bobdina
08-24-2009, 10:06 PM
A convoy stretching for eight kilometres and consisting of more than one hundred UK, US and Afghan National Army vehicles set off recently to resupply coalition bases in northern Helmand.
The Combat Logistic Patrol stretches for miles across the tough Afghan terrain
the 116-vehicle convoy, one of the biggest to ever leave Camp Bastion, was travelling a dangerous 70km to bases in the Sangin Valley via the outskirts of Gereshk and then off-road through open desert.
Captain Gareth Lowe, the Operations Officer for Camp Bastion's Close Support Logistic Regiment, said:
"We're going to fight these vehicles through no matter what the enemy throw at us."
Combat Logistic Patrols such as this supply all of the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and Patrol Bases across the province with medical supplies, food, water, ammunition and morale-boosting mail.
The FOBs are essential for coalition forces as they attempt to impose reconstruction and security in Helmand.
This makes the convoys a prime target for insurgents.
Capt Lowe added:
"We're very, very well protected, all our vehicles have weapons on, you'd have to be very well armed to have a go at us. We've also got our own Manoeuvre Operations Group [MOG] in Vikings acting as a screen for the convoy and clearing the path ahead of us.
"We've also got air support from Apache attack helicopters and, unusually for a UK convoy, US forces with us. You'd have to be completely off your rocker to pick a fight with us."
After almost a full day of driving non-stop in temperatures of 50C plus through some of the world's most inhospitable and dangerous deserts, the convoy arrived intact at its first base. Capt Lowe said:
"Unfortunately we had an IED [improvised explosive device] strike on one of our MOG vehicles. Apart from that it was a run of the mill convoy patrol. It's not glamorous, it's dirty, it's dusty, it's hot, and it's particularly hard work, but vital we get through.
The new Panther escorts the Combat Logistic Patrol through the streets of Sangin
"I think our boys and girls have been very professional. When we first got here it was a very steep learning curve. We've got some young soldiers who are driving these vehicles and they are now without a shadow of doubt the best in the world at what they do."
Two of those 'youngsters' were Private Amy-Leigh Willetts, from 31 Squadron Royal Logistic Corps, and Private Emma Moxon, from 4 Logistic Support Regiment.
Pte Willetts said:
"We heard over the radio that there was an IED strike and I didn't know which vehicle it was, so just waited it out. That in itself is quite scary because you don't know whether it's a good friend.
"It was quite an emotional day as well because I also broke my truck! We had a major breakdown that held the convoy up for ages and with no air-conditioning in the cab it got pretty emotional.
"Every time you cross that wire you are scared. Every time we go out we get scared but it's just one of them things isn't it. Once you get out there it's all right though."
Pte Moxon added:
"However, IED strikes have occurred on the last three occasions so you kind of get used to it happening. It does affect you but you just carry on and do your job.
"The job is something different that very few people are going to have done. It's a lifetime experience and really enjoyable even though it's scary!"
The Close Support Logistic Regiment is made up of various logistics units whilst operating in Afghanistan. It is made up predominantly of 19 Combat Service Support Battalion based at Kinnegar Logistic Base, Northern Ireland, and units from Dalton Barracks in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.
More pictures here- http://www.apacheclips.com/boards/showthread.php?t=3343
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/InPictures8kmConvoyResuppliesTroopsInHelmand.htm
The Combat Logistic Patrol stretches for miles across the tough Afghan terrain
the 116-vehicle convoy, one of the biggest to ever leave Camp Bastion, was travelling a dangerous 70km to bases in the Sangin Valley via the outskirts of Gereshk and then off-road through open desert.
Captain Gareth Lowe, the Operations Officer for Camp Bastion's Close Support Logistic Regiment, said:
"We're going to fight these vehicles through no matter what the enemy throw at us."
Combat Logistic Patrols such as this supply all of the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and Patrol Bases across the province with medical supplies, food, water, ammunition and morale-boosting mail.
The FOBs are essential for coalition forces as they attempt to impose reconstruction and security in Helmand.
This makes the convoys a prime target for insurgents.
Capt Lowe added:
"We're very, very well protected, all our vehicles have weapons on, you'd have to be very well armed to have a go at us. We've also got our own Manoeuvre Operations Group [MOG] in Vikings acting as a screen for the convoy and clearing the path ahead of us.
"We've also got air support from Apache attack helicopters and, unusually for a UK convoy, US forces with us. You'd have to be completely off your rocker to pick a fight with us."
After almost a full day of driving non-stop in temperatures of 50C plus through some of the world's most inhospitable and dangerous deserts, the convoy arrived intact at its first base. Capt Lowe said:
"Unfortunately we had an IED [improvised explosive device] strike on one of our MOG vehicles. Apart from that it was a run of the mill convoy patrol. It's not glamorous, it's dirty, it's dusty, it's hot, and it's particularly hard work, but vital we get through.
The new Panther escorts the Combat Logistic Patrol through the streets of Sangin
"I think our boys and girls have been very professional. When we first got here it was a very steep learning curve. We've got some young soldiers who are driving these vehicles and they are now without a shadow of doubt the best in the world at what they do."
Two of those 'youngsters' were Private Amy-Leigh Willetts, from 31 Squadron Royal Logistic Corps, and Private Emma Moxon, from 4 Logistic Support Regiment.
Pte Willetts said:
"We heard over the radio that there was an IED strike and I didn't know which vehicle it was, so just waited it out. That in itself is quite scary because you don't know whether it's a good friend.
"It was quite an emotional day as well because I also broke my truck! We had a major breakdown that held the convoy up for ages and with no air-conditioning in the cab it got pretty emotional.
"Every time you cross that wire you are scared. Every time we go out we get scared but it's just one of them things isn't it. Once you get out there it's all right though."
Pte Moxon added:
"However, IED strikes have occurred on the last three occasions so you kind of get used to it happening. It does affect you but you just carry on and do your job.
"The job is something different that very few people are going to have done. It's a lifetime experience and really enjoyable even though it's scary!"
The Close Support Logistic Regiment is made up of various logistics units whilst operating in Afghanistan. It is made up predominantly of 19 Combat Service Support Battalion based at Kinnegar Logistic Base, Northern Ireland, and units from Dalton Barracks in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.
More pictures here- http://www.apacheclips.com/boards/showthread.php?t=3343
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/InPictures8kmConvoyResuppliesTroopsInHelmand.htm