Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Marines, Afghan National Police stay vigilant in southern Afghanistan

Date written: May 12, 2009
Story by Lance Cpl. Brian D. Jones

BAKWA, Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Through binoculars, a Marine spotted suspicious men in the distance. Over the radio, he passed the word. The security convoy circled around and pushed up to investigate. As they moved in closer, shots rang out from the ridge ahead, May 4, 2009.

The insurgents’ rounds impacted close to the Marines’ vehicles. On the order, the Marines returned fire causing the insurgents’ retreat. The insurgents had completely fled before a quick-reaction force and air support arrived on scene. Shortly afterward, the Marines dismounted and went up the ridge. They found no traces of casualties, just fresh tracks and probable bunkers that may have been used as outposts.

This was not a typical patrol for the Marines of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan. They have successfully kept security under control in Bakwa, Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and such events are rare.

“None of them hesitated,” said Cpl. Josh B. Reasbeck, the squad leader who led the patrol that day. “They were all employed the way they were supposed to be. They all did exactly what they were taught to do. I’m really proud of all them, and I have full confidence of their abilities.”

Prior to alliance forces arriving in Bakwa, insurgent intimidation destroyed the community and pushed many people away. From testimonies of locals, the Marines know insurgents are still active in the area but have little influence.

“The security has increased tremendously with us being here and with the Afghan National Police starting to step up,” said Cpl. Chris L. Parra, a 3rd Civil Affairs Group noncommissioned officer attached to Co. I. “The people actually feel more secure now that they see the local government taking time to put in effort in providing security for the locals in the area.”

The Marines of Co. I are operating from Forward Operating Base Bakwa and two combat outposts. They continually conduct mounted and dismounted security patrols, maintain quick reaction force teams and keep a 24-hour watch over the immediate areas.

“The threat out here is improvised explosive devices,” said Reasbeck. “We don’t really worry about direct fire so much.”

Occasionally, the Marines will catch a local, who was persuaded by insurgents, planting an IED in the road, said Reasbeck.
With security efforts going well, the Marines take time to focus on training an eager-to-learn ANP.

“They seem like they really want to do their job and be the protectors of Afghanistan,” said Lance Cpl. Jacob A. Hutto, a team leader with Co. I.

Marines such as Hutto train the ANP with the help of interpreters to overcome the language barrier. The ANP are trained in basic formations, patrolling and weapons handling.

The ANP have made a considerable amount of progress from the time Co. I first arrived, said Hutto.

The Marines coordinate security patrols with the ANP, showing the local civilians that the U.S. and Afghan forces are working together, said Reasbeck.

With the ANP at their sides, the Marines visit villages to speak with locals. While in the villages, they take the opportunity to do assessments of what the people need and inquire about any activity in the area.

“Generally they’re pretty happy and welcome us with open arms,” said Hutto.

Reasbeck added that the locals are pleased to find that the Marines are willing to help with problems, such as ineffective wells. In return, the villagers are willing to share information.

“When I first got here, the people were very scared and very reluctant to come up and talk to us,” Parra said. “Now they meet us and shake our hands in public. It’s completely different now.”
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Sunday, May 10, 2009

Service members enjoy simple pleasures in southern Afghanistan

May 3, 2009
Story by: Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer


CAMP BARBER, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Sometimes it’s the simple pleasures in life that can make a difference when deployed.
Service members carrying out their duties in support of counterinsurgency operations aboard Camp Barber, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, can now enjoy the fresh smell of coffee and a relaxing lounge to sip a “cup of Joe” at Holy Joe’s Café, April 29, 2009.

The Camp Barber café originally opened in March, providing free coffee, hot tea and breakfast snacks to service members and civilians serving at Camp Barber, but the moniker “Holy Joe’s” isn’t an entirely new name to forward-deployed service members.

The café at Camp Barber derived its name from the Holy Joe’s Café project, which was started in 2006 by the First Congregational Church in Wallingford, Conn., as a coffee drive, providing military chaplains in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait the opportunity to further support U.S. service members deployed overseas.

