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CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan — Less than a month ago, U.S. troops turned over the security of Ar Ramadi to Iraqi security force soldiers.
For Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force, operating in Ar Ramadi, the turnover was as promising as word of their return to Okinawa sometime in October.
Since early March, Marines with the unit have been supporting the Army's 1st Brigade Combat Team and ISF soldiers by requesting and controlling air and artillery firing operations in support of missions in and around the city. As their deployment nears its end, the unit's success speaks for itself.
Marines are known throughout Ar Ramadi for their ability to communicate with and control air and artillery fire support, said Staff Sgt. Raul O. Chapa, the communications chief for 1st Brigade Platoon, 5th ANGLICO.
"Within days of arriving here, our Marines had established great working relationships with the units we support and immediately began planning and coordinating for combat operations."
Currently, 5th ANGLICO is spread between three camps throughout the city. In addition to coordinating and controlling fires, the Marines have supported units with intelligence gathering raids, convoy security and patrols in urban and rural terrain.
Chapa said though the Marines have performed exceptionally well, being spread throughout the city and Al Anbar province, which encompasses more than 50,000 square miles, has been a challenge.
"Throughout the deployment we have found ourselves dealing with the logistical burden of repairing or ordering new equipment. With our (Firepower Control Teams) spread across the area of operations, which includes some very remote areas, multiple (locations) have really taken a toll on our equipment," Chapa said.
Chapa said quick planning coupled with close supervision helped the unit overcome obstacles.
For many of the Marines, the deployment to Iraq was their first. Capt. Chad R. Grimmett, the FCT-5 team leader, said he was a little concerned that his Marines might not have received enough training, but one could not tell by their performance.
"Young Marines always surprise you at how well they adapt to situations and become successful at them," Grimmett said.
Though the Marines are looking forward to their return to Okinawa, the tour in Iraq has brought them closer as a unit.
"The best part about a deployment is the time you spend with your Marines," said Grimmett. "They are your family and they are an outlet for all your emotions."
| Date Taken: | 09.21.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 09.23.2007 21:15 |
| Story ID: | 12494 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 142 |
| Downloads: | 99 |
This work, 5th ANGLICO Marines wrap up Iraq tour, by GySgt Joshua Higgins, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
