CAMP LEATHERNECK, HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Army 5th Corps, deputy commanding general, Brig. Gen. Ricky D. Gibbs paid a recent visit to Task Force Warhammer (507th Engineer Battalion Michigan Army National Guard) soldiers based out of Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan. During the visit, Gibbs had an opportunity to inspect the construction of the new “WARHAMMER” tactical operations center and met with soldiers from the 260th Engineer Company (Montana Army National Guard).
Gibbs also received an overview of the Husky improvised explosive device detection vehicle capabilities and operator training course to include “hands on” instruction by a BRTRC-HMDS instructor. By the end of the course, Gibbs utilized the Husky’s ground penetrating radar system to locate 15 simulated-emplaced improvised explosive devices. In so doing, he gained an appreciation of the skill and focus required of MOS 12B Combat Engineer soldiers that operate the Husky during daily route clearance operations in Afghanistan.
Task Force Warhammer arrived into Afghanistan in June 2012 and is responsible for the command and control of route clearance operations in Regional Command-West and Regional Command Southwest Afghanistan—an area roughly the size of the State of Wyoming.