Photo By Capt. Christopher Blais | The collapse of a house. read more read more
TIKRIT, Iraq - A small team from the 505th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), North Carolina Army National Guard, has a strong reputation for putting the heavy in combat heavy engineers. These distinct few are the well trained operators of the Battalion's armored D7 and massive 89-ton D9 bulldozers.
Members of the 505th, the only combat heavy engineers supporting the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), are routinely called upon by the Division's brigade combat teams to support a variety of combat operations from berm and outpost construction to the destruction of insurgent safe houses.
One of the 505th's regular customers is the 101st's 3rd Brigade Combat Team (BCT). The "Rakkasans" routinely call upon the 505th's heavy assets to support the Brigade's combat operations.
During one recent mission, the 505th was called upon to destroy an insurgent stronghold located near the city of Bayji. The Rakkasans needed to destroy the building without causing collateral damage to adjacent structures.
"The support we receive from the 505th has been simply outstanding" said Major John Calahan the 3rd BCT's executive officer. "They are really part of the team and we are fortunate to have them with us."
The armored D7 and D9 bulldozers are uniquely suited to support demolition work in urban combat environments where traditional military demolition techniques such as the use of high-explosives will cause collateral damage. Both dozers also have significant armor, allowing operators to work well-protected in high-risk areas where threats from snipers or roadside bombs are a concern.
"During this mission we were the critical assault asset," said Lieutenant Joe Morsello, the 505th's heavy equipment platoon leader. "The Rakkasans integrated us fully into their battle plan and maintained security, which allowed us to focus on destroying the insurgent safe-house without damaging nearby structures or the city's infrastructure."
"It's very satisfying to know that our efforts are contributing directly to the defeat of the insurgency." Morsello continued.
The 505th Engineer Battalion is currently assigned to the 101st's "Triple Nickel," 555th Combat Support Brigade (Maneuver Enhancement). The 505th, which arrived to Iraq in early October 2005, was attached to the 101st in November.
| Date Taken: | 05.24.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 05.24.2006 10:13 |
| Story ID: | 6502 |
| Location: | TIKRIT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 703 |
| Downloads: | 300 |
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