Photo By Cpl. Michael Curvin | Brig. Gen. Larry D. Nicholson, commanding general of Marine Expeditionary...... read more read more
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CAMP BASTION, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Marines with Company R, 5th Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, finished their tour of duty here Nov. 11, in support of Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, but it certainly wasn't the traditional artillery mission for which they were trained.
The "cannon cockers" of "Romeo 5/10" traded their howitzers for patrol vehicles and watch towers, providing perimeter security for Camp Dwyer.
"We were perimeter security, as well as over watch," said 1st Sgt. Jonathan Fuller, Company R's first sergeant. "We also manned the base defense operations center."
From the BDOC, Marines are able to control a base's security assets, such as quick reaction forces, observation towers and vehicle patrols. Operations around Camp Dwyer were a far cry from the company's familiar cannons they deploy on the battlefield.
Company R left Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 20, bringing with them lessons learned from pre-deployment training consisting of convoy and ground operations and weapons employment.
"Marines are basic riflemen," Fuller said. "The transition was pretty tough because we had such a short time. Our mission changed before we came out here."
Providing security for convoys and locating roadside bombs was the focus of Company R's pre-deployment training. Shortly before leaving Camp Lejeune, their mission changed and they found out they would be responsible for an entire base's defense for the duration of their deployment.
Company R's ability to adapt to the mission is just one of the traits that defines Marines, said Fuller.
"We got high marks the entire time we were out here," Fuller said.
Before leaving, the Marines stood in their last formation while in Afghanistan. During this ceremony, each Marine was awarded a Non-Article Five NATO medal.
Brig. Gen. Larry D. Nicholson, MEB-Afghanistan commanding general, spoke to the Marines before they boarded their plane for the flight home. Nicholson emphasized the history that Company R made while serving here.
"There will be books, movies...there will be a lot out there about this war," Nicholson said. "You are a part of it now."
| Date Taken: | 11.11.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 11.21.2009 06:01 |
| Story ID: | 41860 |
| Location: | CAMP BASTION, AF |
| Web Views: | 191 |
| Downloads: | 162 |
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