Staff Sgt. Davis A. Marunowski, from Toledo, Ohio, a combat engineer with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), cuts holes into a piece of the bridge with a torch during an operation in the Sistani Peninsula, Afghanistan, April 4 and 5. The Marines placed the bridge in support of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division (Fwd.) and International Security Assistance Force operations. The bridge will also benefit the Afghans by increasing their capability to transport more products and materials across the canal to local markets.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Bruno J. Bego

Engineers keep 2/3 operating

5 Apr 2011 | Lance Cpl. Bruno J. Bego 2nd Marine Logistics Group

COMBAT OUTPOST YAZZIE, Afghanistan -- A recently constructed non-standard, permanent bridge near Marjah is opening traffic for coalition forces and civilians alike.

Marines and sailors with Bridge Platoon, Bravo Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) conducted the operation in the Sistani Peninsula April 4 and 5.

“This non-standard bridge will actually last longer and better handle a large amount of military traffic overtime,” explained Cpl. Robert E. Fuller Jr., from Vallejo, Calif., a heavy equipment operator with 8th ESB, 2nd MLG (Fwd.).

Not only will the Marines benefit from this bridge, but the local population and security forces will too.

“Afghan security forces embedded with [2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines] will benefit once they take over this whole area,” said 1st Lt. Robert F. Jorgensen, from Colonia, N.J., Bridge Plt. commander . Locals will be able to reach other farms and markets in the area faster as well, and increase their capability to transport more products and materials across the canal.

The bridge will be able to withstand a large amount of civilian traffic in the area for years to come as well as the heavy military traffic entering and exiting Combat Outpost Yazzie in the meantime.