Thursday, March 26, 2009

Marine helo mechanics repair damaged Hornet in Afghanistan

Date written: March 20, 2009
Story by: Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Despite having zero experience with fixed-wing aircraft, a team of helicopter mechanics diffused what could have been a potentially deadly situation involving an F/A-18E Super Hornet on Kandahar Air Field, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, March 18, 2009.

According to Staff Sgt. Jorge Minjares, the staff noncommissioned officer in charge of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361’s Flight Line Section, part of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan’s air combat element, the situation began when a Naval pilot with the USS Roosevelt (CVN-71) attempted to refuel his F-18 while airborne. During the process, the refueling aircraft’s fuel basket broke off from the fuel hose and remained fixed to the F-18’s refueling probe on the nose of the aircraft.

“It was just unsafe to fly,” said Sgt. Nicholas G. Koreneos, Flight Line Section noncommissioned officer in charge. “The fuel basket was locked on the fuel probe and he was running low on fuel. If the basket came off while he was in the air, it could [have] injured the pilot, damaged the bird’s airframe, canopy, engine; it was bad a situation.”

Shortly afterward, the pilot landed on Kandahar Air Field to refuel and repair his aircraft. But once on the ground, a new issue arose: there were no F-18 mechanics.

That’s when Minjares and his crew received a call from Lt. Col. Peter C. McConnell, the air combat element’s executive officer.

“He asked us if we knew how to remove a basket from an F-18,” Minjares said. “So I told him, ‘we’d give it a try.’”

Despite having zero experience working with fixed-wing aircraft, Minjares and his team put their mechanical expertise to the test.

“None of us had ever worked on this (type of aircraft), but we gave it our best shot,” said Cpl. Matthew D. Rodriguez, a CH-53E flight line mechanic. “We observed the design, spinning the basket, looking at it from all angles until we figured out how to take it apart.”

After 20 minutes their task was complete and the Hornet was ready to fly.

“The Marines did an outstanding job,” Minjares said. “They were excited and motivated to work on something new. They took control and checked the aircraft when they were done to make sure it was ready to fly. They were on point and did an awesome job.”

Thanks to Minjares’ crew, the F-18 took off the following day.
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CLB-3 counters insurgency during patrol in southern Afghanistan

March 19, 2009
Story by: Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer



HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – After completing an important logistics mission, a group of Marines braved insurgent attacks while transiting through one of the most challenging regions of southern Afghanistan March 6, 2009.
The second platoon of Motor Transportation Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, overcame insurgent attacks while returning to Camp Barber from Forward Operating Base Now Zad, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

While returning from a three-day combat logistics patrol, the platoon, assigned to CLB-3, the logistics combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, received multiple rounds of insurgent mortar fire and located two improvised explosive devices.

The combat logisticians’ mission was to deliver heavy equipment and more than 50,000 pounds of provisions to the Marines of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of SPMAGTF-A.

Insurgents attempted to strike the combat logistics patrol with indirect fire but were unsuccessful and out of range. Marines with Co. L and a detachment from 2nd Force Reconnaissance Co., assigned to 3/8, supported the patrol by patrolling the surrounding areas in front of second platoon’s line of travel.

After a short halt to assess the points of impact and origin of the incoming fire, the patrol pushed forward but was quickly diverted by Sgt. Michael T. Thompson, the platoon sergeant and driver of the lead vehicle.

“We were coming up and out of a wadi (a dry river bed) when I saw a large rectangular patch of disturbed earth,” Thompson said. “I took the vehicle hard right to avoid hitting it and advised (employing) the sweep team.”

The patrol’s sweep team, a unit of Marines tasked to locate IEDs, quickly located a large object that was later identified as an IED with the help of the combat logistics patrol’s explosive ordnance disposal team. Upon dismantling the device, a secondary IED was found a short distance away.

“I was relieved that I was able to divert the vehicle in time to avoid a very bad day,” Thompson said.

