is a combat correspondent serving with Regimental
Combat Team 2, Multi National Force-West, in Al Anbar Province. For
information, e-mail him at [email protected].
Task Force MP watches over ’Golden’ land
Cpl. Thomas Lew
Cpls. Alan J. Bennett (left) and Luis A. Valadez with third platoon, Battery C, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, Task Force Military Police and an Iraqi Highway
Policeman patrol near the Traffic Control Point on ASR Golden. The patrol was conducted to build relations and gain intelligence on local insurgents.
Lance Cpl. Charles McKelvey
Multi National Force-West
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- What was once a prime
route for smuggling weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive device material is now a road less
traveled for terrorist activity thanks to the hard work of
the Iraqi Highway Patrol and help from the Marines.
Marines from Task Force Military Police, Battery C, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, recently
trained the IHP from (Combat Outpost) Golden, who
are continuing to build up and improve on a traffic
control point along a major thoroughfare in their area
of operations.
“Before the traffic control point was set up, this
was a heavily traveled road for terrorist groups coming in and out of the big cities,” said 1st Lt. Aaron
Clevinger, platoon commander, third platoon, TFMP.
“The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit set up this
checkpoint during their stay here, and that’s a big
reason why this area has quieted down.”
With the checkpoint already in place, the job of
continuing training and building the Iraqi confidence
fell upon the Marines from Charlie Battery.
“Our initial plan when we set out for COP Golden
was to train the Iraqi Highway Patrol how to conduct
traffic stops and to properly patrol,” said Clevinger.
Upon arrival it was clear 3rd platoon’s mission
was going to have to change just to keep the highway patrolmen to stay.
“When we got to COP Golden, the Iraqi highway
patrolmen were in no position to run the traffic control
point properly,” said Clevinger. “They had the manpower to do so, but they lacked confidence, and due
to recent attacks they lost the will.”
The Iraqi highway patrol wanted to leave.
“It took a lot of talking and bargaining to get them
to stay,” said Clevinger. “They were shaken up by recent IED attacks and small arms fire and they wanted
to know that they had support if they needed it.”
Third platoon were the only coalition forces in the
area and they knew it was vital to have the highway
patrolmen there to keep the checkpoint running.
“It was very important that we made sure the
checkpoint was able to operate to the best of its ability in order to maintain the decreased terrorist activity,” said Clevinger. “It was clear we had to do some
work to build their confidence.”
Agreeing to stay by their sides, but from a distance, the Marines set up observation posts and let
the Iraqi Highway Patrol conduct business as normal. The Marines observed, from a backseat position, how they conducted vehicle checks, questioned
people and set up perimeters to provide them training
to enhance their capabilities.
“After watching the Iraqis work, we quickly picked
up on some things that would greatly improve on how
they ran the checkpoint,” said Clevinger.
The first thing the Marines decided to do was to
help them establish entry control point procedures.
Establishing these procedures gave the checkpoint
workers a strong foundation to work off.
“Once we taught them the basics, you could tell
the checkpoint workers started to gain confidence in
what they were doing,” said Cpl. Ben Trotman, cross
boundary coordinator, third platoon, TFMP. “With the
foundation in place, we were then able to teach them
how to properly search vehicles and what questions
to ask the motorists.”
With each day passing, the checkpoint workers
gained confidence becoming more reliant, allowing
the Marines to address other areas of concern.
“When the highway patrolmen realized that they
could run the checkpoint, we decided to take them out
on patrols,” said Clevinger. “The idea to take them on
patrols was to get the Iraqi face out there, we wanted
the people in the surrounding areas to know the highway patrolmen were there to help them.”
Getting the Iraqi patrols out to meet the local villagers proved to be the most beneficial part of the
training, as the highway patrolmen learned an important lesson.
“The people wanted them there,” said Clevinger.
“We went to just a few houses and the reception of
the Iraqi Security Force presence was phenomenal.
This was really where we stepped back and let the
highway patrol do their thing.”
