Come what may, resupply on the way

Photo By Staff Sgt. Bruno Bego | A Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle pushes a mine roller through the route ensuring the path is clear of improvised explosive devices during a five-day convoy to Forward Operating Base Edinburgh, Afghanistan, March 1. The troops embarked on a combat logistics patrol to take supplies to Marines and sailors with Regimental Combat Team 8 and 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Forward), who are operating in the area in support of International Security Assistance Forces.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

03.02.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Bruno Bego 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – For most people 40 hours is a normal work week, but for more than 70 Marines and sailors with General Support Motor Transportation Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), it’s just another day on the road. During a recent resupply convoy, it took troops nearly 40 hours to travel a mere 70 miles. They forged through mud, sometimes knee deep, and improvised explosive device laden terrain to Forward Operating Base Edinburgh, Afghanistan, March 2.

The nearly two-day movement was just the first leg of what ended up being a five-day combat logistics patrol to transport supplies to troops with Regimental Combat Team 8 and 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Fwd), who are operating in the area in support of International Security Assistance Forces.

“We brought 21 bed spaces of supplies for the base,” said 1st. Lt. Mark T. Fitzgerald, the 2nd platoon commander with GSMT Company, CLR-15. “We also brought a seven and a half ton crane to replace the one they had there.”

The massive weight of the trucks and the muddy terrain often slowed the convoy’s movement, but it didn’t faze the Marines. Regardless of the obstacle they adapted, overcame, and kept pushing more than 70 miles, one way, to deliver supplies to their destination.

“It usually takes three days to complete the entire mission, obviously with better weather conditions,” Fitzgerald added. “But it has been raining a lot lately, which makes it very difficult for the trucks when following new routes.”

The rugged terrain in Afghanistan often proves challenging to traverse: long extensions of open desert, unpredictable weather and an imminent enemy threat presenting hurdles every step of the way.

“For the conditions we faced these two days we made pretty good timing,” said Sgt. Daniel L. Cozart, the recovery noncommissioned officer in charge with GSMT Company, CLR-15. “I think every mission we do, we manage to do it better than the last one.”

During the convoy, small villages were a common sight. Some Afghan civilians approached the Marines, others stood outside their houses observing the trucks as they drove by.

“It’s really nice to get outside the wire. To come out here and support the Marines, it makes me feel important,” Cozart added. “It’s also nice to see the local nationals and interact with them, because in the end, that is what we are here for, to help them.”

Some of the Afghans in the area weren’t shy when expressing how they felt about the presence of the Marines in the area.

One local approached the convoy and took the opportunity to express, “We understand [Marines] are trying to help us.” He added, “All we want is a better place for our families.”

Although it wasn’t an easy task, six months of experience helped the Marines and sailors come together and overcome a variety of obstacles to ensure the supplies reach their destination, all while attempting to win hearts and minds along the way.

• Date Taken: 03.02.2011
• Date Posted: 03.08.2011 05:12
• Story ID: 66663
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF