Photo By Ismael Ortega | Soldiers assigned to the 1023rd Vertical Engineer Company, Louisiana Army National...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas - Soldiers assigned to the 1023rd Vertical Engineer Company, Louisiana Army National Guard, walked across the tarmac of the Silas L. Copeland Arrival/Departure Air Control Group, having just stepped off the plane here Dec. 18, 2015. The unit completed a nine-month deployment in Kuwait, providing contingency engineer support throughout the Middle East.
“The main focus was expanding living areas and improving the quality of life for bases in Iraq,” 1st Sgt. Frank Boone, first sergeant, 1023rd Eng. Company, said. “(That included) the expansion of office space and living and building areas in camp Arifjan, Kuwait.”
The unit deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, but throughout their time in the Middle East, also supported Operation Inherent Resolve and operations Freedom Sentinel and Spartan Shield.
Capt. Ross D. Bethea, commander, 1023 Eng. Company, said they completed more than 30 projects in support of OEF. Another noteworthy accomplishment was the constructing a new gymnasium from the ground up at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The last gym built there was in 2007.
To prepare for the deployment the unit completed three weeks of training and exercises at Camp Beauregard, Louisiana, before proceeding here for pre-mobilization training. Bethea said the training they received here prepared the troops for this deployment. Electricians, plumbers and carpenters gained knowledge and expertise with their military occupational specialties throughout the 45 training days at McGregor Range, New Mexico.
“We trained tactically on convoy movements, construction and directives in mission in a tactical environment with civilians on the battlefield,” Boone said. “(We also) utilized local national forces (role players) not only for security but also assistance on the job site (at Camp McGregor).”
Flexibility was important for the engineers while overseas. They worked 12 hours a day and strived for their unit goals during their off time. The company wanted all Soldiers to complete their structured self-development courses and achieve a 90 percent pass rate for the Army Physical Fitness Test.
“Missions change constantly and often times with very little reaction time,” Boone said. “Theater commanders would recognized the need for quick and effective engineering support.”
Bethea said the Soldiers had a positive attitude throughout the deployment and many opportunities to work on projects. The unit was assembled with roughly 60 percent of Soldiers who hadn’t deployed. Those who have been to Kuwait were able to help the younger generation of engineers and give them insight about the operation tempo.
“We’re just happy to be home. It has been a long nine months and I’m proud of what the unit has accomplished,” Bethea said.
| Date Taken: | 12.18.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.21.2016 11:01 |
| Story ID: | 186719 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 265 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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