Photo By Ismael Ortega | Soldiers assigned to 116th Engineer Company, Utah Army National Guard, exit an...... read more read more
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After nine months of supporting construction projects throughout U.S. Central Command area of operations out of Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Soldiers assigned to 116th Engineer Company, Utah Army National Guard, have returned stateside, arriving at the Silas L. Copeland Arrival/Departure Airfield Control Group here, Aug. 12, and beginning the demobilization process with the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security.
The 116th Eng. Co. has deployed on similar missions in the past – in 2003, 2005 and 2007 – in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
During their most recent deployment, the horizontal engineers supported Operations Spartan Shield, Freedom Sentinel and Inherent Resolve and completed several projects that helped coalition forces throughout the CENTCOM area of operations such as creating a counter improvised explosive device/explosive hazards awareness team training lane for the Iraq army, fortifying bases with blast walls, constructing the enclosure for motor pools that protect vehicles from dust storms.
The unit also worked with the U.S. Air Force, 557th Expeditionary Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron’s engineers to repair and extend an airfield and the 11th Kuwait Engineer Battalion to construct a 15-mile anti-tank ditch.
“Several of our Soldiers have construction jobs … which brought a wealth of practical every day experience. It allowed for a lot of junior enlisted with those skills to jump in leadership and training positions,” said Capt. Ryan Johnson, commander, 116th Eng. Co. “This proved to be crucial to our success as we executed upwards of 15 projects simultaneously (that) would require junior noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted to take over as project managers. Their experience and ability to take on greater responsibilities allowed us to accomplish more.”
Combine that with the platoon leaders’ years of technical knowledge and practical real world engineer planning along with the executive officers’ job-site safety experience, the unit maintained a high operational tempo with no serious injuries or accidents.
During their time abroad, Soldiers used Caterpillar D7 dozers, scrapers, graders, dump trucks and loaders to move 566,000 cubic yards of gravel, sand and other materials while building new bases, launch sites and anti-tank ditches. In total, the unit completed more than 50 construction projects and saved CENTCOM more than $4.5 million in projected construction and maintenance costs while simultaneously improving the sustainment of the Area Support Group-Kuwait.
As a testament to their hard work, more than 200 certificates of appreciation where presented to Soldiers from outside organizations and coalitions forces along with 25 Army Achievement Medals. Several Soldiers also received OIF, OEF and the Multinational Forces and Observers campaign medals for their time overseas.
Throughout their busy deployment Soldier morale remained strong even with a hectic workload. They found the time to complete their structured self-development courses and attend the Basic Leaders course.
“The Soldiers worked hard and were recognized and appreciated everywhere they went. The 116th Engineer Company has a deep history of successful operations from (the Battle of Luzon, during World War II), through OIR,” Johnson said. “We stand on the shoulders of giants and raise the standard wherever we go.”
| Date Taken: | 09.01.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 09.02.2016 13:24 |
| Story ID: | 208819 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TX, US |
| Hometown: | SPANISH FORK, UT, US |
| Web Views: | 91 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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