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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan - Marines and sailors with 9th Engineer Support Battalion boarded aircraft here Nov. 12 and departed to Helmand province, Afghanistan, signaling the start of a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The battalion, part of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, is slated to replace 7th ESB based out of Camp Pendleton, Calif., where it will be responsible for providing engineering support primarily constructing roads, repairing damaged facilities, and building bridges.
“We are going out there to take over for 7th ESB, while lending a hand to the local Afghan people,” said Cpl. Robert L. Sinclair, a heavy-equipment operator with the battalion. “It’s a great responsibility, and our training makes me confident that we are ready for any kind of situation. Improving the roads will ensure that our Marines and the Afghan people will be able to move around safely and efficiently.”
For those Marines in the battalion embarking on their first combat deployment, this is an exciting time, according to Sgt. Daniel A. Jefferies, a platoon sergeant with the battalion’s Headquarters Company.
“It’s a proud opportunity to be sent on a deployment, and these Marines have been training for it since boot camp,” he said.
Marines and sailors with 9th ESB are scheduled to return to Okinawa next May.
| Date Taken: | 11.17.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 11.16.2011 21:54 |
| Story ID: | 80124 |
| Location: | KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 109 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 9th ESB deploys in support of OEF, by LCpl Kris Daberkoe, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
