Transportation Soldiers help Iraqi Police

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Christopher Peakes, team leader, 70th Transportation Co., 391st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, checks out one of his company's new vehicles during driver's training at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Jan. 5. Soldier's from the 70th Transportation Company, 391st CSSB on COB Speicher, rapidly trained on new vehicles in order to replace their current equipment which is to be transferred to Iraqi forces.  

TIKRIT, IRAQ

01.09.2009

Courtesy Story

16th Sustainment Brigade

By the 16th Sustainment Brigade

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq — Germany based Soldiers from Contingency Operating Base Speicher are taking a giant leap forward in giving the Iraqi police upgraded equipment while receiving upgrades of their own here, Jan. 6.

Soldiers of the 70th Transportation Company, 391st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, are in the process of exchanging their Humvee for new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. The exchange serves two purposes. First, it allows the Soldiers of 70th Trans. Co. to upgrade into safer and more versatile vehicles. Second, the Iraqi forces will inherit the Humvees to enhance their mission execution.

The company commander said that he was excited about the switch because of the duel benefit from the exchange.

"This transfer will make the Iraqi security forces better equipped to conduct operations on their own, speeding up the transition and making the Iraqis more able to take control of their county without our help," said Seattle, Washingon, native, Capt. Patrick Henrichs, commander, 70th Trans. Co., 391st CSSB.

The vehicles will also give the Soldiers of 70th Trans. Co. a leg up when conducting their mission.

"The new vehicles are a great opportunity for us. It allows us to gain experience with a new system and be much more effective," said 2nd Lt. Vernell Rixner, platoon leader, 70th Trans. Co., 391st CSSB, and Atlanta, Ga., native.

In order to operate the new MRAP vehicles the 70th Trans. Soldiers must conduct a rigorous training program. The training takes four days, and will give them a good idea of the MRAPs capability and specifications.

"It's great to learn about new vehicles," said SPC Christopher Peakes, team leader, 70th Trans. Co., 391st CSSB. "I haven't really used MRAPs, but I am sure they are going to have a big impact on our mission and make us safer on the road."

The Frisco, Texas, native, also said knows that helping out the Iraqi forces is a top priority.

"The Iraqi army needs new vehicles to take charge and I understand this is our way of helping them out."

• Date Taken: 01.09.2009
• Date Posted: 01.09.2009 05:18
• Story ID: 28636
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