Courtesy Photo | U.S. Soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division, 225 Engineering Brigade, Alpha Company 46th...... read more read more
BAGHDAD — The Soldiers of the 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), 225th Engineer Brigade, based in Fort Polk, La., and Fort Rucker, Ala., are packing up their tools and heading for home.
"Over the last fifteen months, the Soldiers of the 'Steel Spike' Battalion improved the life support and force protection of thousands of their fellow Soldiers across miles of roads and at dozens of locations throughout Baghdad," said Lt. Col. Matthew Zajac, commander, 46th ECB (H), a native of Schaumburg, Ill.
"[The 46th also] supported the restoration of essential civil services, while working with Iraqi Engineer Regiments to develop their capability to provide the same for their Army and people," he said.
By the numbers, the 46th engineers emplaced over 8,000 meters of concrete barriers; emplaced survey control points for helipads and artillery positions; built 169 structures enclosing more square footage than that of the New Orleans Superdome.
According to Zajac, one of the most important contributions by the "Steel Spike" team was the electrical upgrades.
"The electrical situation here was poor due to the heat and the substandard materials used," noted Chief Warrant Officer, Two Anthony Jellison, a Phenix City, Ala., native. "My Quality Assurance/Quality Control team ensured the vital job of properly wiring electrical power was completed to reduce serious injuries to Soldiers."
The battalion's team of electricians installed over 1.1 million feet of electrical wire and 186 electrical distribution panels — safely connecting to the Iraqi civil power grid.
In addition, the engineers built gyms, dining facilities, aid stations, helicopter landing zones, weapons ranges, entry control points, conducted route sanitation missions, and much more to enhance living conditions, and increase force protection.
The "Steel Spike" engineers sanitized a length of route equal to that between Louisiana and England; moved and shaped over 400,000 cubic meters of fill.
To top it all off, the 46th ECB (H) executed more than 900 project site assessments supporting over $100 million of Commander's Emergency Relief Program funded civil reconstruction; and conducted over 540 ground maneuvers defeating IED strikes, RKG-3 grenade attacks, and small arms fire.
It wasn't all work for the engineers; they also celebrated during joint social gatherings with their Iraqi counterparts.
U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers were able to share a little bit about their cultures during Ramadan, Cinco de Mayo, Sapper Calls, Thanksgiving, basketball and soccer games, and other social events held over the course of their 15-month stay.
"As this deployment winds down I have mixed feelings about leaving because we have worked so hard to improve this country and want to continue making great strides," remarked Spc. Russell Madden, Hastings, Mich. native, unit supply specialist and armorer. "On the other hand, it is time to let another unit come in and leave their mark on the country."
The 46th ECB (H) will pass the torch to the 101st Engineer Battalion, the nation's oldest engineer battalion, during the transfer of authority set to take place at the end of August.
"The Soldiers and leaders of the 46th ECB(H) have contributed to Multi-National Division—Baghdad's significant progress in securing the Iraqi people, in restoring essential services, and in establishing conditions for a representative government and the hope for a new future," added Zajac.
| Date Taken: | 08.30.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 08.31.2009 04:09 |
| Story ID: | 38146 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 262 |
| Downloads: | 233 |
This work, Mission complete: Engineers set sights for home, by 1LT Janeene Yarber, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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