Photo By Cpl. Robert Medina | Cpl. Robert P. Crowe, 22, from Oweneboro, Ky., and an electrical equipment repair...... read more read more
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By Lance Cpl. Robert Medina
1st Marine Logistic Group Public Affairs
FALLUJAH, Iraq – Combat engineers deployed to Camp Taqaddum completed a 5-day project at a combat outpost near the city Mar. 31.
Marines with Alpha Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 22nd Naval Construction Regiment, worked to improve quality of life for service members with Military Transition Team 121.
They built a new kitchen and emplaced two generators. They also installed new hygiene facilities which replaced the MiTT's old field latrines.
"We appreciate 7th ESB making our living conditions better," said Maj. Myle E. Hammond, a MiTT commander for Regimental Combat Team 1, 1st Marine Division.
The mission of MiTT-121 is to serve as advisors and mentors for the Iraqi army, said Hammond. They also help with the coordination of the Iraqi troops and the logistical necessities in their area of operations.
Hammond and his Marines are scheduled to work out of COP Golden until they return to the States in November. The better living conditions will help them stay healthy to accomplish their mission.
"We are out here trying to make life a little easier and more comfortable for the year-long deployment that the MiTT team has ahead of them," said Cpl. John C. Hummeldorf, a 26-year-old combat engineer with 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, from Cincinnati.
The Marines understand their mission and the impact of what they do.
"I like when we build things that help out other Marines who deserve it," said Cpl. Joel M. Long, combat engineer with 1st Platoon. "This MiTT team is doing what they can so the Iraqi army can take control when we leave."
"I like to build things that have a purpose and meaning," added Long, 24, from Dayton, Ohio. "It's cool to see your projects still around when you come back to Iraq."
Sgt. Sean C. Jakens, guide for 1st Platoon, said he's impressed with the crew's performance. This is the first time some of his Marines have been deployed.
"This is the first big project that we have done since the change over," said Jakens, a 25-year-old from Oceanside, Calif. "Now our missions usually involve standard of living more than anything else," said Jakens.
Combat engineers may be focusing on improving quality of life more than anything else, but they perform a variety of missions. Everything from urban breaching and strategic demolition, to improving mobility by repairing roads and increasing survivability with protective barriers and bunkers falls under their realm of operations, said Jakens.
The convoy was delayed one day due to inclement weather that hit the al Anbar province. The Marines of 7th ESB adapted to the situation and overcame the obstacles.
"We were behind schedule due to the sandstorm," said Jakens. "This crew caught up and even finished projects that were tasked to them last minute."
The engineers also improved the existing leach pit, which was previously just a pipe leading into the middle of the desert.
"The purpose of a leach pit is to allow more air to reach waste water," said 2nd Lt. Sarah R. Reisberg, platoon commander for Alpha Company. "It increases the absorbency rate."
The leach pit is for "gray water," or the run-off from sinks and showers. The Marines dug a pit and filled it with gravel. Then they ran pipe from the new trailers to the new leach pit. Sand bags were used to line the perimeter of the pit.
The engineers also added a new septic tank for the restroom facilities they installed.
"The leach pit eliminates someone having to come out here to suck up the waste water," said Staff Sgt. Elvis R. Gonzalez, utilities platoon staff non-commissioned officer in charge, Alpha Company. "This will prevent the septic tank from filling up so fast, (a benefit) especially in a remote area like this."
Gonzalez said the new system managing the COP's waste water is a big improvement from what they previously had.
"You probably have seen some of the movies where they would drag the barrel out and burn what was inside with fuel," said Gonzalez. "It was very primitive, what they were using before."
Gonzalez said he hopes the MiTT team will be happy with all of the improvements that were made.
| Date Taken: | 03.31.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 04.10.2008 05:07 |
| Story ID: | 18264 |
| Location: | FALLUJAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 209 |
| Downloads: | 133 |
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