Courtesy Photo | Marines with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, walked away from their first...... read more read more
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FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHER WALI, Afghanistan – Marines with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, walked away from one of their first roadside bomb attacks unharmed, when a mine-resistant, ambush-protective vehicle was hit during a routine personnel convoy July 27, in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
With nearly 70,000 pounds of steel reinforcement, the MRAP stands in a league of its own. Among the many weapons of choice for terrorist targeting armed forces, improvised explosive devices seem to be the enemy’s most common course of action; constantly being placed to harm troops and disable vehicles. The heavily armored juggernaut has proven to be a lifesaver time and time again, protecting service members from the blasts. The 2/9 was able to witness this familiar event first hand.
Sgt. Jeremy T. Newby, a motor transportation operator with 2/9, from Davison Mich., took time to reflect on what had happened and how the extensive training and quick reaction of his team played an important role in the aftermath of the attack.
“Thank God for the MRAP! I’ll tell you that much,” said Newby, from Davison, Mich. “Once it hit we were slammed around. I was knocked out for awhile, woke back up and saw the driver slumped over the steering wheel. I didn’t even have to say anything to anyone in my vehicle, the driver came to and the very first thing in his head was, ‘get on the gun.’ The training kicks in and it becomes second nature.”
Knowing they were in the safety of the MRAP’s armored walls, Newby knew he needed to make sure his Marines were safe before making any other decisions. Newby explained that the driver quickly removed the unconscious gunner and took his spot while he checked the vital signs of his fellow Marine and helped him regain consciousness.
“I basically jostled the gunner until he regained consciousness,” said Newby. “I didn’t want to exit the vehicle because I wasn’t sure if we were about to receive secondary enemy fire. I looked out the back window and saw my lieutenant with everyone running up from the rear where they posted security until medical evacuation arrived. It was a good feeling knowing they had my back.”
Cpl. Alex J. Selvidge, a motor transport operator with 2/9, gave his perspective of the event from his outside position.
“From my point of view I heard the blast, felt the blast and saw nothing but dust,” said Selvidge. “I couldn’t see any other truck and immediately backed up and waited for the dust to settle. I noticed the lead truck leaning down in the front with the tires nowhere to be found. We went through our drills and everything went flawlessly.”
Throughout his training, Newby said that one of the key factors instructors stressed over was seatbelt awareness. In order for the MRAP to provide maximum safety for Marines, he said everything must be strapped down, including its passengers. He also explained that skipping small steps like these can leave Marines injured or possibly dead.
“Every story I’ve ever heard of anyone who has been in a MRAP during an IED attack walked away,” said Newby. “Unless for some ungodly reason they weren’t wearing their seatbelts or other protective gear, that’s the only exception I have heard of.”
Marines and sailors with 2/9 have been taking over combat operations from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, in a smooth and timely transition. The insurgent’s meager attempt to slow down this process with IEDs has proven to be ineffective, as convoys continue to go out daily and the turnover pushes on.
The MRAP has saved countless lives in Afghanistan, and continues to stand at the forefront of combat transportation, safely carrying supplies and troops to the front line daily.
“I’ve only been here for three days and I got hit,” Newby said. “But thanks to the vehicles, Marines are walking away. They might have a concussion or get rattled around a bit, but these vehicles are enabling us to walk away and fight another day.”
| Date Taken: | 07.27.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 08.01.2010 14:43 |
| Story ID: | 53789 |
| Location: | FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHER WALI, AF |
| Web Views: | 2,734 |
| Downloads: | 860 |
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