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Defending freedom abroad: Marines engaged in America's newest war

Marine Corps News

12/10/2002

Story by Sgt. John Sayas

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan(Dec 6, 2002) -- With the sight of concertina wire surrounding many areas of the camp, and buildings in shambles and filled with bullet holes, it remains clear to troops living here that they are in a very hostile environment.

Since the fall of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and al-Qaeda, along with its senior leaders in hiding, American and allied troops have bivouacked here in the southern part of this war-torn country, while preparing for any future attacks that may arise.

Security around the airfield remains a high priority. Barbed-wire fences surround the area, as U.S. Army soldiers, scattered throughout the perimeter of the camp, stand guard looking for signs of attack or infiltration from any uninvited guests.

Despite all the security, small skirmishes have occasionally appeared outside the camp, and mortar rounds fly overhead unexpectedly with no real target in site.

"The rocket attacks we have had make you realize where you are," said Staff Sgt. Fredrick A. Smith, communications chief, Tactical Air Operations Center, Marine Air Control Squadron-4, Marine Air Control Group-18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

After seeing the tragedies of Sept. 11, 2001 and other attacks around the globe, the Marines know that terrorists do exist. What they don't know is how or where they will strike next.

"We are well aware that we are in a combat situation," the Kingsland, Ga., native said. "The Marines know this is a real-world mission because they are carrying their weapons around with them at all times...we are always alert to our surroundings and what's going on."

Smith and the rest of his unit arrived here last month to replace fellow Marines of their detachment, as part of six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The squadron, headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma on Okinawa, Japan, along with other air command and control agencies within Marine Air Control Group-18, has been deployed here and in Uzbekistan since April 2002 in support of America's war against terrorism.

With M16A2 service rifles by their sides, the Marines are ready to fight back any type of offensive the enemy may have for them. In the meantime, they have another mission that is critical to the success of daily operations being conducted here and surrounding areas of Afghanistan.

"Everybody pretty much knows why we are here. There isn't any question about that," said Staff Sgt. Robert L. Sidders, technical controller and Bell Fountain, Ohio native. "A lot of these guys are here for the first time, not just on a real-word operation, but on any type of field operation. They get a chance to do something that makes a difference."

The unit, comprised of radar and radio operators, communication technicians, repairmen, motor transportation personnel and a headquarters staff, has the responsibility of detecting, identifying and controlling intercepts of hostile aircraft and missiles for allied forces. Some of their other tasks include managing anti-warfare assets, selecting and assigning weapons to engage enemy air threats, and regular maintenance of equipment and gear.

The Marines also spend a lot of time training on basic battle skills, equipment and how the unit functions during their mission, according to Smith. The training helps the Marines work together more proficiently and effectively while conducting operations here.

"We are not the actual element on the 'wire.' We're here in support of the Army and Air Force, so we have time for training classes on things such as leadership and Marine Corps Institute courses," Smith said. "We give classes on the equipment we have out here and how the whole operation works because we have other Marines from different units trying to gel with the Marine Air Control Squadron-4 unit. It's hard, but we as Marines, we learn to adapt and overcome."

Marines have also learned to adapt to the sometimes-harsh conditions here. For some of the Marines, it is their first time being in this type of environment where dust storms are a common occurrence, causing equipment to malfunction and weather conditions become extremely hot or brutally cold. Others have adapted fairly well having been here before or through training they received in some places like Twentynine Palms, Calif., and Yuma, Ariz.

"It is an interesting experience," said Lance Cpl. Eric C. Johnston, radar repairman, and St. Louis, Mo., native. "The living conditions are a lot better than the way they were when I was here the first time."

Some of the basic commodities the Marines have here, i.e., cable, warm showers and hot meals, keep morale high, along with letters of support and care packages filled with food and snacks not available here from family and friends back home. But most importantly, they have learned to rely on one another to stay motivated and get back home safely.

"I have a bunch of great guys out here. They are truly outstanding Marines," Smith said. "I am very proud of the effort we are making out here and proud to be a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. I hope we get this operation done quickly, so that we can get everyone home to their families."