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In Iraq's "City of Mosques," Marine logistics unit provides lifeline for U.S., Iraqi security forces

Marine Corps News

Story Identification #: 2004122673520
Story by Staff Sgt. Jim Goodwin

FALLUJAH, Iraq (Dec. 26, 2004) -- Like a line of floats in a holiday parade, a Marine logistical convoy rolls through Fallujah's empty streets to reach Marine and Iraqi forces operating throughout the city.

Inside the various machine-gun mounted 7-ton and flatbed trucks are all the essentials needed to sustain security and stability operations throughout the city: pallets of food, bottled water, gas to fuel vehicles.

Even a few not-so-essentials are packed into the back of these Marines' Humvees, such as care packages from loved ones and various snacks.

The responsibility of providing such provisions to Marine units operating in and around Fallujah lies on the shoulders of Combat Service Support Company 115. CSSC-115 is a subordinate unit of the 1st Force Service Support Group, which provides all logistical support to the 31,000 plus Marines, sailors and soldiers operating in Iraq's Al Anbar Province.

In November, the Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based CSSC-115 logged in more than 31,000 miles of road time in support of combat operations in Fallujah, delivering everything from food and water to mail and ammunition. The Marines worked more than 16 hours a day to ensure their counterparts operating inside the city had everything from "bullets to band aids" during the fight.

Even though combat operations here have slowed considerably, the Marines of CSSC-115 continue to provide daily support to Marine units and Iraqi security forces within the city.

Though the city is seemingly a ghost town, these Marine truck drivers, mechanics, military policemen and logisticians prepare for the city's worst - small arms fire from unseen assailants, rocket-propelled grenade attacks, and improvised explosive devices, commonly referred to as IEDs.

In an environment where the unpredictable is - and the unthinkable could be - right around the next street corner, the Marines always don full body armor, Kevlar helmets and ballistic goggles every time they drive their vehicles through Fallujah's now barren streets.

Prior to each convoy, Marines are briefed on their mission at hand: where supplies are going, what routes are being used, how to react to enemy contact, radio call signs and frequencies, and required safety measures.

On this particular convoy, 1st Lt. Alexandria S. Plucinski, convoy commander, reminds her Marines to keep alert. "I know these convoys are getting routine, but do not get complacent," said the 27-year-old Chicago native.

She also reminds the Marines that they are still in a combat zone, despite Fallujah's deceptionally calm atmosphere.

"You have the right and obligation to defend yourself against insurgents," she said.

The Marines here operate by a simple, but direct motto - complacency kills. It's a creed which has kept the Marines alive since their arrival to Iraq in August. Last month, the unit suffered their first, and so far only, IED attack, which wounded two Marines.

"It was a sobering reminder that the threat is always there," said 1st Lt. Jeffery Van Bourgondien, the unit's executive officer.