FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan -- Ease of movement for troops, equipment and supplies is a high priority for coalition forces operating in Marjah, Afghanistan. Route repairs improve infantry and logistical units’ mobility in and out of combat outposts and forward operating bases throughout the area.
Marines with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) traveled to Forward Operating Base Geronimo June 12 to repair two major routes for 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division (Fwd.) who are conducting operations in the area in support of the International Security Assistance Force.
“We are going to repair about three and a half miles of roads in this area of operation,” explained Staff Sgt. Joseph Gomez, originally from Chicago, the staff non commissioned officer in charge of the operation with 7th ESB. “We are going to make some sections of the road wider to allow a better flow of incoming and outgoing traffic in the district.”
The repairs will allow mounted patrols and resupply convoys to travel faster, covering a longer distance in less time.
“Some of the repairs consist of installing a draining system and a small bridge,” Gomez explained. “This will prevent convoys, as well as local nationals, from having to cross the canal through the water.”
The repaired routes will provide infantry units, logistical convoys and local nationals a quick and easy access to remote areas in Marjah.