-Caveat Lector- http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/B31F95D726B4468C85256B150076B
B0B?opendocument WJPBR Email News List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Peace at any cost is a Prelude to War! Marines Land, Seize Desert Strip Submitted by: 15th MEU Story Identification Number: 2001121163443 Story by Sergeant Joseph R. Chenelly MARINE FORWARD OPERATING BASE, Southern Afghanistan(November 25, 2001) -- The thunderous thumping of Marine CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters ripped through the cold, black desert night signaling the start of Operation Swift Freedom as the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) seized a forward operating base in southern Afghanistan November 25, 2001. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 15th MEU (SOC) charged down the helicopter ramps through clouds of dust and into the darkness sweeping across vast areas of deep sand, clearing buildings and establishing a secure airstrip for hundreds of follow-on forces who arrived before dawn. The airstrip was setup less than an hour after the first helicopter stirred up the Afghan sand. Lights were added to the runway allowing KC-130 aircraft filled with Alpha Co. Marines and tactical vehicles to land here. Planes and helicopters continued the inflow of troops and gear non-stop through the night and early morning. "It was exciting seeing the Marines going into action," Fascetti said. "You know there is a possibility that there could be enemy forces out there." The raid force flew several hundred miles directly from the USS Peleliu to the desert strip aboard six Super Stallions. The long flight required tricky nighttime aerial refueling with the KC-130 Hercules aerial refueling and transport aircraft. Hundreds of hours of planning, rehearsals and briefs preceded the mission back aboard the Peleliu in the North Arabian Sea. Terrain models were built. The raid force kept a special sleep schedule to prepare for the all-night mission. Fast attack vehicles, weapons and other gear were painted with desert camouflage patterns. Packs were put on pallets and flown in later to keep the force light on their feet. The new chapter of the international war on terrorism began without contacting enemy forces. Not a single shot was fired during the raid. A base camp was established and security positions were dug as the sun rapidly climbed above the Marines in occupied Afghan territory. One the first platoons on the ground raised an American Flag high into the new dawn sky on a makeshift pole proudly marking the Marines' successful landing. "This is for our great country, the United States, and the great city of New York," Staff Sgt. Norris, a platoon sergeant with Charlie Co. and Brooklyn, NY native. "Marines take pride in raising the flag, and pride doesn't begin to describe our feelings today. I hope these colors can be seen all the way across Afghanistan." Marines overcame temperatures that dipped below freezing and howling winds kicking up cyclones of sand that engulfed aircraft and blasted marching troops. "It's cold," said 1st Sgt. Phil Fascetti, Charlie Co. 1st Sgt and Spokane, Wash. native. "You're disoriented by the dust blowing all around you." Marines used ingenuity to combat nature's wrath. They stripped cardboard boxes from numerous pallets being offloaded and erected walls around the combat operations center shielding them from blowing sand and maintaining light discipline. Adrenalin and constant movement kept Marines warm throughout their first sleepless night. 15th MEU (SOC) Dig In Afghanistan Submitted by: 15th MEU Story Identification Number: 2001121163651 Story by Sergeant Joseph R. Chenelly MARINE FORWARD OPERATING BASE, Southern Afghanistan -- Within striking distance of the Taliban held city of Kandahar, the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) stands ready for follow on missions after seizing a forward operating base here in southern Afghanistan. A large percentage of the 15th MEU (SOC) is working around the clock within the confines of the compound's walls keeping the base secure and building it up for the continuous in-flow of Marines. Infantrymen occupy fighting holes around the entire perimeter. Armored vehicles, heavily armed vehicles and reconnaissance Marines patrol the immense desert outside the boundary. Helicopters and jets keep watch even farther out. "We all want to do our part just like every other American said Capt. Eric Putnam, Alpha Co. commander. We are morally right. We are defending our country, and we're going to win." Marines occupy guard towers that were already in place when the compound was seized Nov 25. The elevated observation posts allow the Marines to see nearly 20 miles across the flat terrain. "There is ice in our canteens in the morning and the parkas we have practically save our lives," said Sgt. Anthony Anguiano, a squad leader with Alpha Co., Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 15th MEU (SOC) and Houston native. "Our focus keeps us awake and alert." Explosive Ordnances Disposal and combat engineer Marines checked buildings for mines, bombs and other traps the morning after the raid. No such devices were found allowing the MEU to quickly move in to establish a base camp. Rooms were cleared of furniture, clothing and other items as command posts, berthing spaces and warehouses were created. Construction supplies, wood burning stoves and scaffolding have been put to use by innovative Marines. Electrical power, running water and waste disposal facilities have been conjured by the MEU's combat service support element and Navy Sea Bees. A motor pool and base traffic plan was designated. Marine KC-130 aerial refueling and transport aircraft and U.S. Air Force C-17 transport jet use the dirt packed runway here repeatedly moving Marines, vehicles and various logistical supplies from the USS Peleliu to the forward operating base. "The terrain and weather here is just like (Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Center) Twentynine Palms (Calif.)," Anguiano said. "We've been thinking back to the long training evolutions we've gone through there and remembered the lessons learned. The Marine Corps has prepared us well for this." Maintaining readiness is paramount in the Marines daily schedule. The ground combat element practices firing everything from heavy machine guns to 81mm mortars and rehearses tactical maneuvers. Pilots fly reconnaissance missions frequently. Security alert drills are sounded in the camp, and commanders go over contingency plans with intensity. 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