Photo By Lance Cpl. Damion Hatch | A CH-53E Super Stallion, with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464, Marine Aircraft...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Marines with Bridge Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conducted training to hone bridge employment capabilities and improve unit operations during a company level field exercise at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 14-18, 2019.
The training simulated austere conditions found in real-world operations to give Marines the opportunity to push their capabilities. The goal was to cross heavy combat equipment and infantry personnel across a waterway while exploring alternate bridging employment.
“This is a very complex operation they’re tasked to accomplish, so we expect a lot from [the Marines],” said Capt. Jeffry Hart, Bridge Co. commander, 8th ESB. “In a real-world scenario, they will have to perform under stress to support other units, such as infantry.”
The Bridge Company Marines tested their ability to employ bridges from the air by teaming up with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. The Marines both units were able to collaborate and use their combined capabilities to complete their mission, which prepares them to deploy and employ their skills.
“We have CH-53 helicopters dropping pieces of the bridge into the intracoastal waterway so we can put them together while in a MK-III Bridge Erection Boat,” said Hart. “After the integrity is tested, we conduct a rafting operation where we move vehicles across the waterway.”
The unit constructed two types of bridges called Improved Ribbon Bridges (IRB) and Medium Girder Bridges (MGB). The IRB is used over wet gaps and the MGB over dry cavities.
“My job provides unique capabilities to the MLG because there are situations where there’s no other way to cross a gap,” said Cpl. Jalen Riddle, a combat engineer with Bridge Co. “We’re a small unit but when we work together with other units, it all comes together.”
Finally, the exercise culminated by the unit moving heavy tactical vehicles across the constructed bridge structure. Altogether, the vehicles weighed nearly 300,000 lbs.
“I’ve fallen in love with my job,” said Riddle. “Being a part of large operations reinforces the pride I have in my job and makes me excited to pass on my knowledge to my Marines.”
The exercise was crucial for the MLG to improve their operational readiness and build a more lethal force in support of 2nd Marine Division.
| Date Taken: | 01.18.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 01.18.2019 19:27 |
| Story ID: | 307671 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 130 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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