EOD's explosive efforts provide humanitarian assistance during Op Sweeney
Submitted by: 13th MEU
Story Identification Number: 2003102195118
Story by SSgt. April D. Tuggle
AL-FAW PENINSULA, Iraq(October 20, 2003) -- BOOM! The sound of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment, MEU Service Support Group-13, providing its special kind of humanitarian assistance could be heard throughout the northern portion of the city of Al-Faw, Iraq, Thursday.
Marines of EOD Det., MSSG-13, the combat service support element of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), conducted a "shot" to dispose of unexploded ordnance found behind the Iraqi Police vehicle check point located on the main road into the city.
The ordnance was originally found when EOD Marines were out with Marines of Charlie Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, who were assisting Iraqi Police at the check point as they conducted routine searches. The EOD techs did a sweep of the police building and surrounding area and unexpectedly found numerous types of ordnance in the loose dirt behind the building, according to SSgt. Aden Morones, an EOD technician with the detachment who participated in the shot.
The area was recently bulldozed, which was likely the reason the old projectiles and mines became visible on the surface, said SSgt. Jeffery A. Bratcher, the other EOD technician involved.
More than 50 pieces of ordnance were found in the area, including several types of mortars and projectiles, landmine bodies and fuses, according to Bratcher.
Although the items are unlikely to randomly detonate, if someone were to pick up, kick, or otherwise move one, the ordnance could be deadly, said Bratcher, a Rabbit Ridge, Ky. native.
Morones and Bratcher also cleared the local soccer field of five 60mm mortar rounds Oct. 15.
"Kids play there all the time," 30-year-old Bratcher said. "Some locals told us a kid was blown up about two months ago from a mortar in the soccer field. Now they can play there safely."
The two plan to do some clearing of areas just outside the soccer field where other ordnance has been found. In addition, a controlled burn of small-arms munitions collected in Al-Faw during patrols and operations by Charlie Btry. and MSSG-13 Marines was conducted Saturday.
The EOD mission during Operation Sweeney, the operation 13th MEU is currently assisting the British-led Multi-National Division, South East with on the Al-Faw Peninsula of Iraq, is humanitarian and tactical in nature, according to LtCol. Scott A. Dalke, commanding officer, MSSG-13.
"Every piece of ordnance EOD collects and destroys is one less piece an Iraqi child can be hurt by," said Dalke. "From that standpoint it is extremely humanitarian. It protects the population we're trying to assist."
"From a tactical standpoint, it prevents IEDs (improvised explosive devices) from being made," said Dalke.
IEDs have been used against forces conducting missions throughout Iraq in recent months, particularly in the northern regions of the country. They are a potential threat through out the country that negatively affects stabilization efforts.
While the corpsmen provide medical assistance, engineers get generators working to power the town and supply makes sure the Marines have the equipment available to conduct missions, the EOD detachment continues to blast away with their unique kind of humanitarian assistance.
For more information about the 13th MEU and the Marines of MSSG-13 visit the MEU website at
www.13meu.usmc.mil.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...4?opendocument
Sempers,
Roger