According to Gunnery Sgt. Rudy Rodriguez, second platoon’s staff noncommissioned officer in charge, the mortar fire was directed toward the rear vehicle in what he believed to be an attempt to push the patrol forward into the IEDs, but the Marines knew what they were looking for and were highly trained.

Sgt. Jonathan H. Hilderman, a turret gunner with second platoon, said he could see people observing the convoy from the rooftops of nearby villages during the movement, but it was hard to decipher who was friend or foe. He explained that he didn’t feel like the patrol was in immediate danger, but the Marines are always ready to take an aggressive stance if they have to.

“I love it, and couldn’t have asked for any other job,” said Hilderman. “I feel like I can control my battlespace, and it makes me feel privileged to know it’s been invested upon me to have the responsibility to keep people safe and guard our assets. It’s what makes me tick.”

The patrol safely returned to Camp Barber with no casualties, marking another successful mission for second platoon and CLB-3.

“In my opinion we beat the enemy,” Rodriguez said. “We know what they bring to the table, and we know what we’re looking for.”
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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

3/8 Marines make every day count in Afghanistan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Pfc. Kristofer D. Langlais (right) simulates a butt stroke with his rife against his partner Cpl. James D. Kettinger during Marine Corps Martial Arts Program sustainment training at Forward Operating Base Now Zad, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, March 7, 2009.

The Marines assigned to first squad, first platoon, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, utilize what free time they have within the protective walls of the FOB to sustain and educate themselves using the MCMAP.

SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, and train and mentor the Afghan National Police.

Langlais is a shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon gunner, and Kettinger is a squad automatic weapon gunner.
(photo by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer)



HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Using his rifle, Sgt. Daniel P. Hubbert demonstrates a butt stroke for Marines with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), during Marine Corps Martial Arts Program sustainment training at Forward Operating Base Now Zad, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, March 7, 2009.

The Marines of Co. L, 3/8, the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, utilize what free time they have within the protective walls of the FOB to sustain and educate themselves using the MCMAP.

SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, and train and mentor the Afghan National Police.

Hubbert is a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor and squad leader for first squad, first platoon, Co. L, 3/8.
(photo by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer)




HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Lance Cpl. Richard D. Steinke (left) parries Pfc. Jeff W. Thompson’s rifle during Marine Corps Martial Arts Program sustainment training at Forward Operating Base Now Zad, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, March 7, 2009.

The Marines assigned to first squad, first platoon, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, utilize what free time they have within the protective walls of the FOB to sustain and educate themselves using the MCMAP.

SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, and train and mentor the Afghan National Police.

Steinke and Thompson are both fire team leaders assigned to first squad, first platoon, Co. L, 3/8.
(photo by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer)

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Sgt. Daniel P. Hubbert demonstrates a side choke followed by a takedown in an improvised dojo during Marine Corps Martial Arts Program sustainment training at Forward Operating Base Now Zad, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, March 7, 2009.

The Marines assigned to first squad, first platoon, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, utilize what free time they have within the protective walls of the FOB to sustain and educate themselves using the MCMAP.

SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, and train and mentor the Afghan National Police.

Hubbert is a squad leader for first squad, first platoon, Co. L, 3/8.
(photo by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer)
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Sunday, March 22, 2009

3/8 Marines secure Golestan

March 19, 2009
Story by: Lance Cpl. Brian D. Jones


GOLESTAN, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – U.S. Marines are diligently working to create conditions for host nation security forces to take over while building the locals’ faith in their country’s government in Golestan, Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Marines with second platoon, Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, mentor and train the Afghan National Police in Golestan, while providing security and working closely with government officials to achieve community-driven goals.

The platoon’s main focus is to provide security throughout Golestan’s valley. It conducts security patrols through the rugged, mountainous terrain, local bazaar and villages and speaks with the locals Afghans.