After days of training the highway patrol, it was
third platoon’s time to return to Camp Fallujah, confidently leaving the checkpoint and highway patrolmen
in the hands of a fellow TFMP platoon.
Lance Cpl. Charles McKelvey is a combat
correspondent serving with Multi National
Force-West, in Al Anbar Province. For
information, e-mail him at Charles.McKelvey@
mnf-wiraq.usmc.mil.
Vikings serve as pathfinder for Marines on ground
Sgt. Zachary Dyer
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)
AL ASAD, Iraq -- The Marine Corps has changed its tactics in the years since
the initial invasion of Iraq. It’s no longer about the “shock and awe” attacks designed to quickly eliminate enemy threats, it is more about rebuilding the country while weeding out insurgents. As such, the role of some units in Iraq has
changed.
With their F/A-18D “Hornets,” the “Vikings” of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 have become a strategic “eye in the sky” for coalition forces
on the ground as opposed to their traditional role of using standoff weapons to
destroy the enemy from on high.
“Mostly we’ve been doing counterinsurgency operations and overwatch
with the guys on the ground,” explained Capt. A. Kristian Larsen, a pilot with
VMFA(AW)-225. “Just telling them what we see, and basically helping out on the
ground. We give them a God’s eye view.”
“To put it into perspective, if you are on the ground you would want us overhead being able to see everything that’s going on,” added Larsen, a Coeur
d’Alene, Idaho, native. “We also have our weapons, that at anytime we are ready
to put on target.”
The Marines out on the Viking flightline know that what their squadron is doing
is vital to the mission. They know that their fellow Marines on the ground are depending on them to get the support they need, according to Sgt. William Chevalier,
a maintenance control clerk with the Vikings.
“I guess it’s a good thing that we’re not dropping (ordnance), because that
means what we’re doing out in the field is working,” said Chevalier. “Although honestly it would be nice for jets to come back empty every now and then. But so far
I think morale is high. We know why we’re here, and every now and then we get
reminded. It’s for the guys on the ground, making sure that they’re covered.”
Since they arrived a month ago, the Vikings have assumed the responsibility
of providing fixed wing close air support. As the only Hornet squadron in the Al
Anbar province, the Marines of VMFA(AW)-225 are kept pretty busy.
“We are flying a tremendous increase in hours,” explained Larsen. “Back
home you typically fly 15 to 20 hours a month as a pilot. Out here it’s more like
60 or 70 hours.”
The Vikings are flying missions around the clock. The burden of keeping the
jets in the air falls squarely on the shoulders of the Marines on the flightline. When
a problem arises the Marines must quickly fix it, ensuring that the aircraft is safe
to fly.
“We pretty much have a jet, or a section, in the air 24 hours a day, and those
guys down there (on the flightline) are making it happen,” said Capt. Justin Archibald, a weapons and sensors officer for the Vikings and an Oak Harbor, Wash.,
native. “They’re awesome.”
For the maintenance and ordnance Marines working on the flightline, it is not
so much the operational tempo that changed as it is the urgency with which their
work must be done. The nature of their work changes when they are deployed,
according to Chevalier.
“The tempo isn’t necessarily all that different, although the urgency is there,”
explained Chevalier. “Here, we’re doing what we do to save lives, and preserve
order. At home we’re training. You know that you have to get it done, but there’s
not the sense of urgency that you have here. In that sense, you add a whole level
of stress, which isn’t necessarily bad, but it keeps you on your toes.”
The hard work of the Vikings is paying dividends. The junior Marines, as well
as the officers, know that what they do on the flightline and in the air has a profound effect on their brothers on the ground.
“With respect to our mission, I know the guys that are out there in our (Area of
Repsonsibility), I think it definitely means a lot to them after talking to them on a
daily basis,” said Larsen. “I know it makes them feel a lot safer, a lot more secure,
knowing that we’re overhead and providing that overwatch for them.”
