By Lance Cpl. Andrew
Lt. Col. James Fullwood, comm. officer of 2nd Bn, 9th Marine Regt, hands toys out to local Afghan children outside a shura, during a during a Clear, Hold, and Build Op, in Northern Marjah, Nov. 5. The main purpose of the op was to establish security for the construction of a new patrol base, while conducting searches of local's compounds in the area. Locals were invited to a centralized location, where key Marine leaders were present to answer any questions or concerns they had about the op.
MARJAH - Engines roaring, a massive convoy charged toward Sistani, a region in Marjah notorious for remnant Taliban fighters who harass the local population. The enemy got the message. Without any resistance, 2nd Bn, cleared the area. They set up a 360-degree security, while Marine engrs converted an abandoned bazaar into a fully-operational outpost.
Marine squads, partnered with the ANA swept across the surrounding farmland, and engaged the local populace one compound at a time. Local villagers in the area embraced the Marines, welcoming them into their homes and allowing them to search for weapons, bomb-making materials, contraband and Taliban propaganda.
"It was ANA-led on all the searches of the compounds," explained 1st Lt. Jason Quinn, battlefield cmdr during the op. "There were no forced entries, and the op was strictly non-kinetic. We searched the compounds with the families, and invited them up to a security shura we were hosting, to let them know what was going on."
Sgt. Michael White, the lead combat engr during the construction in Sistani, said that every Marine lent a helping hand, contributing to one of the fastest builds he's seen. By the end of the op, 14 hours later, children were seen running up to Marines, who were handing out candy and toys in an area that was virtually a ghost town, due to enemy activity weeks prior.
For 2/9, Op Sistani had added meaning. Not only does it disrupt terrorist activity in the region, it's a reminder of the sacrifices made by men of the bn. Dubbed Patrol Base Zaehringer, it's a tribute to the late Sgt. Frank Zaehringer, an assaultman with Weapons Co. Zaehringer made the ultimate sacrifice, Oct. 11, while conducting combat ops in Northern Marjah.
The district govt owned the land, but a problem remained. Though the provincial Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (DIAL) believed it owned the property, it was under the control of the ANP. District agriculture officials were therefore reluctant to proceed with installing a demo farm on the site until the matter was resolved.
During the meeting, AF Chief Master Sgt. Don Kuehl, who leads the ADT’s effort in Sarkani District, suggested that the proceeds from any sales of agricultural products from the demo farm, go to the local ANP. The district ANP cmdr readily agreed, and Mahmood approved the proposal immediately.
The land-use question was not the only item addressed at the meeting. Kuehl also briefed Mahmood on the status of an ongoing cash-for-work program to clear an irrigation canal, that delivers much-needed water to district farmland.
“This was a very good meeting; very good,” Mahmood said. “Other Soldiers have told us they'll do this thing or that thing, but the ADT is doing the things they've told us. We hope they'll continue.”
According to Kuehl, the Sarkani irrigation canal should be fully cleared by next month. Construction of a fence around the Sarkani demo farm site is slated for the coming weeks, with installation of greenhouses expected in the next 2 months.
As the Iraqi Dept of Border Enforcement (DBE) slowly modernizes, American Soldiers are advising the 14th DBE Bde in southern Iraq on how to make the equipment they have, last longer.
BASRA - The Soldiers, veteran maintainers from 4th Sqdrn, 10th Cav Regt, 3rd AAB, 4th ID, used a hands-on approach to train the less-experienced mechanics at the 14th DBE HQ.
"Soldiers showed the Iraqis procedures to keep their trucks running properly for years to come, using the proper tools and parts," said 1st Lt. David Burbridge, sqdrn maintenance officer.
Spc. Nicolas Bellido prepares to change an air filter, during maintenance training.
By SSG Garrett Ralston
"We're working hand-in-hand with the Provincial Gov., and we're just doing one step at a time," said Lou Simonetti, Infrastructure Essential Services team lead engr of the Babil PRT.
"The project focuses on the renovation and restoration of the museum, the exhibits, archeological artifacts, and upgrading security at the gates. Once complete, the project will benefit the economy of the province by boosting tourism there," said Simonetti.
The project is scheduled for completion in 3 months. The site contains Nebuchadnezzar's Palace, Alexander the Great's Palace, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and several other temples.
-30-