Horizontal Construction Engineers A Vital Asset During Iraq's Rainy Season

Courtesy Photo | Even the Forward Operating Bases and Combat Out Post in the area have experienced similar problems with traffic-ability on their roads. The overarching issue has commonly been a simple lack of drainage. Capt. Amy Williamson, the 63rd executive officer commented, "With some of these COPs, it is obvious that whoever constructed them didn't even look at the drainage aspect of the project and now the follow on units are paying the price". Following the first big rain of the season the 63rd was immediately summoned to assist the Mayor Cell with improving the roads around FOB Warhorse. This project alone tied down a squad size element for nearly two weeks with grading and compacting work on many of the major roads and thoroughfares.  

IRAQ

01.05.2009

Courtesy Story

555th Engineer Brigade

By 2nd Lt. David Jacobs
555th Engineer Brigade

Fort Benning's 63rd Engineer Construction Support Equipment Company is currently attached to the 5th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade in Iraq. They have recently been inundated with requests for urgent missions and it can all be blamed on the weather.

These engineers, who are currently based at Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Eastern Iraq, are a horizontal engineer company with an equipment set that is specifically geared towards earthwork. Most of their missions are focused on construction to repair and build roads. This makes them a unique asset with a very specific and a popular skill set. Staff Sgt. James Thompson, a squad leader for one of the three line platoons commented, "We have recently seen a very distinct shift in missions; it seems that everything we do now is reactionary to the rain".

• Date Taken: 01.05.2009
• Date Posted: 01.07.2009 07:45
• Story ID: 28550
• Location: IQ