“Without you I cannot live and work in this area I am in,” said Qasim Khan, the district sub-governor, as translated by an interpreter. “One of the first things you created here was safety, and that is the biggest thing. I guarantee you if you weren’t here we wouldn’t be here either, and we want to continue working together to bring more security.”

Khan meets with the Marines often to discuss local issues, in the hopes of finding resolutions. He is grateful for the help his community receives from the Marines.

“We all understand you left your children, you left your wives and have left them to come to a faraway land for me, for our country,” Khan said. “We want security, and we want to live like you do. We pray everyday that you all make it home safely.”

Within Golestan’s valley, there are approximately 10 tribes scattered throughout 15 villages. Many of the villages the Marines patrol to have rarely seen Afghan or alliance forces.

“People further away think their government is weak and believe the (insurgency) is the only other way,” said Amir Mohammed, the district prosecutor, referring to how easily the people are persuaded to side with insurgents.
The job is very time consuming, but their efforts are not in vain. They are creating conditions in which contractors feel safe enough to work in the area to improve local facilities and infrastructure, according to Cpl. Benjamin G. Miles, a mortarman assigned to 3/8 who volunteered for the deployment here.

The Marines have few problems dealing with the locals and try to help them with a variety of difficulties they’re trying to overcome.

“We try to help them whenever we can as far as food and medical attention, and if they need stuff they can come and ask,” said Lance Cpl. William Hering, a mortarman with the platoon. “We’ll help them if we can. There hasn’t been an attack from surrounding towns because we are constantly patrolling and showing a presence. We’re letting the people see that we’re here, and we are doing stuff to help them out.”

A great deal of the unit’s time is also spent escorting convoys and securing landing zones to ensure much needed supplies are delivered for the locals.

“Convoys have been ambushed multiple times, and we’ve pushed back the enemy to the point that they retreated,” Hering said.
The Marines have engaged in fire fights, encountered improvised explosive devices, and had a rocket-propelled grenade attack on their forward operating base, but have suffered no casualties.

“I like it out here because we are really taking the fight to the enemy,” said Miles.

One of the strongest characteristics displayed by the platoon is its small unit leadership, which operates with little reserve when taking initiative for action.

“Here on this FOB, I’ve noticed that everybody wants to be the best,” said Sgt. Aaron M. Titus, second platoon’s first squad leader. “It’s almost a competition or a rivalry between the squads. Everybody wants to be good at their jobs. That’s a good deal when people care that much.”

While training for the deployment, 2nd Lt. Daniel M. Yurkovich, the platoon commander, stressed the importance of building close family ties while working in an isolated area.

“All my Marines out here are a pretty tight family, and they’re doing amazing things,” Yurkovich said. “I got guys that go out on patrol and come back, stand post, fill sand bags and other tasks all in one day. They’re all great young men, and it is the one thing that brings us together.”
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Battery D Marines receive games from charitable organization

CAMP BABER, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – (From left to right) Sgts. Antolin Arguelles and Ruben Vasquez and Lance Cpl. T. Zurick enjoy a PlayStation 2 game and Game Boy Advance donated by Games For Heroes March 17, 2009, on Camp Barber, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

The PlayStation and Game Boy were part of more than a dozen game systems donated to Marines with Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, by Games For Heroes, a non-profit organization devoted to collecting video devices, games, batteries and candy for deployed service members.

“This stuff is great,” Vasquez said. “It really helps us pass the time. It makes me feel appreciated that someone back home is thinking about us.”
Antolin and Zurick are High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher chiefs with Btry. D. Vasquez is a security chief with the battery.

Btry. D is deployed to southern Afghanistan to support Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan as a fire support asset. SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(photo by Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso)


CAMP BABER, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Sgt. Ruben Vasquez enjoys playing a Game Boy Advance March 17, 2009, on Camp Barber, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

The Game Boy was just one of many game systems donated to Marines with Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, by Games For Heroes, a non-profit organization devoted to collecting video devices, games, batteries and candy for deployed service members.