Sgt. Zachary Dyer is a combat correspondent serving with 2nd Marine
Aircraft Wing (Fwd), in Al Anbar Province. For information, e-mail him at
[email protected].
Cpl. Zachary Dyer
A maintenance Marine with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 performs maintenance on an F/A-18 “Hornet” in an aircraft hangar on the Al Asad flight
line, Oct. 1. The squadron provides eyes in the sky for Marines on the ground.
Making of a Warhorse: The convoy
Cpl. Ryan Blaich
A Marine finishes checking his crew-served weapon before a recent convoy. The men and women of 1st Platoon, Truck Company, Headquarters Battalion, Multi
National Force – West, arrived several hours before they took to the road so they could have time to go over their vehicles and have an updated safety brief.
Cpl. Ryan Blaich
Multi National Force-West
FALLUJAH, Iraq – Perhaps this war, on its most personal level, is not about
dealing with gun fights or sneaking through alleyways; the Anbar Province has not
seen full-scale combat in several months. To most, it is a fight to stay connected
with a culture half a world away while finding comfort in the local heat and sweat.
Service members rely on video games, magazines, new boots, cheeseburgers
and other such luxuries to break up the monotony of a seven-day work week and
create a sense of normalcy in a foreign place.
The Marines whose job it is to provide muscle and firepower to get these supplies to bases throughout the province virtually go unnoticed. They drive after the
sun sets and only stay around long enough to see that the goods are safely delivered, and then they’re back on the road again. This is known as turn and burn.
Most of the time they do not know, or care, what is inside the large cargo
containers on the back of the semitrucks. They only worry about completing the
mission and surviving the roads that have killed in the past. They are the Marines
of Truck Company, Headquarters Battalion, Multi National Force-West.
“Without stuff like PX supplies it would just make a lot of people’s lives crappy,”
said Pfc. Paul Roder, a former mortarman turned motor transport operator, for 1st
platoon. “All the (infantrymen) out in their (area of operations), if they couldn’t get
the stuff we bring, it’d be miserable. I know it sucked when I was out there and we
didn’t have anything.”
It was three hours before midnight and the beginning of Ramadan, the Muslim
observance of the ninth month, as Marines gathered inside a plywood hut await-
ing their preconvoy brief. The walls were dressed in maps of the province and a
Marine recruiting poster stating, ‘Ready Still,’ faced them. A shot of laughter ricocheted off the silence.
A rumor started to spread that movie star Chuck Norris was coming to Fallujah. A group of Marines joked about what they would say if they got a chance to
meet him, while others yawned their way to consciousness. Although it was rapidly approaching midnight, it was the beginning of the work day for these members
of Warhorse 1.
Marine leaders had received information that more attacks were likely during
Ramadan. Terrorist’s propaganda declared a greater reward if Muslims were to
martyr themselves during this month, killing as many coalition troops as possible
in the process.
Marines took notes as the convoy commander, 2nd Lt. Lee J. Stuckey, went
over possible threats terrorist could use against the convoy. They would escort 49
trucks 20 miles to Baghdad International Airport; a convoy that would span more
than seven kilometers and take more than eight hours roundtrip to complete. They
would drive straight through the beginning of the most recognized holiday of the
Muslim world and straight into a hidden improvised explosive device.
But the Marines train for this, even while at war. In fact, they’ve trained more
since arriving in Iraq than they did in the states. This, according to Stuckey, is what
keeps everyone alive.
“I think the level of proficiency, the dedication and the amount of training they
do to prepare themselves makes a huge difference,” said Stuckey. “I’m constantly
See WARHORSE, page 11
Combined operations yield results, weed out enemy
Cpl. Rick Nelson
Regimental Combat Team 2
SAKRAN WEST, Iraq -- Task Force 1st Battalion,
3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2,
recently teamed up with 2nd Platoon, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, to defeat insurgent activity in the Hadithah Triad.
