MPs ensure security as 13th MEU rolls into Iraq

[thedrifter]

MPs ensure security as 13th MEU rolls into Iraq
Submitted by: 13th MEU
Story Identification Number: 2003102194313
Story by SSgt. April D. Tuggle



AL-FAW PENINSULA, Iraq(October 17, 2003) -- "On the Road Again" is the newest theme song for the Marines of the Military Police Detachment of MEU Service Support Group-13, the combat service support element of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), who logged more than 1100 miles conducting convoy security in the first two days of operations here Oct. 13 and 14.

The MPs provided the bulk of convoy security as Marines of the 13th MEU (SOC) traveled from Kuwait to several operational locations on the Al-Faw Peninsula, where units have been conducting anti-smuggling and humanitarian operations in support of Operation Sweeney, a joint operation being conducted with the British-led Multi-National Division (Southeast).

The convoys ranged in size from 3 vehicles to more than 20 vehicles. A wide range of vehicles made up the convoys, including tractor trailers carrying heavy equipment driven by Soldiers from the 719th Transportation Co., a National Guard Unit based out of Harlem, New York, currently serving in the region; Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, a multi-purpose truck similar to the 5-ton, carrying Marines and their individual gear; Logistical Vehicle Systems, a specialized logistical support vehicle, with water and fuel tanks; and a myriad of High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicles.

Convoy security is one of several missions the detachment trained for during work-ups prior to the MEU's departure from San Diego in August.

"We conducted countless hours of convoy training and operations during the months of work-ups," said SSgt. Dustin Henderson, MP Det. Chief.

Training included long-range convoys from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms, Calif., more than 150 miles away, and night convoys. The training paid dividends in raising the confidence of the MPs as they conducted the initial missions into Iraq.

"This is exactly what we trained for," said LCpl. Rafael Rodriguez, an MP with the detachment and a native of Fresno, Calif.

According to LCpl. Daniel Wise, an MP and native of Baton Rouge, La., the Marines have also learned to deal with things they didn't have as part of training, such as being mindful of the children who run in the streets alongside the vehicles as they drive through towns and cities.

The opportunity to participate in operations in Iraq has also been a real boost to morale, according to Wise.

"We're doing something helpful and for a real cause," said Wise. "Providing convoy security ensures the right people are at the right place safely so the mission can be accomplished."

We're here to help these people and we're getting it done so far," said 23-year-old Sgt. Coty Ivey, an MP with the detachment and Abilene, Texas native. "I enjoy it. I realize this is what we're trained for and now we're here doing our part."

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