Bridge over troubled water

Photo By Sgt. Judith Dacosta | Col. Sharon R. Duffy, the 3rd Corps Support Command Deputy Commanding Officer, rides alongside B-Company, 84th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) Soldiers in the first humvee to cross over the newly established bridge at the ribbon cutting ceremony on April 7.  

BALAD, IRAQ

05.05.2006

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

LSA ANACONDA, Iraq-In April, Col. Sharon Duffy, the 3rd Corps Support Command Deputy Commanding Officer, cut a white ribbon that hung over the middle of a small bridge near Logistical Support Area Anaconda .

"The new bridge will free up the line of vision for the North ECP," said 1st Lt. Waukemsha Kirkpatrick, Company B, 84th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) platoon leader.

Prior to the establishment of the new bridge, truck drivers and Quick Reaction Force personnel would have to make U-turns at the ECP, said Kirkpatrick. This slowed traffic and blocked the gate on occasion, she said.

The mission to build the bridge was completed in three months with breaks, said 2nd Lt. Michael Bennon, a Co. B, 84th ECB (H) platoon leader. Soldiers pulled 24-hour security on the site, said Bennon.

They also worked 15 to 16 hour days, Kirkpatrick added.

"It got really hot moving concrete out in the sun while wearing your IBA [Interceptor Body Armor]," said Pfc. Cory Glueckert, an 84th mason and carpenter.

"And before we could do anything, we had to clean the canal," said Spc. Shannon Bragg, an 84th general engineer. "We took about 100 pounds of mushy gray gunk that looked like algae out of the canal."

The completed bridge is made out of concrete and wood and is designed to hold up to 70 tons, said Capt. Andy Marshall, the Co. B, 84th ECB (H) company commander and experienced engineer.

"This is a great example of what Bravo Company is able to do," said Duffy.

They have arguably one of the most critical roles out here, she said.

It may seem simple but what they do gets gravel trucks here, said Duffy Gravel is a mission essential resource used to fill in potholes and smooth rough roads, said Marshall.

After the ribbon was cut, unit members along with Duffy rode over the bridge in a humvee as a two-ton truck followed close behind.

The bridge withstood the weight of both vehicles at the ribbon cutting ceremony and Soldiers who worked together to build the bridge cheered as they witnessed the successful test of their finished product.

Duffy, Lt. Col. Mark Toy, the 84th ECB (H) battalion commander, and the unit's battalion sergeant major rewarded several Soldiers with coins and certificates of appreciation for their dedication and commitment during the construction of the bridge.

The quality of life and safety measures taken here are impressive, Duffy said.

"Units here at Logistical Support Area Anaconda set the standard for other units in country to follow. Improvements like these show that Anaconda may very well be one of the last bases occupied when American units begin to pull out of Iraq," said Duffy.

• Date Taken: 05.05.2006
• Date Posted: 05.05.2006 07:25
• Story ID: 6288
• Location: BALAD, IQ