After numerous improvised explosive devices
were found on the main roads near Sakran West
over the past four months, it was suggested that
there might be an insurgent presence in the area that
needed to be weeded out, explained Staff Sgt. John
M. Wear, the battalion’s intelligence chief.
“We figured as a result of significant Coalition
Force presence elsewhere, insurgents might have
left their towns and moved to Sakran West and use
the area as a safe haven,” said Wear, a native of Port
St. Joe, Fla. “The abundance of IEDs in the area led
us to conduct the operation there.”
Realizing the threat this area posed, a combined
operation was organized and planned. With 2nd Platoon, 4th Reconnaissance as the main effort, the
operation would consist of various units within Task
Force 1/3, to include, R Battery, 5th Battalion, 11th
Marines; a Human Exploitation Team; A Company,
and Iraqi Police from Barwanah..
Throughout the operation, a cordon was main-
tained, census sweeps were conducted, and targeted
raids were executed.
“The operation included both lightening quick
raids to catch the insurgents off-balance, as well as a
methodical sweep to conduct detailed and thorough
searches. These searches contributed to a tremendous amount of information being collected,” said Lt.
Col. Paul A. Konopka, platoon commander, 2nd Platoon, 4th Reconnaissance.
“Once the area was cordoned, we executed targeted raids against known or suspected insurgent
safe-houses in the town,” said Konopka. “Upon
completion of the raids, we swept the town for any
additional intelligence and collected census data on
its male residents. Near the end of the operation, we
detained 19 individuals for known or suspected bomb
making or having enemy ties.”
Konopka explained how the Human Exploitation
Team from Regimental Combat Team 2 and Task
Force 1/3, combined their efforts into revealing and
refining targets in the town. He considers the operation extremely successful for all units participating.
“This was a true team effort, where all the players came together and executed seamlessly,” said
Konopka. “Although a fairly complex mission with
numerous units involved, this mission went from
concept, through planning, and into execution in less
than 26 hours. It was truly a remarkable feat, and one
that can only be accomplished when the team is com-
prised of dedicated experts.”
Konopka went on to describe the Marines from
1/3 as “quiet professionals.”
“I know of 1/3 by their reputation in the Marine
Corps, and knew that my Marines and I were joining up with a true group of warriors,” said Konopka.
“They were always disciplined, with unbelievable
stamina in the face of brutal Iraqi weather and other
conditions.”
Furthermore, Konopka discussed the importance
of the Barwanah Iraqi Police and their involvement in
the operation.
“They were given a section of the town to sweep
during the census portion,” said Konopka. “Their contributions were critical, in that the Iraqi people could
see their own government stepping forward to control
criminal and insurgent activity in the town, while helping to obtain important pieces of intelligence.”
Operations like this will also help Iraq reach its
goal of self-governance, and prove to the local populace that Coalition Forces will not rest until enemy
forces are defeated.
Cpl. Rick Nelson is a combat correspondent
serving with Regimental Combat Team 2, Multi
National Force-West, in Al Anbar Province. For
information, e-mail him at Rick.Nelson@usmc.
mil.
Cpl. Rick Nelson
Lance Cpl. Jared Jones and Lance Cpl. Jonathan Haggard, rifleman and squad-automatic weapon gunner with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment,
walk past a herd of sheep while on patrol.
LANDING, from page 1
head aircraft.
The “ground,” as he is called, is the first player in
a series of quick actions in the hurricane-like conditions.
“Having a (helicopter) right above your head is a
real rush,” Flores continued.
But even in the midst of all this, Flores said the
300,000 volts of static electricity running through
the hook and hurricane-like winds puts one concern
above all else.
“Safety is the number one thing underneath the
bird,” Flores said. “You have to keep a constant eye
on what is going on and make sure nothing happens
to your Marines.”
Once it’s grounded, a Marine connects the load
and yells a command to clear everyone away from
the bottom of the helicopter, ducking dangling wheels
and dodging whirling rotor blades as they rush from
the landing zone. They do this while watching the
load to make sure the legs of the sling stay tight and
the load looks like a compact cube.