“Thank you for helping keep America and the world safe,” said Brett Feller, the 12-year-old donator of more than a dozen games and game systems. “(This) is my way of showing appreciation and gratitude for risking your life every single day. I hope you get to enjoy these games and come home soon.”

Vasquez is a security chief with Btry. D, which is deployed to southern Afghanistan to support Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan as a fire support asset. SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(photo by Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso)
CAMP BABER, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – (From left to right) Lance Cpl. T. Zurick and Sgt. Antolin Arguelles enjoy a PlayStation 2 game donated by Games For Heroes March 17, 2009, on Camp Barber, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

The PlayStation was just one of many game systems donated to Marines with Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, by Games For Heroes, a non-profit organization devoted to collecting video devices, games, batteries and candy for deployed service members.

“We are really grateful to have stuff like this,” Antolin said.

Antolin and Zurick are High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher chiefs with the battery.

Btry. D is deployed to southern Afghanistan to support Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan as a fire support asset. SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(photo by Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso)

CAMP BABER, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Sgt. Antolin Arguelles enjoys a PlayStation 2 game donated by Games For Heroes March 17, 2009, on Camp Barber, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

The PlayStation was just one of many game systems donated to Marines with Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, by Games For Heroes, a non-profit organization devoted to collecting video devices, games, batteries and candy for deployed service members.

“We are really grateful to have stuff like this,” Antolin said.

Antolin is a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher chief with the battery.

Btry. D is deployed to southern Afghanistan to support Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan as a fire support asset. SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(photo by Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso)
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Thursday, March 19, 2009

3/8 in Afghanistan using 120 mm mortar system

Date written: March 9, 2009
Story by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton

FARAH PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), are employing the 120 mm mortar system to combat insurgents in southern Afghanistan.

The 81 mm mortar platoon of 3/8’s Weapons Company is formally trained to operate and has successfully implemented the 120 mm mortar system into its already potent weapons arsenal. Serving as the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, 3/8 is the only battalion in the Marine Corps currently using the 120 mm mortar system.

Officials at U.S. Marine Forces Central Command worked for months to acquire the 120 mm mortars for Marine operations in Afghanistan.

Capt. Mike Hoffman, Co. I commanding officer, said the 120 mm mortars give the Marines of 3/8 an increased range to engage effectively and eliminate their targets, and illuminate the battlefield during hours of darkness.

The 120 mm mortars have greatly contributed to establishing and maintaining the security in the battalion’s clearing of southern Afghanistan’s Route 515, which connects the important districts of Delaram to the east and Bakwa to the west, Hoffman explained.

“The 120 mm mortars have been instrumental to our success in Afghanistan,” Hoffman said. “They provide us certain advantages as opposed to the previous weapon systems. These advantages include increased firing range and illumination. They can also be manned by the same size crew as the smaller 81 mm mortar system.”

Hoffman said the 120 mm mortars also give local Afghan villagers a sense of security and faith in the SPMAGTF-A mission of conducting counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.

“The illumination of the battlefield lets the Afghan people know that we are watching the area, and insurgent forces will not be able to come into their village at night,” said Hoffman.

Sgt. Brian Morris, a section leader with Weapons Co., 81 mm Mortar Platoon, said illumination is a vital part of the mortarmen’s mission.

“We receive a lot of illumination missions because illuminating the battlefield not only helps our Marines who are patrolling at night, but it also deters insurgents and criminals,” he said. “This denies the enemy freedom of movement in the region because they know that we are watching them.”

Insurgents use the hours of darkness to plant improvised explosive devices and stage attacks against alliance forces. Insurgents use these tactics with no regard for the well-being of the civilian population.

Morris said the transition from the 81 mm mortars to the 120 mm mortars was fairly simple due to the systems’ similarities.

Morris added that although the 120 mm mortar system is not man-portable due to its 318-pound weight, it has a maximum effective range of more than seven kilometers, which allows the Marines to distribute forces in a larger area of operations while still maintaining security.

