Recovery team responds with haste when called
FALLUJAH, Iraq (March 31, 2007) -- When your unit’s mission involves recovering vehicles damaged on Iraq’s dangerous roads, slow business is generally good business. But no matter what your job, personnel in uniform here invariably have days which may seem never-ending; and those are the ones they train for.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/lookupstoryref/2007331144831
March 31, 2007; Submitted on: 03/31/2007 02:48:31 PM ; Story ID#: 2007331144831
By Cpl. Andrew Kalwitz, 2nd Marine Logistics Group
“It’s about to get pretty crazy,” said Cpl. Joshua C. Webber, a refrigeration mechanic with Maintenance Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), after receiving word of a disabled vehicle.
Moments later, Chief Warrant Officer Jeff M. Ziegler, commanding officer of the company, entered the room to hear the details from Webber.
“We’ve got a recovery,” said Webber. “It’s a humvee; rear tire. It’s in Habbiniyah.”
This would be what Ziegler calls “a long haul,” but luckily the damage to the vehicle was minimal – a sign that casualties are less likely.
Regardless, in a case like this one, a recovery team would usually be sent from nearby Al Taqaddum. However, due to an equipment breakdown, the vehicle recovery Marines based out of Fallujah were called upon for the task.
They hastily threw on protective vests and helmets while rushing for their vehicles. Shortly thereafter, they arrived at Transportation Support Company to meet with personnel from the battalion’s Military Police Company who would provide security for the mission.
“Last time something like this happened, we were out for almost two days,” said Cpl. Benjamin S. Harrelson, a vehicle commander with the battalion. “It all started out like this; with us having to go because of a humvee tire.”
Harrelson, a Danville, Va., native, said that mission took up to 36 hours because of enemy activity. But that wouldn’t be the case this time.
The Marines were informed that a recovery team from Al Taqaddum was able to take the mission, Harrelson and the others dispersed, but with much less enthusiasm than when they had gathered.
The recovery team seemed unprepared for only one thing – to stand down. Other than that, little is sure to take them by surprise. In a future scenario that requires action, these Marines will more than likely be ready for the job.