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8th ESB Marines assist in bridge ops

US Marine Corps News

6/26/2008 By Lance Cpl. B.A. Curtis, 2nd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — The reserve Marines of Bridge Company, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, conducted rafting and river crossing operations here, June 24, utilizing support from the 2nd MLG’s own Bridge Company, a subordinate command of 8th ESB.

The operations were part of a larger 4th MLG exercise, Olympic Thrust 2008, which is conducted by 1,200 reserve Marines at several locations throughout the U.S. during the month of June, and is currently scheduled to be held annually.

Master Sgt. Kenneth Wertman, the Bridge Company operations chief, said the company supported the reserve Marines of 6th ESB by supplying equipment as well as various training for the operation. He said this training will prepare the reserve Marines to successfully carry out their mission when deployed.

“If they get called upon to do any bridging missions such as rafting…they’ll be able to conduct those missions effectively to ensure that the MAGTF (Marine Air Ground Task Force) continues their support,” he said.

The reserve Marines, who do not always have the opportunity to take part in large scale exercises away from their home states, received instruction and guidance from 8th ESB Marines on how to conduct bridging and rafting operations over the past two weeks.

“Their improvement was greatly noticed from day one to where they are now,” Wertman said. “At day one, they were just getting a feel of the boats and of the rafts, and understanding how they go together and how to actually raft.”

Wertman said that at the end of the training, the reserve Marines were more than ready to conduct the operations on their own.

After receiving instruction from 8th ESB, the Marines of 6th ESB practiced a successful retrograde river crossing; a maneuver used when either side of the river is in control of friendly forces.

The Marines moved about 15 vehicles and other supplies across the water using Improved Ribbon Bridges, large rectangular barges that can hold multiple vehicles and other cargo. The bridges, having no engine, were moved across the water using multiple M-III Bridge Erection Boats, small tugboat like craft, which attach to both sides of the bridges.

Eighth ESB’s Bridge Company is ready to provide support to whatever unit may need it and is preparing for future operations with the 2nd MLG’s Combat Logistics Battalion 22 and the 2nd Marine Division’s 2nd Tank Battalion, as well other units.