Photo By Chief Warrant Officer Brandon Owen | More than 7200 pounds of unserviceable tank rounds, mortars and 1700 pounds of...... read more read more
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – A controlled detonation of high-explosives left a cloud of smoke lingering hundreds of feet in the air near Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Feb. 19, as Marines with 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) took charge of destroying unusable ammunition.
Often times, Field Ammunition Supply Points receive ammunition deemed unusable and to ensure Marines are not using defective ammunition, Marines must dispose of it properly.
Time plays a factor with ammunition; rounds can become old, rusty and unserviceable, said Sgt. Tristan Brown, squad leader of 1st Platoon, Security Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 15 (Forward), 1st MLG (FWD). When unserviceable munitions start to accumulate at the FASP, they need to be disposed of safely. In this case, 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company assisted in this task along with CLR-15 (FWD)’s Security Company.
All the Marines involved in this controlled detonation took part in making sure all safety requirements were met before more than 7200 pounds of unserviceable tank rounds and mortars were destroyed using 1700 pounds of C-4.
“The Marines took their job pretty seriously,” said Brown, 26, a native of Oakharbor, Wash.
The event began when the Marines conducted a combat logistics patrol toward the detonation site. The security team went out about two kilometers from the site to set up a 360 degree security cordon, as the Marines with the FASP and EOD began placing the munitions into the prepared shot hole. Once the Marines were finished with the unloading of the unserviceable ammunition they pushed out to the security cordon as the EOD technicians lit the fuse and started the count down.
During this particular mission, Brig. Gen. Charles L. Hudson, commanding general of 1st MLG (FWD) and Sgt. Maj. Anthony Vizcarrondo Jr., sergeant major of 1st MLG (FWD), came out to view the controlled detonation for themselves and to see their Marines at work, said Brown.
“[Brig. Ben. Hudson] wanted to go out there and show support for his Marines working,” said Staff Sgt. Anthony Wilder, convoy commander of Commanding General’s Personal Security Detachment combat logistic patrol for this mission. “He wanted to get out there and get a feel for how the detonation worked and how everything was executed.”
The mission was a success for all parties involved.
“The blast, no matter how cool people think it was, actually served as a legit purpose,” said Wilder, 27, Louisville, Ky. “Cycling out damaged ammunition is an important part of combat readiness.”
| Date Taken: | 02.19.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.28.2011 10:56 |
| Story ID: | 66222 |
| Location: | CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF |
| Web Views: | 185 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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