Photo By Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith | Secretary of Defense Robert Gates addresses Marines at Forward Operating Base Jackson,...... read more read more
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FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan – Secretary of Defense Robert Gates visited the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 8, during a tour of Forward Operating Base Jackson, March 8. The tour included a brief by Lt. Col. Jason Morris, commanding officer of 3rd Bn., 5th Marines, an address to the Marines of FOB Jackson, a question and answer period and a lunch with a few of the battalion non-commissioned officers.
Gates arrived via MV-22 Osprey and was promptly met by Brig. Gen. Joseph Osterman, the division commanding general as well as Morris.
They proceeded to a briefing given by the company commanders of 3rd Bn., 5th Marines. Throughout the brief, Gates posed questions to the staff concerning what was needed to help keep the momentum of the battle in their hands.
“Medivacs? MATVs? Stuff like that … do you got what you need?” asked Gates.
“We do, sir,” replied Capt. Matt Peterson, Company L commanding officer.
“Just time, sir,” added Morris.
“You guys have done an astonishing job out here; I’m very, very proud of you,” said Gates.
Following the brief, Gates was lead to the Combat Operations Center and addressed the Marines of 3rd Bn., 5th Marines on the work they have been doing in the Sangin District.
“Everyday I monitor how you’re doing, and everyday you return to your FOB without a loss, I say a little prayer,” said Gates, addressing the Marines in formation. “Alongside your Afghan brothers, you’ve written a new chapter in the Marine Corps role of honor with your sweat and your blood; against the toughest odds and in the most difficult terrain.
"Alongside the legend of Guadalcanal, Chosin Resevoir and Belleau Wood; you will forever be added in Marine Corps history as the legend of Sangin.”
His speech took on a more personal tone at this moment.
“I’m the one who signed the orders that sent you all here,” said Gates. “I visit your wounded brothers in Bethesda. I write condolence letters to the families of the fallen. So, I feel a tremendous personal responsibility to each and every one of you. I feel your hardship and your sacrifice, and for your families more than you can possibly imagine. But I also relish in your victories, take pride in your achievements, and take satisfaction as you strike fear into the hearts of the Taliban.”
Gates then took time to answer questions the Marines had varying from intelligence gathering assets to special pay for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines. Gates then turned to lunch with the NCOs.
Discussion with the group included the Marine’s perceptions of the Afghan National Security Forces, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle procurement, the use of military working dogs in the fight against improvised explosive devices and medical evacuation response.
“The response times are better now than in Iraq even though the country is larger and the terrain is far worse,” said Gates. “The medics are doing an outstanding job in supporting the effort on the front lines.”
The Marines certainly appreciated the visit and refocused on the task at hand; securing Sangin.
“It was motivating to see that he would take the time to visit us; not too many would do it,” said Lance Cpl. Matthew Luera, an intelligence analyst for 3rd Bn., 5th Marines. “Now the Marines know someone understands what we’re going through and the situation we’re in. It’s comforting to know, especially for the grunts out there taking the big hits.”
| Date Taken: | 03.08.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.09.2011 11:19 |
| Story ID: | 66720 |
| Location: | FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, AF |
| Web Views: | 773 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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