Marines, Afghan soldiers insert deep into key terrain

02.10.2010

Story by Lance Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde  

I Marine Expeditionary Force

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — The Marines, sailors and soldiers parked their armored trucks and quickly sprung into action. Some hopped out and took defensive fighting positions. Others directed the vehicles into strategic locations around a large circle. This area of rugged desert in Helmand province, Afghanistan, was transformed into a suitable landing zone.

Waves of CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters landed inside the cordon, spitting additional troops into the perimeter. The Marines and sailors of India Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, and soldiers of the Afghan national army had successfully created a secure environment for the troops to operate.

The troops arrived at their current location, Feb. 4. The Marines riding in the CH-53E Super Stallions came from Camp Dwyer while the others arrived from Camp Belleau Wood, both in Helmand province.

"We got over here and the cordoning party had the landing zone secured," said Cpl. Alex Bunger, a field radio operator who arrived by air.

The service members quickly learned that the enemy was nearby.

A loud whistle screamed through the setting sun. The troops were being attacked with indirect fire. As one Marine screamed "Incoming!" the rest frantically took cover under the armored vehicles scattered around the security cordon.

As the mortar landed in the distance, the troops continued to work, determined not to let the enemy's attacks cause them to lose their composure.

"That was maybe the twentieth time that has happened to me," said Petty Officer 3rd Class James Hamilton, a field medical technician with India Company, "The Taliban still can't shoot!"

The service members also had to fight adverse weather during their stay in the desert. Frequent sand storms and cold nights were typical. Many of the troops slept in the trucks. Others slept under the stars.

"It's pretty cold at night. We don't have a lot of warming layers, but we make do and suck it up," said Bunger, 22, from Salina, Kan.

The Marines of India Company will be working with the ANA by conducting counterinsurgency operations in Helmand province, and will encounter similar circumstances during the immediate future. The Marines realize the importance of their partnership with the ANA to allow for long-term stability in Afghanistan.

"We're out here with the ANA, supporting them to help fight the Taliban so they can take their country back." Bunger said.

• Date Taken: 02.10.2010
• Date Posted: 02.10.2010 04:31
• Story ID: 45173