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18th Engineers Break Down Barriers

Aug-24-2006 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

Written by Sgt. 1st Class Steven Petibone, 138th MPAD

MOSUL, Iraq (18 August, 2006) -Less than a month after the 101st Airborne Division assisted with the turn-over of Forward Operating Base Courage to the newly elected government of Iraq, the 101st authorized removal of cement barriers that closed off a portion of access roadway to the former coalition forces operating base.

Under cover of darkness, the 18th Engineer Battalion removed nearly 65 barriers along a two-lane highway that will now give citizens of the Mosul area direct access to the newly acquired property.

“This route has been closed since the FOB was called FOB Freedom [approximately three years ago],” said 2nd Lt. John Beaty, engineer platoon leader, 18th Eng. Bn., 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division and resident of Arlington, Texas. “Re-opening this route demonstrates another step of confidence in the Iraqi people.”

The closed portion ran approximately two and one-half miles north to south, parallel to the former FOB.

Because there is a no-vehicles curfew between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., the 18th was able to quickly remove barriers using two U.S. Army front-end loaders to load the massive barriers and stock-pile them in a designated area close to the former FOB.

When not doing barrier removal, the 18th is engaged in other missions.

According to Beaty, horizontal engineers clear roads of Improvised Explosive Devices and construct new roads. They also maintain roads and install and maintain basic services like electrical and plumbing needs.

“We are tasked to use our IED search teams to clear routes,” Said Beaty. “We also conduct our horizontal mission by moving barriers. Recently, we did plumbing and electrical work for a Military Transition Team at FOB Resolve for more than 200
Iraqi Army Soldiers there.


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