“We protect our fellow Marines as they advance more on the battlefield and fight the insurgency,” he said.

Hoffman said the mortarmen are professional and extremely proficient.

“We have an incredible group of Marines here,” he said. “They are very efficient and knowledgeable in what they do. They have adapted to the 120 mm mortars and they have adapted extremely well.”
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CLB-3’s career planner beats the clock in Afghanistan

Date written: Feb. 13, 2009
Story by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer

FARAH PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The term “man hunt” would only come close to describing the dedication Combat Logistics Battalion 3 put forth recently to ensure Sgt. Patrick D. Allan had the opportunity to re-enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Currently forward deployed to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan as an individual augment with Support Company, CLB-3, Allan, a Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based tank crewman, got a shocking wake-up call the morning of Jan. 8, 2009.

When a loud banging noise from outside the 22-year-old sergeant’s M88 tank retriever woke him, he never would have thought it would be for his re-enlistment ceremony, which was held at Combat Outpost Barrow in Farah Province.

Not more than a week earlier, Allan almost lost his re-enlistment opportunity after the deadline to “re-up” for the last remaining boat space, or opening, in his occupational field had expired while Allan was out in the field supporting an operation. Because of the circumstances, Allan’s chain of command was able to go to bat for him, receiving an extension for Allan’s re-enlistment authority from the Marine Manpower Enlisted Assignments Branch at Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps in Washington.

“The first thing we did was ask Gunnery Sergeant Michael Peck, the career retention specialist for CLB-3, himself located at CLB-3’s home base in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, to contact Headquarters Marine Corps and ask for more time,” said Sgt. Maj. Danny D. Duvall, CLB-3’s sergeant major. “It was granted and authorized to be modified to no later than Jan. 8.”

The extension of the re-enlistment deadline came as a relief, but the battalion had one other small issue – Allan was not at the battalion headquarters’ present location of Camp Barber in Helmand Province. Instead, he was on a combat logistics patrol supporting Operation Gateway III, which had the battalion widely dispersed across Farah Province to the west. To complicate matters, CLB-3’s headquarters had a difficult time contacting Allan due to the nature of the fast-moving operation.

While CLB-3 attempted to get a message to the sergeant, Peck, from his office in Hawaii, was hard at work e-mailing Duvall line-by-line directions on how to fill out the paperwork for the $52,000 bonus Allan would eventually receive.

Duvall used time zones to his advantage and e-mailed the 1st Marine Division sergeant major on the West Coast at Camp Pendleton after the work day had ended on the East Coast.

“I wanted to provide a chain to ensure everything would get done before Allan’s re-enlistment authority expired,” he said.
Duvall explained that he contacted the division sergeant major for “extra fire support” and to let him know that one of his Marines was here trying to re-enlist and that it would be difficult because Allan was out supporting an operation.

Working diligently throughout the night, CLB-3’s combat operations center exchanged faxes with three offices in the U.S. and established communications with the combat logistics patrol through the battalion’s combat operations center around 11 p.m., Jan. 7 to locate Allan.

During the night, Marines closest to Allan’s location were informed of the situation but said they wouldn’t be able to reach Allan until later the next morning on Jan. 8.

The battalion’s COC relayed messages to an onboard vehicle communications system to 2nd Lt. Juliann C. Naughton, commander of 2nd Platoon, Motor Transportation Co., CLB-3, stressing the importance of the situation and later even providing the text of the oath of enlistment in order for Naughton to re-enlist Allan.

Naughton immediately took action and found Allan, who was sleeping in his M88 tank retriever.

“We give Marines what they deserve,” Naughton said.

Naughton also said of being out on the patrol for two weeks that there was no better place to have a ceremony than in a combat zone.
Later that morning, Allan stood in front of Naughton with his right hand raised as he echoed the oath of enlistment, while the Marines at Kaneohe Bay, Camp Pendleton, and Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps waited for confirmation of Allan’s re-enlistment. Around 7:30 a.m., the COC received a relieving message from Naughton that served as the source document confirming Allan’s re-enlistment.

