Photo By Master Sgt. Lia Aragon | Lance Cpl. Angel Valer, a motor transport operator with 2nd Platoon, Transport Support...... read more read more
Subscribe
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - There is no doubting the dangers just outside the wire in Afghanistan.
With demilitarization in full swing in Helmand province, Marines with 2nd Platoon, Transport Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, face these dangers head on as part of a large effort to provide tactical and logistical support to the dwindling number of forward operating bases and combat outposts within the Regional Command Southwest area of responsibility.
The unit convoyed to Patrol Base Shir Ghazay and FOB Shukvani to resupply units there and to pick up equipment designated for retrograde, March 6. The Marines used more than 30 vehicles to carry ISO containers, supplies, mail and food.
“We are giving [the Marines] only what they need for the mission right now, and bringing back what they don’t need,” said 1st Lt. Anthony Cox, 2nd Platoon Commander.
The resupply and demilitarization process does not always go as planned, said Cox. The unit faces obstacles at every turn. From improvised explosive devices to enemy ambushes, the Marines have seen it all.
This convoy was no different. The first delay the Marines faced was caused by curious children, which Lance Cpl. Danny T. Feeney, a motor transportation operator, said had become expected.
“Some of the kids only wave, but others try to take things off the trucks,” said Feeney.
Vehicle commanders often walk in front of and guide the vehicles to avoid hurting the children and losing equipment.
The convoy made it safely to the first stop at PB Shir Ghazay. Marines quickly unloaded two vehicles and then left for FOB Shukvani.
The drive was going smoothly before the convoy came to a dead stop. Two tires blew on one of the vehicles at what Cox described as a very kinetic intersection. Soon after, a unit providing the Marines with over-watch radioed a message saying chances of an attack were very likely.
Cox increased security around the convoy while several Marines hastily worked to change the tires.
“We were a very static target,” said Cox. “The best way to defend that is to make sure … we maintain an aggressive posture.”
It took more than two hours to repair the tires and start moving again, but the longest delay came shortly before arriving at FOB Shukvani.
Marines in the lead vehicles identified what appeared to be an IED. Cox called on route clearance and explosive ordnance disposal to clear the way.
The convoy was stopped several hours for what turned out to be nothing.
“It’s better to be safe than sorry,” Cox said later. “I’d rather stay out there a few extra hours and bring everyone back safely.”
Feeney said these delays impede the unit’s timeline and put them at risk.
“They make things difficult,” said Feeney. “We get to locations later than we are supposed to putting us on the road and in danger that much longer.”
At FOB Shukvani, the Marines slept in their vehicles a little more than five hours before waking to unload supplies and then reload equipment for retrograde.
Despite little sleep and rising temps, the Marines laughed and joked while they worked. Their faces and hands turned a few shades lighter as sand and dust swirled around them and stuck to their sweaty skin. They teased each other relentlessly. One Marine picked at another’s driving skills. Another forgot to remove locks from a container and was teased.
“We all give each other a hard time,” said Feeney with a smile. “Laughing keeps us from focusing on the dangers of being out here every week. If we get all worked up and fidgety, we might make irrational decisions. If we don’t keep a cool head when something happens we’re not helping ourselves or the Marines next to us.”
Nearly 40 hours after their mission began, the Marines returned here to their home base with a heavier load of equipment than they left with and still plenty of work to do.
“My Marines and the attached units did an outstanding job,” said Cox. “They accomplished the mission and we all made it back safely.”
| Date Taken: | 03.07.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 03.11.2013 07:44 |
| Story ID: | 103245 |
| Location: | CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF |
| Web Views: | 507 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
This work, CLR-2 faces challenges during demilitarization, by MSgt Lia Aragon, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
