Photo By Cpl. Robert Medina | AT-TAQADDUM, Iraq - Sgt. Dane N. Winget, section chief of Gun Two, Sierra Battery, 5th...... read more read more
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By Lance Cpl. Robert Medina
1st Marine Logistic Group Public Affairs
AT-TAQADDUM, Iraq – "At first I didn't know what it was," said Lance Cpl. Shawn L. Bevett, information management specialist, with 1st Marine Logistics Group.
"We all heard a loud explosion," said Bevett, from Tokyo, Japan. "Everyone was scared, even if they wanted to admit it or not. We were all relieved when we found out it wasn't an attack."
Announcing their arrival with booms, Marines with Sierra Battery, 5th Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, practiced their firing cycles during a training exercise March 8.
As the day went on, the guns of Sierra Battery could be heard for miles around, as they shot off their M-777 Howitzers.
The unit was based out of Fallujah but now will be permanently stationed at TQ.
"We are the king of the battle," said Cpl. Jose M. Valdez, a "Gun Two" crew member from Tampa, Fla.
The battery provides support by softening the enemy's position. From a distance, they are able to provide support for troops on the ground.
"We have a close Battery family," said Valdez. "We have to be proficient in everyone's job in case we need to rotate. If someone is slowing down, another can pick up his slack."
Knowing each Marine's role is important because operating the cannon is not a one-man operation. Firing a gun that can reach targets miles away is a complex operation with many moving parts.
The whole loading process looks like a mad scramble, but after a closer look, it becomes apparent each Marine has a specific task that has to be executed in a certain order. If not, the cannon won't function as intended.
Staying in control of the complex operation is Sgt. Dane N. Winget, section chief for "Gun Two."
"In this line of work, it's easy to mess up," said Winget, from Albany, N.Y. "I have to make sure every man is doing his job."
The Howitzer is a long-range, indirect weapon system. A slight miscalculation can effect the rounds destination, which can have devastating consequences.
"As section chief of gun two, I am the last line of defense against any mishaps," said Winget. "Our biggest priority is shooting safe and that's what we have been doing here."
The Marines of Sierra Battery take pride in what they do. Firing their guns the right way and efficiently is what they like to see.
"The best part of this job is to put rounds down range effectively," said Valdez. "I don't think you will find another job like artillery."
| Date Taken: | 03.08.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 03.28.2008 03:34 |
| Story ID: | 17840 |
| Location: | AL TAQADDUM, IQ |
| Web Views: | 465 |
| Downloads: | 96 |
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