“It was like the NASA team celebrating (in the COC),” Duvall said. “We made it, and at that point it was a relay race on how fast we could get information out.”

Immediately upon receiving confirmation, the sergeant major promptly redirected back to e-mails, thanking everyone for their support and effort for the successful re-enlistment.

“I wasn’t aware that I would be re-enlisting that morning, and I was excited,” Allan said. “I was aware of the commitment and dedication on CLB-3’s part that made this re-enlistment happen for me, and I’m grateful that they went the extra mile to help me out.”
Allan said he was unaware that he held the last remaining boat space for his occupational field, and he was extremely pleased with the tax-free bonus he received by re-enlisting.

Duvall said he was relieved to see the re-enlistment unfold successfully and the leaders of the combat logistics patrol maintain the integrity of the re-enlistment process.

“It’s (astounding) how five locations in the world can work together throughout the night to get a Marine sworn in during a combat operation,” Duvall said.

According to Allan’s commanding officer, Lt. Col. Michael Jernigan, CLB-3’s efforts throughout were reflected in its motto “`O Ka Hana, ‘A’ole Ka ‘Olelo, the Hawaiian term meaning “actions, not words.”
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Deployed father, son reunite in Afghanistan

CAMP BARBER, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Sgt. Lee Cronin and his father, Chet Cronin, share a laugh after being reunited March 8, 2009, at Camp Barber, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Chet Cronin, a field service representative with II Marine Expeditionary Force at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, had the opportunity to visit his deployed son in southern Afghanistan while troubleshooting communications equipment here.

Sgt. Cronin, a watch chief with Combat Logistics Battalion 3, said seeing his father really boosted his morale. Sgt. Cronin deployed to Afghanistan four months ago. His father, Chet, has been deployed to Iraq for the past two years, and the two hadn’t seen each other in more than a year.

CLB-3 is the logistics combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, whose mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, and train and mentor the Afghan National Police.
(photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton)
CAMP BARBER, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Sgt. Lee Cronin and his father, Chet Cronin, reunite March 8, 2009, at Camp Barber, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Chet Cronin, a field service representative with II Marine Expeditionary Force at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, had the opportunity to visit his deployed son in southern Afghanistan while troubleshooting communications equipment here.

Sgt. Cronin, a watch chief with Combat Logistics Battalion 3, said seeing his father really boosted his morale. Sgt. Cronin deployed to Afghanistan four months ago. His father, Chet, has been deployed to Iraq for the past two years, and the two hadn’t seen each other in more than a year.

CLB-3 is the logistics combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, whose mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, and train and mentor the Afghan National Police.
(photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton)
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ANP, 3/8 conduct Operation Pathfinder in southern Afghanistan

Date written: March 5, 2009
Story by: Lance Cpl. Monty Burton


FARAH PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The Afghan National Police joined forces with the U.S. Marines of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), to execute Operation Pathfinder Jan. 28 through March 7, 2009, in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

As the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, 3/8 worked with the ANP to conduct the operation, while training and mentoring them.

The ANP and 3/8’s Company I were the main effort in the operation, which consisted of several cordon and search missions, deliberate targeting of suspected insurgent cells, and security patrols in the region along southern Afghanistan’s Route 515. Co. I was supported by Weapons Co. and Co. K.

The operation also gave the Marines the opportunity to partner with the ANP, which gave alliance forces a greater presence in the difficult region of southern Afghanistan. The successful completion of Operation Pathfinder prepared the battlespace for future transfer to the ANP.

“We are here to provide security for the Afghan people,” said Capt. Mike Hoffman, Co. I commanding officer. “With the ANP leading us through the villages and interacting with the villagers, it helps the local Afghans build faith not only in us, but in their own security forces.

