Photo By Staff Sgt. Immanuel Johnson | Combat engineers with Bridge Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion guide the M1A1...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Transporting tanks on rafts is one of many capabilities that Improved Ribbon Bridge Platoon, Bridge Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, is able to do aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 18, 2015.
The unit provides general engineering support to Marine Expeditionary Forces encompassing mobility enhancement, including the employment of standard bridging, survivability, explosive ordnance disposal, the provision of tactical utilities support, production and storage of bulk water, and general supply support incident to the handling, storage and distribution of bulk fuel.
“Our mission is to provide mobility for them (4th Tanks),” said Lance Cpl. Tate Marley, a combat engineer with 8th ESB and designated raft commander for the exercise. “This method of transportation is more efficient in saving fuel.”
4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, based out of New Orleans, Louisana, had 8 tanks transported to Camp Lejeune for the improved ribbon bridge to utilize for the exercise.
It took the improved ribbon bridge four trips to transport the tanks across French Creek to Marine Corps Air Station New River. In order for the transport of cargo and personnel to be successful, a lot of moving parts are required.
“The biggest challenge something like this presents is manpower,” said Staff Sgt. Tim George, the platoon sergeant with IRB Plt., Bridge Co., 8th ESB. “It takes a minimum of seven people to operate one of these rafts, which is good for us because if not, we would have to draw training augments from other parts of the battalion.”
Tanks made their way on the raft in pairs of two getting transported from the starting to finish point.
The raft has two boats tied to each end allowing for a smooth, efficient ride from the starting point to the end.
The raft commander ensures that boat operators are aware at all times as well as the wind current and other weather variables that could affect the raft.
“It’s a lot of responsibilities being the raft commander,” Marley said. “You are ultimately responsible for the whole raft and anyone that is on it. Understanding the mission whether it is a success or fail depends on how I operate this raft.”
This sort of training is conducted throughout the year when a tank battalion requires a method of transportation. “We’re pretty dynamic, this right here shows troop crossings,” George said. “Everyone sees us, from 6th Marines all the way to the battalion headquarters. It gives us visibility and keeps us [engaged].”
| Date Taken: | 07.18.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.24.2015 08:38 |
| Story ID: | 171015 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 120 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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