BAGHDAD — The "Bravo Beasts" of B Company, 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), 225th Engineer Brigade, based in Fort Rucker, Ala., are wrapping up their 15-month deployment to Iraq.
During their tour the engineers conducted numerous reconstruction projects, security missions, and joint construction projects with Iraqi army engineers, while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom 08-10 and 09-11.
"We have performed as a division asset and touched every corner of this growing city," said Capt. Christopher Beal, commander, B Company, 46th ECB (H), a native of Sealy, Texas. "The bonds and relationships that we have built here will never be lost."
As soon as their boots touched foreign sand, back in June 2008, the Soldiers were on the move to several different projects throughout Baghdad. Their first mission was to construct a Battalion Supply/Logistical Operations building on the Victory Base Complex.
At the same time, Earthmoving Platoon was busy pounding the hot pavement as a security team operating with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, as members of Task Force Gold.
"Task Force Gold [conducted] mounted and dismounted security operations for a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Team," said Capt. Jeremy Atkinson, former platoon leader for EM Plt., a native of New Orleans, La. "After every mission the QA/QC Soldiers [offered] thanks and praise for the job well done by the 46th Soldiers."
After eight months of providing security for teams ensuring Iraqi contractors' construction projects were up to standards and escorting VIPs throughout the city, Soldiers of the EM Plt. went back to work as heavy equipment operators and construction engineers.
"It's nice to be back on equipment," said Staff Sgt. Thomas Schwenkler, of Santa Cruz, Calif. "Some Soldiers had not operated equipment previous to the deployment. They had to get in there and learn — they had to get their stick time."
The carpenters, masonry specialists, plumbers, and electricians of B Company, were also expanding their skill set, while improving the living conditions of U.S. troops throughout Multi-National Division-Baghdad.
"We rewired buildings, put outlets in the rooms, and installed lights in the rooms and hallways," stated Sgt. Carlene Davis, a Co. B electrician, a native of Manhattan, N.Y. "We also fixed their air conditioners."
According to Staff Sgt. Ian Jones, a squad leader from Newport, N.Y., Soldiers at Joint Security Station Istiqlal were moving into the engineers' newly-finished buildings "less than 24 hours after the final nail was pounded." The same happened in southern Baghdad at Combat Outpost Carver where engineers were building ahead of the surge of Soldiers moving to the outskirts of town in accordance to the Security Agreement with Iraq.
"Every project we touched and every site we visited, the other units were always appreciative and amazed at the efficiency of our Soldiers," said 1st Sgt. Gregory Williams, of Buena Vista, Ga.
During their time in theater Co. B, engineers built gyms, dining facilities, aid stations, helicopter landing zones, weapons ranges, entry control points, and much more to enhance living conditions, and increase force protection.
"Bravo Beast" Soldiers also provided security for engineer supply missions throughout Baghdad, enhanced operations for both battalion and brigade sized units, participated in numerous joint construction missions with Iraqi army engineers, and held joint mechanic training workshops for Iraqi Army mechanics.
"We wanted to train the IAs to be as proficient as possible," said Sgt. 1st Class Cornelius Nalls, Co. B motor sergeant from Fayette, Ala. "We were usually scheduled seven days to complete the training, but the IA mechanics learned very quickly. We spent the last two days fellowshipping, with the help of the interpreters," added Nalls.
With approximately three weeks remaining in Iraq, the "Beasts" are gearing up to properly train their replacements.
"This is my second deployment to Baghdad," added Beal. "As a company commander, I couldn't have asked for a better company or a better mission."
The Soldiers of B Company, 46th ECB (H) are scheduled to return to Fort Rucker, Ala., the first week of September.
| Date Taken: |
08.09.2009 |
| Date Posted: |
08.10.2009 05:32 |
| Story ID: |
37318 |
| Location: |
BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: |
309 |
| Downloads: |
250 |
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This work, After 15 months, engineers prep for home, by 1LT Janeene Yarber, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