“The ANP led every step of the way during the operation; we were there to support their efforts,” he said.

Operation Pathfinder was designed to enhance all aspects of SPMAGTF-A’s overall mission of conducting counterinsurgency, with a focus on training and mentoring the ANP. The operation capitalized on the recent success of Operation Gateway III, which involved the clearing of Route 515 and the construction of three combat outposts along the important east-west route that connects the district centers of Delaram and Bakwa.

During the course of Operation Pathfinder, the ANP and Marines uncovered numerous weapon caches, which included more than 150 pounds of explosive material, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms. The ANP and Marines also detained 11 suspected insurgents.

Hoffman said the increased security along the road provides a safer environment for nearby villages and denies insurgent forces freedom of movement in the region.

The ANP and U.S. Marines also had the support of local villages that enjoy the increased security and counterinsurgency effort in the region.
“We had full support of the village elders, which is key to our success here,” Hoffman said. “We were also able to hold a town hall meeting with the local elders, and we had over 60 people in attendance.”

Cpl. Zach Switzer, a squad leader with Co. I, said the operation gave his Marines the chance to get out and interact with the local populace, while gaining valuable intelligence.

“We were afforded the opportunity to get out amongst the villagers and see how they react to our presence,” Switzer said. “We were also able to work hand-in-hand with the ANP in the villages, which helped us to further train and mentor them.”

During Operation Pathfinder, 3/8 employed for the first time in Afghanistan an all-female team of Marines trained to interact with the female Afghan population.

“The operation showed the Afghan villagers who reside along Route 515 that the Marines are here to help,” Hoffman said. “It also sent a message to the insurgents that we know what they are doing, and we are going to stop them.”
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All-female Marine team conducts first mission in southern Afghanistan

Date written: March 5, 2009
Story by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton

FARAH PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, now have a special group of individuals to help them complete their mission in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

The Marines employ a select group of all-female Marines from within SPMAGTF-A who are trained to interact with the Afghan female population – a task considered culturally unacceptable for their male Marine brethren operating in the Islamic republic.
A similar program has been used in combat operations in Iraq, but this is the first time Marine forces in Afghanistan have employed the concept.

Capt. Mike Hoffman, commanding officer of 3/8’s Company I, said the all-female team is an important asset for his Marines.
“(The team) provides us access to half of the population that we normally do not have access to,” Hoffman said. “They did extremely well interacting with the female villagers.”

Second Lt. Johanna Shaffer, the team leader, said their first mission, a cordon and search in support of Operation Pathfinder, was very successful.

“We were accepted by both the men and women villagers and were able to obtain valuable information about the way they lived and what they thought about the Marine Corps operating in the area,” Shaffer said.

During their first mission, the female Marines deliberately donned brightly colored head and neck scarves as a sign of cultural respect to the Afghan women.

“The scarves showed the Afghan women that we were women too, and we respect their culture,” said Shaffer. “They automatically felt more comfortable with us. They showed us their homes, and even though they didn’t have much they were still very generous to us. They accepted us as sisters, and we’re glad that we were here to help them.”

Although Afghan women tend to be more reserved than Afghan men, they still have a large influence on their children, Shaffer said, so engaging with them is important.

“If the women know we are here to help them, they will likely pass that on to their children,” she said. “If the children have a positive perspective of alliance forces, they will be less likely to join insurgent groups or participate in insurgent activities.”

Hoffman said the female Marines were also accepted by the village men.

“They were not opposed by the villagers,” Hoffman said. “They had no problem allowing (the team) the chance to interact with their women.”

According to Shaffer, the concept employed by her team varies greatly from the program in Iraq because of differences in Afghan culture.

“The cultural background here is completely different than that of Iraq,” Shaffer said. “Women here are more timid than in Iraq. There is less of a chance that an Afghan women would try to harm us because they understand that we are here to help them.

