Louisiana Guard builds bridge for oil spill boom distribution

Photo By Sgt. Michael Owens | Louisiana National Guardsman Maj. James S. Slaven, executive officer of the 205th Engineer Battalion, inspects a 300-foot improved ribbon bridge built by the 2225th Multi-Role Bridge Company, out of Marrero, La., at the Frank Campo Marina in Shell Beach, La., May 6. The 2225th constructed the bridge to serve as a temporary wharf for oil spill boom distribution in St. Bernard Parish.  

NEW ORLEANS, LA, UNITED STATES

05.07.2010

Story by Sgt. Michael Owens 

Louisiana National Guard

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard's 205th Engineer Battalion constructed an improved ribbon bridge, May 6, in St. Bernard Parish to be used in support of operations related to the oil spill off the coast of Louisiana.

About 50 members of the 2225th Multi-Role Bridge Company, based in Marrero, La., built the 300-foot temporary wharf near the Frank "Blackie" Campo Marina in Shell Beach, La., so that oil booms can easily be picked up and distributed to fishermen that are working in support of the mission.

"Our main job is to construct the bridge so that the process of distribution becomes easier for all involved," said Maj. James S. Slaven, executive officer of the 205th.

After transporting their boats and equipment to the Campo Marina in two separate convoys, the Guardsmen staged and accounted for all pieces.

The Soldiers loaded the boats into the bay, and one-by-one, each bridge section was dropped into the water and transported into the open bay for construction.

"Because we need adequate space to put it together, we have to move each section about 500 feet into the open bay," said Slaven.

"It seems like a tedious process, but once we get started it rolls easily and quickly," said 1st Sgt. Kevin P. Giroir, senior enlisted adviser for the 2225th.

Once the sections were transported to the working area, a crew connected each component until the whole bridge was completed.

"They worked diligently to get this complete," said Slaven. "We were originally expecting to be here until 10 p.m., but they completed the mission by 5 p.m."

As a last order of business, Slaven inspected the bridge and gave it a final "thumbs-up" after their work met and surpassed the standards. A team of about ten Guardsmen will be onsite daily to maintain the bridge.

"I am really proud of each of these Soldiers," said Slaven. "They worked really hard today to help Louisiana, and I want them to know that I appreciate their efforts."

• Date Taken: 05.07.2010
• Date Posted: 05.07.2010 21:22
• Story ID: 49311
• Location: NEW ORLEANS, LA, US