Marines move out in support of Iraqi Police
RUTBAH, Iraq (June 12, 2007) -- Marines with Company A, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Task Force Tarawa, have decided to move out.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/lookupstoryref/200761214119
June 12, 2007; Submitted on: 06/12/2007 02:11:09 PM ; Story ID#: 200761214119
By Lance Cpl. Brian L. Lewis, 2nd Marine Division
The Marines have been packing up their bags and taking down fortifications in an effort to give some of the city’s infrastructures back to the people.
The company was spread out into several locations throughout the city, some of which consisted of houses owned by Iraqi citizens.
“We actually rented this house from a local Iraqi who was willing to help us out,” said 1st Lt. Nicholas A. Borelli, the company executive officer. “Now, we are giving him his house back, but making sure it is presentable first.”
The Marines have been working diligently to get rid of sandbags, security obstacles, and anything that was done to the house, so the owner will not see a change when he returns.
Other members of the company, who were using the city’s bank as a firm base, have also recently begun restoring the facility to its former shape.
“We are demilitarizing the bank, so the Iraqi people may utilize it again,” said 2nd Lt. Jeff Gaul, the platoon commander for 2nd platoon. “They have been supporting us immensely and allowed us to use it for quite some time, but they need it.”
Safety was of great concern during the moves and renovation efforts, but with the Marines from Company B aiding in security, there were no interruptions or obstacles preventing the Marines from accomplishing the mission.
“We cordoned off the entire city with the help of our own Marines, as well as some from Bravo Company,” said Gaul. “We wanted to secure safety for the Marines taking part in the project, as well as keep a watchful eye for the safety of the locals.”
The consolidation will bring the company to the nearby police station, where they will work closer with Iraqi Police.
“We will be moving close by to the Iraqi Police Station, so that we may give them better support and training,” said Gaul. “We are working hard to make sure the Iraqi Police get any help they need. We want to make a safe area such as Rutbah an even safer one.”