“We also do not know much about the daily life of Afghan women,” she said. This provides us not only the opportunity to learn about the women, but also to build and maintain faith and trust of the Afghan women.”

The mission of SPMAGTF-A is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police. Operation Pathfinder was a deliberate counterinsurgency engagement conducted in coordination with Afghan National Security Forces along Route 515 in southern Afghanistan.
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Engineers pack up after seven-month Afghanistan deployment

Date written: March 7, 2009
Story by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer


CAMP BARBER, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – A detachment of Marines from 7th Engineer Support Battalion has constructed success in Afghanistan for the past seven months and is scheduled to depart from Camp Barber, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, in March 2009.

The Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based detachment arrived in Afghanistan Aug. 24, 2008, as a general engineering support attachment to Task Force 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. Task Force 2/7 was replaced by 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, in November 2008.

Shortly after the November 2008 arrival of Combat Logistics Battalion 3, the logistics combat element of SPMAGTF-A, the detachment merged with the Engineering Platoon of CLB-3’s Support Company.

“We thought we would leave with 2/7, but we later found out that we’d be here for a full 210 days,” said Gunnery Sgt. Richard J. Jennings, a staff noncommissioned officer from the 7th ESB detachment currently serving as the operations chief for Engineering Plt.

Jennings said until CLB-3 arrived, the detachment was the only Marine engineering support group in Afghanistan.

The detachment set out to build, and building is what they did. The small unit accomplished any challenge that arose, ranging from constructing buildings and bunkers to projects as large as whole forward operating bases.

“I’m happy with what we could do using the few resources in the beginning, but once we got more Marines, the building went faster,” said Sgt. Tommy B. Simonds, a squad leader with Engineering Plt.

Simonds said with the support from the Marines, what they’ve accomplished was impressive and everyone quickly gained the experience needed to achieve success.

“I’m happy when I go to (FOB) Now Zad because it’s a 180-degree change from when I first saw it,” Simonds said.

According to Staff Sgt. David A. Proitte, the utilities chief for Engineering Plt., when the detachment first arrived some of the existing FOBs were using tents or suspended camouflage netting as housing and work spaces.

“We gave the Marines wood structures, electricity, plumbing and a little bit of comfort,” Proitte said. “We basically tore down (FOB) Now Zad and rebuilt it. Once we got out there, they loved us.”

Priotte said the larger builds occurred at FOBs Now Zad and Golestan, where they worked to improve what was already there and to provide better protection for the Marines. He said his Marines had to be creative with the limited resources, and at one point had to scrounge for material.

Regardless, the unit’s pace did not slow and could only be described by Priotte as “fast and furious.”

The detachment also took part in Operation Gateway III, a deliberate plan to clear southern Afghanistan’s Route 515 of any existing improvised explosive devices and insurgent threats and place combat outposts at strategic locations along the important east-west route.

“(Route) 515 was a big piece, and we finished it in half the time that was allotted,” said Cpl. Tyler A. Blim. “It was a good time, and as a group we’ve accomplished a (large) part of the deployment. There’s no other group here providing that kind of engineering currently.”

While in Afghanistan, the detachment also had the opportunity to work with other forces within the alliance.

“There’s a whole process of stuff that we’ve been enlightened to while working with foreign military,” said Jennings. “It was a great experience to have an international presence, as well as getting to work with British forces on their base.”

Jennings said when he saw the opportunity to come to Afghanistan, he took it, and that even though there was no stable infrastructure here and supplies were hard to get, things got better every day. He said the biggest thanks he’s received while in Afghanistan was after installing shower units at FOB Now Zad and providing the Marines there with the opportunity to take a hot shower.

“I think we’ve made a difference within the area of operations, and we’ve done good work,” Jennings said. “The Marines are really tight considering they’re never worked together as a team. I think as far as the Marines go it’s a small detachment and we’ve accomplished a lot, but we’re ready to go home.”
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