For many of the Marines, getting underneath the
actual helicopter is their favorite part. But not for Gutierrez, he prefers the end of the lift.
“Knowing the lift is in the air is the best part.”
Gutierrez said. “When everything is said and done,
watching the (helicopter) fly away.”
Gutierrez then analyzed his Marines’ performance, looking for ways to improve.
“They did a good job today,” Gutierrez explained.
“Good safety all around and everything went as
planned. There are a few things we can tighten
up, but we completed the mission and that’s what
counts.”
For these Marines, the satisfaction lies in knowing that one convoy is relieved of having to make the
long trip to COP Timberwolf. A half hour flight in exchange for a day of driving: mission executed, mission complete.
Let’s get the hell outta here.”
Marine drivers quickly stepped on the accelerator, crossing dirt medians and traffic lanes, avoiding
Iraqi soldiers and convoys who lined the highways
that night. Just like a parade, there was only time to
wave and smile as Truck Company jetted passed the
men who were wearing uniforms supplied by convoys
such as this one.
Soon thereafter, as the Marines approached
Camp Fallujah, the sun peered over the horizon.
Those inside camp were getting ready to start their
day as these Marines were approaching an end to
theirs. They will spend the following day cleaning
vehicles and weapons before heading back to their
rooms where they will try to find comfort in movies,
music and video games, which certainly seem to create an environment closer to home and further from
the dangers of war.
WARHORSE, from page 11
telling them to always prepare for the worst and you’ll
set yourself up for success.”
Silhouetted against the desert horizon, the long,
winding convoy resembled a sluggish northbound
train. War trucks were scattered between the civilian tractor trailers. The convoy stretched more than
seven kilometers. Throughout the trip, distant voices
and static came across the radio.
The convoy reached Baghdad just after midnight.
“Happy Ramadan,” Stuckey said through the
head set. That got a few laughs.
Hundreds of trucks lined dimly lit, dusty roads inside the base. The trucks that had just arrived had to
wait for other trucks to leave, and created a traffic jam
that could have impressed any New Yorker. It resembled a NASCAR race if it were held on the moon.
Several enormous military seven-ton vehicles and
smaller humvees darted between the noncombatant
trucks. Civilian drivers stood outside their vehicles
stretching and smoking cheap cigarettes, too tired to
remain sitting behind their steering wheels.
The civilian trucks look similar to semitrailers on
U.S. highways, although many are made by luxury
car manufacturers. They are driven by foreigners or
third country nationals, also known as TCNs. They
carry everything from pillows to Iraqi uniforms, both
essential on opposite levels.
It seemed like an early morning mirage inside the
wire of BIAP, Marines in their vehicle turrets passing
back and forth. The sound of men shouting orders
mixed with hundreds of idling engines as fumes of
diesel, exhaust and burning garbage filled the air.
Marines did not have time to wait for each truck to
find a parking spot. Half their job was done, but they
still had to get home.
It was not long after the Marines of 1st platoon
left the confines of BIAP that their convoy came to a
halt. An IED had been spotted and no one was going
anywhere until it was diffused.
Hours later, while sitting inside their vehicles surrounded in the darkness of a moonless desert sky,
the reassuring deep thud was heard miles away. This
signified the hidden bomb had been destroyed.
“That was it,” said the gunner. “Did you hear it?
Sgt. Wayne Edmiston is a combat correspondent
serving with 2nd Marine Logistics Group
(Forward), in Al Anbar Province. For
information, e-mail him at Wayne.Edmistonr@
tq.mnf-wiraq.usmc.mil.
Cpl. Ryan Blaich is a combat correspondent
serving with Multi National Force-West, in Al
Anbar Province. For information, e-mail him at
[email protected].
Cpl. Ryan Blaich
A new day begins as Marines of 1st Platoon, Truck Company, Headquarters Battalion, Multi National Force
– West head back to Camp Fallujah after a long night on the roads of Al Anbar Province.