Engineers enhance security along Route 606

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

08.21.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Bruno Bego 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – One of the most trafficked roads in the country, Route 606, consists of 218 kilometers of paved road and connects Farah, Herat and Chaghcharan provinces, while winding its way into Iran.

Marines and sailors with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) installed several reinforced culvert denial systems,, Aug. 18-20, to counter the damage done by improvised explosive devices placed by enemy insurgents in the drainage pipes lining the road.

“We placed 10 culvert denial systems, and we had to replace a whole culvert after it was blown up,” Sgt. Moses S. Ruiz, from Kerrville, Texas, a combat engineer with 7th ESB said. “The systems are going to protect the locals in the area as well as all the commercial traffic on the road.”

The operation lasted four days and included 33 miles of Route 606. The cages will greatly assist Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces with security operations in the area. Perhaps more importantly, the systems will also provide the locals with a safer passage of travel as they maintain their livelihoods.

“Hopefully we can help the locals,” said Lance Cpl. Michael S. Adams, from Pawtucket, R.I., a combat engineer with 7th ESB. “They use this road to transport their goods to local markets on a daily basis so they can have money for their families.

“I think this will make the insurgents’ life a little bit harder and our job a little bit easier,” Adams concluded.

• Date Taken: 08.21.2011
• Date Posted: 08.23.2011 09:04
• Story ID: 75774
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF