CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Marines with Bridge Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group called in a favor in order to continue their training despite a lack of funding for fuel and oil for their equipment.
Answering the call, 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, provided Bridge Co. with the fuel necessary to conduct controlled launches with Improved Ribbon Bridges here Oct. 8.
“We’re still conducting our scheduled training,” said Lance Cpl. Brandon T. Rowland, a combat engineer with Bridge Co. “We’ve just had to borrow fuel from 2nd Tanks in order to maintain and continue our operations.”
A Logistics Vehicle System backs up to a shoreline with an IRB loaded, then carefully lifts and slides it into the water during a controlled launch. The IRB is maneuvered by Marines in MK III Bridge Erection Boats and opened up in the water. It can then be used as an individual piece or combined with other IRBs to construct a raft capable of carrying heavy equipment and Marines.
“Bridge Co. requires a lot of external support … funding in the realms of fuel, oil, heavy equipment, motor transport and boats, which are all required for any exercises we do,” said Gunnery Sgt. Edward A. Hall, the operations chief for Bridge Co., 8th ESB, 2nd MLG. “We did a joint operation with [2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division] and in order to do the operation, 2nd Tanks had to refuel our boats and vehicles.”
2nd Tanks is scheduled to supply fuel to Bridge Co. for an exercise next week, where Bridge Co. will be moving tanks across the New River.
The partnership formed between the units is mutually beneficial and both units can continue training and ensure their Marines and equipment are mission ready.