In an effort to support her fellow service members in what she calls “a little piece of home,” Navy Lt. Karen J. Rector, the Combat Logistics Battalion 3 chaplain, collected matted flooring, put up camouflage netting for shade, and gathered benches and tables to give coffee and tea-drinking patrons a comfortable and appealing place to take a break. CLB-3 Sgt. Maj. Danny Duvall volunteered a bit of his spare time and artistry, decorating the café’s tables and benches with an eclectic holy-Hawaiian-desert-patriotic motif to make things interesting for the patrons as they enjoy their “cup of Joe” or tea.

“Coffee in the morning helps you face the adversities that you’re going to face that day,” said 1st Lt. Jason D. Ryan, the supply officer assigned to Headquarters Company, CLB-3. “If you get a bad cup of coffee, you know it’s going to be a bad day,” joked Ryan.

Ryan said his day would be incomplete if he wasn’t able to get his cup of coffee and feels it’s an important part of his morning.

“Holy Joe’s has the best coffee on Camp Barber,” Ryan said. “There are some things in Afghanistan that are always tough, but it should never be your first cup of coffee.”

Coffee isn’t the only sustenance provided at Holy Joe’s. The café also provides juices, cereal and cold milk and various breakfast foods to start off the day.

Rector attributes much of the café’s success to the donated supplies she receives through the “Adopt-a-Chaplain Program” and the individuals who donate their time and effort to support the troops through the chaplains’ services.

Holy Joe’s recently held its official grand opening April 20, 2009, announcing its place in the camp and all that it has to offer. Those who participated in the social event were welcomed with a barbeque picnic, refreshments and a raffle of prizes to top the night.

Combat Logistics Battalion 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.
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ISAF top enlisted meets with Marines in Afghanistan

Date written: May 1, 2009
Story by: Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Afghanistan’s top enlisted leader personally delivered a message to Marines on Camp Leatherneck in the Islamic republic of Afghanistan May 1, 2009 – “we couldn’t have selected a better outfit to come down here.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Iuniasolua T. Savusa, the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan command sergeant major, spent part of the day touring construction sites on Camp Leatherneck and observing the development of Camp Bastion’s new expeditionary airfield, in preparation for the arrival of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. However, Savusa had an additional mission in mind – he wanted to speak with the troops.

“Listening to what they really need is what every senior enlisted leader is charged by their commanders to do,” he said. “Marines do very well in (counter insurgency environments) and at gaining the trust of the people. I’m here to listen … and push out the resources needed to build up Leatherneck and the (forward operating bases) so they can accomplish that mission.”

Savusa spent the majority of his trip answering questions and speaking about the pivotal role Marines and sailors will play in supporting the Afghan people during their upcoming presidential elections.

“It’s all about being on one team,” said Sgt. Maj. Paul G. McKenna, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan sergeant major. “CSM Savusa and I are on the same page when it comes to taking care of all NATO and U.S. service members in this coalition environment. Our visit today to Camp Leatherneck is a display of that partnership and demonstrates to all hands that regardless of the style of uniform you wear, we all execute from the same playbook.”

Savusa left a few parting words for the Marines “on the ground.”

“We need the Marines here as soon as we possibly can to bring the level of security and trust way up,” Savusa said. “We have to help the Afghan people get their lives back. While you’re out there, be safe and take care of each other.”


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Marines in southern Afghanistan build for future, construct Camp Leatherneck

April 27, 2009
Story by: Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Camp Leatherneck, soon to be the largest Marine Corps camp in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is making an impression in the soils of southern Afghanistan, April 27, 2009.

A sign of the U.S. Marine Corps’ commitment to counterinsurgency operations, and the training and mentoring of the Afghan National Police in southern Afghanistan, the camp will eventually be able to house about 10,000, including members of U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force and civilian contractors.

According to Capt. Bart Lecher, the Headquarters Company commander assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, Leatherneck is designed to be a hub for the reception, staging, onward movement and integration of Marine forces into southern Afghanistan.

Camp Leatherneck is currently under the operational control of Col. Duffy W. White, the commander of SPMAGTF-A until the arrival of the camp’s main tenant – the headquarters of the 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

“The project started in January with nothing but dirt and currently, four months later, the camp is fully capable, housing nearly 5,000 personnel,” Lecher said.

Currently residing in the camp, Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 are supporting much of the construction.

“They’re the best at their jobs, and the amount of work they do can’t be matched,” said Marine Capt. Joshua Guide, the company commander of Co. B, NMCB-5, and the Marine liaison with the SPMAGTF-A mayor cell for the camp. “They’re a valuable asset to the Marine expeditionary brigade (who will be taking over Camp Leatherneck).”

Guide said he finds his position with the SeaBees to be unique, but at the same time he feels it’s an honor to have the opportunity to lead the SeaBees.

One of the camp’s largest projects is the construction of three headquarters buildings for the MEB, the regimental combat team and the garrison. At more than 200 feet in length and 10,000 square feet, the Southwest Asia-style wooden structures are recognized by the SeaBees and Marines as the largest of their kind ever built.

While the SeaBees are hard at work, the Marines have jumped into the building frenzy within the camp, assisting the Seabees with squaring walls, placing support pedestals and undertaking other various construction tasks when they have extra time to spare.

“A bunch of us volunteered to come out and help,” said Sgt. Dennis A. Lum, a field radio operator assigned to Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28. “I love building, and I love helping.”

Also playing an important role in the construction of the camp, civilian contractors have worked to erect tents and living quarters, as well as provide life support comforts, such as dining facilities, maintenance shelters and morale, welfare and recreational facilities for the incoming service members.

“The contractors have been absolutely huge,” said 1st Lt. Kieran R. O’Neil, the camp commandant for Brigade Headquarters Group. “They are a vital component to this base. Their mission is getting all the buildings set up.”

O’Neil said that up to 10,000 personnel will be rolling through the camp to receive equipment and push out to the forward operating bases located throughout southern Afghanistan.

“We’re living as the construction is going on everyday, and the Marines are adapting,” said Gunnery Sgt. Claude A. Pile, the logistics chief for the Brigade Headquarters Group. “I walk around all day and talk to the Marines. Even though they’re on the camp for now and the conditions are challenging at the moment, you can still see it in their faces. They want to be here.”

Marine Corps planners say the potential exists to expand the camp to three times its original size in 2010.
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Friday, May 8, 2009

Marines construct world’s largest aircraft combat parking expansion in Afghanistan


May 4, 2009
Story by: Lance Cpl. Monty Burton


CAMP BASTION, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – From dawn until dusk, a unit of Marines works diligently preparing an aircraft parking expansion to support the scheduled increase of U.S. Marines and service members in the southern region of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, May 1, 2009.

“The Marines want their aircraft closer to the fight,” said Capt. Carlton Wilson, the Airfield Operations company commander of Marine Wing Support Squadron 371.

That is why the Marines of MWSS-371 are constructing the 1.9 million square-foot parking expansion adjacent to the airfield aboard Camp Bastion in Helmand Province.

The 4,846-foot-long expansion, which is scheduled for completion within the next few months, will provide military aircraft a place to park after landing at the Camp Bastion airfield, a service currently not available due to space limitations.

The project goes hand-in-hand with and supports the construction of nearby Camp Leatherneck, the home of the headquarters of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, which will have 10,000 Marines and service members under its command.
Wilson said the expansion project is led by MWSS-371’s expeditionary airfield technicians but almost every Marine assigned to the squadron, regardless of military occupational specialty, is contributing to the completion of the project.

“We have Marines from all over the squadron out there constructing the parking expansion with the expeditionary airfield technicians,” he said. “The expeditionary airfield technicians instruct and mentor the volunteers, and together they get the work done.”
Wilson said that the parking expansion will be the second largest of its kind in the world, behind that of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., but it is the largest ever built in a combat environment.

Lance Cpl. Joe Sullivan, an expeditionary airfield technician, said the expansion project, which is commonly referred to as “slamming mat,” is by no means an easy task. The 12-foot-long by 2-foot-wide sections of aluminum matting, or AM-2, used to construct the expansion weighs up to 150 pounds per sheet, and the Marines install it by hand.

Sullivan added that the environment poses challenges for the Marines working on the project.

“It’s hot and extremely dusty,” Sullivan said. “Almost everywhere you go there are dust funnels, but together, we work through it.”

The expeditionary airfield technicians also work side-by-side with U.S. Navy SeaBees assigned to Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 5 and heavy-equipment operators from within MWSS-371.

“The Navy Seabees and heavy equipment operators do the groundwork, leveling and grading the soil, to ensure the matting goes down flat, so we don’t have to pick it up multiple times,” Sullivan said. “We try to get it right the first time.”

Wilson added that the work is hard, but the Marines are doing the job quickly and efficiently.

“The construction of the parking expansion requires a lot of manual labor, but the Marines are extremely motivated and enjoy contributing to the fight,” said Wilson.

According to MWSS-371’s commanding officer, Lt. Col. David E. Jones, his squadron’s ability to construct projects like the aircraft parking expansion provides the Marine Air-Ground Task Force with a capability that’s unmatched.

“MWSS-371 extends the reach of the MAGTF and makes U.S. Marine Corps aviation expeditionary,” Jones said. “We help make the MAGTF the dynamic organization that it is.”

Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 is part of the 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s air combat element. The mission of 2nd MEB is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, and train and mentor the Afghan National Police.
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Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Commandant's wife donates supplies to Afghans

BAKWA, Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Lance Cpl. Alex Haney hands out material assistance items to local Afghan children April 19, 2009, at a village in Bakwa, Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

The supplies were donated by Annette Conway, the spouse of 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway, and included shoes, clothing and school supplies.

Haney is a fireteam leader with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan. The SPMAGTF-A mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo)




BAKWA, Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – An Afghan child holds material assistance items distributed by Afghan National Police and U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), April 19, 2009, at a village in Bakwa, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

The supplies were donated by Annette Conway, the spouse of 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway, and included shoes, clothing and school supplies.

3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan. The SPMAGTF-A mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo)






BAKWA, Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – An Afghan child demonstrates his writing skills on a chalkboard after receiving material assistance items distributed by Afghan National Police and U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), April 19, 2009, at a village in Bakwa, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

The supplies were donated by Annette Conway, the spouse of 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway, and included shoes, clothing and school supplies.
3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan. The SPMAGTF-A mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo)




BAKWA, Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Second Lt. Dennis Dunbar hands out material assistance items to a local Afghan farmer April 19, 2009, at a village in Bakwa, Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

The supplies were donated by Annette Conway, the spouse of 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway, and included shoes, clothing and school supplies.

Dunbar is a platoon commander with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan. The SPMAGTF-A mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo)
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ISAF deputy commander visits Nowzad Marines

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – An aerial gunner observes the landscape as CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 fly across the Afghan desert May 5, 2009, in Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

HMH-362, part of the aviation combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, recently redeployed from Iraq to Afghanistan to support counterinsurgency operations here.

SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(photo by 1st Lt. Stewart M. Coles)








NOW ZAD, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Col. Duffy W. White speaks with U.S. Marines May 5, 2009, at Forward Operating Base Now Zad, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

White came to discuss operations with leaders from International Security Assistance Force’s Regional Command South and 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan.

White is the commander of SPMAGTF-A, whose mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(photo by 1st Lt. Stewart M. Coles)





NOW ZAD, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 prepare to land May 5, 2009, in the district of Now Zad, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

HMH-362, part of the aviation combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, recently redeployed from Iraq to Afghanistan to support counterinsurgency operations here.

SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(photo by 1st Lt. Stewart M. Coles)






NOW ZAD, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – British Royal Marine Brigadier David A. Hook and U.S. Marine Lt. Col. David L. Odom discuss operations May 5, 2009, at Forward Operating Base Now Zad, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Hook is the deputy commander of International Security Assistance Force’s Regional Command South. Odom is the commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan.

SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(photo by 1st Lt. Stewart M. Coles)
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