Photo By Erik Lindborg | Spc. Robert Shannon and Sgt. John Grenz, Soldiers with the 231st Brigade Support...... read more read more
VALLEY CITY, N.D. — On April 13, Detachment 1, Company A of the 231st Brigade Support Battalion, Valley City, along with the rest of the battalion and multiple other military forces were called to state active duty to conduct flood operations across the state.
1st Sgt. Eric Olerud commented on Company A's efforts in fighting the flood, "After a hectic start, the unit was able to quickly cover four different missions, from dike patrol to refueling, a sandbag quick reaction force, along with planning and supporting a possible evacuation of Valley City."
Detachment 1 consists of about 30 Soldiers: one section of fuelers, and one section for water purification. They are commanded by 2nd Lt. Ryan Boom, and platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Gabe Gietzen.
The detachment, along with the rest of the 231st Battalion, is stationed in Valley City, and continues conducting operations throughout multiple towns in Barnes County.
Throughout the week, Detachment 1 Soldiers have been conducting fueling operations, dike patrols, quick reaction force missions, operating the tactical operations center as well as standing by ready to deploy sandbags to anywhere in the city within minutes. For all duties, there are two 12-hour shifts, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. A hot breakfast and dinner are prepared each day for those shifts.
Fuel operations have been active, fueling hundreds of trucks. On Sunday alone, the fuel crew pumped out 894 gallons of fuel in one 12-hour shift, fueling the force and keeping troops ready to respond.
The dike patrols have spotted numerous leaks and seepage, leading to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Barnes County and Strata Construction employees deploying large dozers, backhoes and front-end-loaders to repair the dike before a small problem became a large problem. One of the leaks located was due to snow pack under the dike. The snow had melted underneath the moist clay and created a small hole where water could move through from the river side to the dry side of the dirt dike.
"Every Soldier in our detachment brings unique work experience to this flood fight, backed up by multiple military occupational specialty skills that embody the adaptability of the North Dakota National Guard," Gietzen said.
On Friday, April 17, quick reaction force Soldiers responded quickly and efficiently to a massive sewer line break. The sewer break was contained and brought under control almost immediately by an alert QRF team. The mayor of Valley City requested that no water be used until further notice, and that non-essential flood-fighting personnel evacuate the city. More than 1,000 portable toilets were brought in from all over the state to provide facilities for flood-fighting personnel.
"Being on this QRF team has really opened my eyes to the flood and flood-fighting effort," said Spc. Jacob Fred, a Soldier with the Company A detachment. "I believe we are setting the standard for time and precision in our epic battle against the raging Sheyenne River."
The tactical operations center personnel have been constantly on their feet, planning evacuation routes, manning the radio, and planning a multitude of different missions. The Valley City Armory is buzzing with action 24 hours a day.
The kitchen has a consistent flow of Soldiers coming in and out, ensuring the troops get two hot meals a day. They also provide coffee and fruit juices, ensuring flood fighters get their vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and energetic.
Detachment 1 Company A of the 231st Brigade Support Battalion stands ready to react and win the fight against the unpredictable Sheyenne River floodwaters that threaten the communities in Barnes County.
| Date Taken: | 04.21.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 04.21.2009 13:18 |
| Story ID: | 32665 |
| Location: | VALLEY CITY, US |
| Web Views: | 315 |
| Downloads: | 278 |
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