Marine Engineers Survive Marjah Blast, Provide Bridges and Fire Support for 1/6

2/15/2010 By Lance Cpl. Walter Marino , Regimental Combat Team 7

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan

Marines from Alpha Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, worked tirelessly from early morning to the mid-afternoon Feb. 11, building makeshift bridges over canals to provide a route for Marines and vehicles to enter the known Taliban stronghold of Marjah.

After completion of their last makeshift bridge, Marines had just boarded their vehicles, when suddenly a loud explosion erupted from behind one of their trucks.

Mud chunks fell from the sky like rain. But, no Marines were hurt. Fortunately, Alpha Company had boarded their vehicles moments before the blast.

"The blast made my heart jump. It was a reality check," said Sgt. Jonathan J. Sanabria, a truck master for Alpha Company. "Everyone is real lucky."

Marines surveyed the scene to find nothing but mud houses and Afghan goat herders. It appeared the insurgent attack had been only a single improvised explosive device. Alpha Company continued forward, but halted as enemy shots rang out.

The attack was coming from a mud building in the north. Surprisingly however, the attack was not being placed on Alpha Company, but rather on Marines from 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.

Alpha Company moved into position to provide security, and assist in any way possible.

"The reason I went out is because I didn't think it was fair to have those Marines fighting by themselves. I thought we could push forward and help them suppress fire, and make it a little easier for those guys," said Cpl. James A. Pabey, a motor transport operator for Alpha Company. "We are all here for the same reason. It doesn't matter who they are or where they come from. You just come together, you might not even know the guy shooting next to you, but you make sure he's good to go. It's camaraderie. We're here for them and they're there for you."

Several MK-19 40 mm machine guns and 60 mm mortar rounds were fired into the mud compound for approximately an hour until the insurgent threat was ceased.

"I could see them leaving once the mortar rounds started hitting the building," said Cpl. Khristopher T. McKinzyie, a machine gunner for Alpha Company.

With the bridge construction completed and the firefight over, Alpha Company's mission was done. Still, Alpha Company chose to remain posted near the route, just in case their engineering skills or assistance might be needed for the fight in Marjah.

Alpha Company is prepared to help their fellow Marines in any way they can.

"If something was to go down, I'd be on it like white on rice. That's how prepared I am," said Cpl. Alton S. Floyd, a wrecker operator for Alpha Company. "This mission was a success, it allowed everyone that needed to come through to get through with no problems."
RCS2010

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Cpl. Alton S. Floyd, a wrecker operator for Alpha Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, rests after working to build multiple makeshift bridges in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 11, 2010. During the construction of their last bridge, Alpha Co. encountered an improvised explosive device, no Marines were injured. Floyd, 25, is from Atlanta, Ga. , Lance Cpl. Walter Marino, 2/11/2010 2:12 AM
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-An improvised explosive device detonated after Alpha Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, built a makeshift bridge across a canal in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 11, 2010. The IED did not injure any Marines. Bridges built by Alpha Co. provided a route for vehicles and Marines to take into the Taliban stronghold of Marjah. , Lance Cpl. Walter Marino, 2/13/2010 10:07 PM
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Marines from 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment look on as Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion build a makeshift bridge over a canal in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb.11, 2010. Alpha Co. built numerous bridges for Marines and vehicles to have a clear route to the Taliban stronghold of Marjah. , Lance Cpl. Walter Marino, 2/13/2010 8:47 PM
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Marines from Alpha Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, rest after finishing the construction of three makeshift bridges, encountering an improvised explosive device and providing security during a fire fight in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 11, 2010. , Lance Cpl. Walter Marino, 2/14/2010 2:10 AM
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion build a makeshift bridge over a canal in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb.11, 2010. Alpha Co. built numerous makeshift bridges in order for Marines and vehicles to have a route into the Taliban stronghold of Marjah. , Lance Cpl. Walter Marino, 2/13/2010 8:44 PM
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion build a makeshift bridge over a canal in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb.11, 2010. Alpha Company built numerous bridges for Marines and vehicles to have a clear route to the Taliban stronghold of Marjah. , Lance Cpl. Walter Marino, 2/13/2010 8:45 PM