Marines support expeditionary units with help of hydro machine

[thedrifter]

Marines support expeditionary units with help of hydro machine
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification Number: 20031029213211
Story by Cpl. Ryan D. Libbert



IE SHIMA, Japan(October 17, 2003) -- It has been said that one of the basic building blocks of life is water. Marines rely on the colorless, odorless and tasteless liquid to keep them hydrated, wash themselves and heat their MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat).

When ground combat units are fighting for our nation's defense, the ability to turn on a faucet or purchase a bottle of Evian is not always present. This is why combat engineers create their own water for Marines in the field with the help of the Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit (ROWPU).

Marines from Service Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group recently had the opportunity to train with the ROWPU during exercise Tayoreru Partner which took place on Ie Shima island. The time spent working with the unit is something the Marines have been looking forward to explained Sgt. Addey G. Sosa, platoon sergeant, utilities platoon, Service Company.

"Back on Camp Hansen, the only time we work with the ROWPU is when we maintain and troubleshoot it to make sure it properly works," Sosa said. "The opportunity to use it in the field is rare. We get to learn more about it this way."

The process begins with the Marines identifying a suitable site to set up the ROWPU. Although the ROWPU can be set up nearly anywhere, an area close to a water source with flat and firm ground is ideally what the Marines look for to make their job easier.

Once the hose is set up to suck water from the ocean, Marines operating the unit regulate the pressure at which the water flows into the tanks.

The tanks house several different filters, which desalinize, as well as remove, NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical) contaminants from the water making it potable for Marine units to use and consume.

The unit is capable of producing potable water from a seawater source at 600 gallons per hour and 1,000 gallons per hour for fresh water. The ROWPU is 10 feet long, 8 high, 8 feet wide and weighs 7,300 pounds.

"Using all our assets and working 20 hours a day, we are easily capable of supporting a MEF-size unit," said Chief Warrant Officer-2 Eugene Jackson, utilities officer for 9th ESB. "During combat operations we mainly stay put in the rear element because the ROWPU can only pull water from five miles away."

During the exercise, the Marines from 9th ESB produced enough water to support a regimental-sized unit as well as provide Bulk Fuel Company with 1,000 gallons to simulate their fuel requirement during their training at Tayoreru Partner.

Keeping the battalion supplied with water is very important said Pfc. Giovanny Piedrahita, hygiene equipment operator for Service Company.

"The operational tempo would slow to a halt if Marines did not have water to stay hydrated with," the Miami Beach, Fla. native said. "Its interesting because all the water we consume eventually is put back into the ocean where we draw the water from to begin with. It's part of the circle of life."

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...6?opendocument


Sempers,

Roger