| U.S. Marines and sailors embark on a mission to improve security in an Afghan province, an endeavor requiring a hike to an elevation over 5,000 feet to reach the mountaintop. |
| By U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Robert M. Storm | |||
|
JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Nov. 9, 2005 — U.S. Marines and sailors assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Corps Division, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, conducted Operation Pil in the Watapor Valley of the Kunar Province, Afghanistan, Oct. 16 through 23 in order to improve security and assist in stabilizing the government in the troubled region.
Operation Pil was the latest mission launched by the Marines and sailors aimed at improving security within the problem areas of the Kunar province. "We didn't find much during this operation, but it was still good to show the villagers an Island Warrior presence," said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Curtis D. Magee, machinegunner, from Collins, Miss. "For our part of the mission we had to hike up over 5,000 feet to a mountaintop, but it was good for us to do that stuff. It's what we need to do as infantry, staying out in the field and accomplishing whatever mission we're assigned." The Marines encountered little enemy contact throughout the operation with the exception of Camp Blessing, the farthest Marine Corps outpost in Afghanistan.
|
|||
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Blessing received indirect mortar fire from enemy forces, but the Marines attacked using artillery and air strike, which destroyed the enemy's position. In support of the operation, Marines and sailors of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines deployed to accomplish various missions throughout Kunar province. "As the main effort we were tasked with ascending a mountain in order to cordon and search the village of Tsangar. This village was an [enemy] safe haven for planning attacks against coalition forces," said U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Chuck Siedlecki Jr., executive officer, Golf Company, from Berlin N.J. "The Marines and sailors did a stellar job accomplishing the mission." The presence of the Marines in areas of Afghanistan is supported by many of the local villages who have long been threatened and intimidated by the tactics of the enemy forces. The United States leads a multinational force pursuing the enemy in Afghanistan. Noticeable progress has been made with the government in allowing free elections and the building of schools, hospitals and roads as provinces continue to improve their infrastructure. |
|
|