NOLA's Washington Artillery delivers the goods

Photo By Angela Fry | Louisiana National Guardsman Spc. Patrick Rigney with New Orleans' 1-141 Field Artillery Battalion completes his pre-combat checks and inspections before an evening convoy from Camp Adder, Iraq. The 1-141 is currently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.  

CAMP ADDER, IRAQ

04.07.2010

Story by 1st Lt. Angela Fry 

256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Louisiana Army National Guard

CAMP ADDER, Iraq – With an absence of mortar rounds and fire power, Louisiana National Guard Soldiers with the 1-141 Field Artillery Battalion, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team have accepted a new mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Handed the mission of assisting in the responsible reduction of U.S. Troops and equipment, the Troops of the renowned Washington Artillery provide convoy escort teams, or CETs, along various routes throughout Iraq.

"This is my second mission on a CET," said Spc. Patrick Rigney of New Orleans. "We provide security for civilian contractors that are hauling supplies for our Troops."

Rigney and the rest of the battalion spent two months at Camp Shelby, Miss., learning the basics of transportation and security for their new mission prior to their deployment.

"The training at Shelby put is in the right mindset," Rigney explained. "But you can't get that experience until you actually operate the MRAP."

The Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles were designed to survive improvised explosive device attacks, which are responsible for causing so many deaths of U.S. Armed Forces service members.

"I am very cautious as a driver," Rigney continued. "I'm in the rear truck so it's a little nerve-racking as vehicles come from behind."

Sgt. Gerard LaBorde of Destrehan, La., echoed his B Battery mate's concerns regarding safety, despite a seemingly peaceful Iraq.

"My last deployment with the 1-141, I only left the forward operating base a couple of times," the 10-year National Guard Veteran stated. "I feel this mission could be more dangerous as we are constantly leaving the base."

Even though the typical field artillery mission is not in use, both Soldiers expressed pride in their association with the unit.

"The 1-141 is the oldest artillery unit in the Guard," Rigney said regarding the unit's proud history dating back to the Civil War.

As both Soldiers prepared for their evening convoy, they completed their pre-combat checks and inspections to ensure all gear is functional and to unit standards.

"We've taken over for another unit," LaBorde added. "We have to learn their routes and the new equipment. It's important to be fully-prepared for each mission."

• Date Taken: 04.07.2010
• Date Posted: 05.05.2010 12:16
• Story ID: 49172
• Location: CAMP ADDER, IQ