Marine engineers survive Marjah blast, provide bridges and fire support for 1/6

Photo By Sgt. Walter D. Marino II | Marines from 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment look on as Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion build a makeshift bridge over a canal in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 11. Alpha Company built numerous bridges for Marines and vehicles to have a clear route to the Taliban stronghold of Marjah.  

HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

02.11.2010

Story by Lance Cpl. Walter D. Marino II 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Marines from Alpha Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, worked tirelessly from early morning to the mid-afternoon Feb. 11, building makeshift bridges over canals to provide a route for Marines and vehicles to enter the known Taliban stronghold of Marjah.

After completion of their last makeshift bridge, Marines had just boarded their vehicles, when suddenly a loud explosion erupted from behind one of their trucks.

Mud chunks fell from the sky like rain. But, no Marines were hurt. Fortunately, Alpha Company had boarded their vehicles moments before the blast.

"The blast made my heart jump. It was a reality check," said Sgt. Jonathan J. Sanabria, a truck master for Alpha Company. "Everyone is real lucky."

Marines surveyed the scene to find nothing but mud houses and Afghan goat herders. It appeared the insurgent attack had been only a single improvised explosive device. Alpha Company continued forward, but halted as enemy shots rang out.

The attack was coming from a mud building in the north. Surprisingly however, the attack was not being placed on Alpha Company, but rather on Marines from 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.

Alpha Company moved into position to provide security, and assist in any way possible.

"The reason I went out is because I didn't think it was fair to have those Marines fighting by themselves. I thought we could push forward and help them suppress fire, and make it a little easier for those guys," said Cpl. James A. Pabey, a motor transport operator for Alpha Company. "We are all here for the same reason. It doesn't matter who they are or where they come from. You just come together, you might not even know the guy shooting next to you, but you make sure he's good to go. It's camaraderie. We're here for them and they're there for you."

Several MK-19 40 mm machine guns and 60 mm mortar rounds were fired into the mud compound for approximately an hour until the insurgent threat was ceased.

"I could see them leaving once the mortar rounds started hitting the building," said Cpl. Khristopher T. McKinzyie, a machine gunner for Alpha Company.

With the bridge construction completed and the firefight over, Alpha Company's mission was done. Still, Alpha Company chose to remain posted near the route, just in case their engineering skills or assistance might be needed for the fight in Marjah.

Alpha Company is prepared to help their fellow Marines in any way they can.

"If something was to go down, I'd be on it like white on rice. That's how prepared I am," said Cpl. Alton S. Floyd, a wrecker operator for Alpha Company. "This mission was a success, it allowed everyone that needed to come through to get through with no problems."
RCS2010

• Date Taken: 02.11.2010
• Date Posted: 02.14.2010 05:25
• Story ID: 45331
• Location: HELMAND PROVINCE, AF