1st FSSG builds better billeting for 1st Marine Division unit

1st FSSG builds better billeting for 1st Marine Division unit
Submitted by: 1st Marine Division
Story Identification #: 2004102644159
Story by Cpl. Matthew R. Jones

CAMP RIPPER, Iraq (Oct. 22, 2004) -- Under the blazing Iraqi sun there is a buzz in the air. It's the buzz of a saw, followed by the hum of a drill and the crack of a hammer.

The Marines of Engineering Company C, Combat Service Support Battalion 7, 1st Force Service Support Group, began building permanent construction huts for the Marines of Regimental Combat Team 7 here recently. First FSSG provides logistical support, such as medical supplies, food, water, and equipment repair, to the I Marine Expeditionary Force, which commands all Marine forces in Iraq.

Currently the Marines live in large canvas tents, which are susceptible to fires and have a lifespan of only a few years in the Iraqi desert. The C-huts are made of wood, which is less susceptible to fire than the kerosene soaked canvas the tents are made of.

The C-huts will not only provide an enhanced living environment for the Marines, they will also be safer from fire and the harsh elements common in the Iraqi desert, according to Capt. Andy S. Watson, company commander, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7.

Safer to use with air conditioners, heating units and power outlets, the new C-huts will provide a better living environment for Marines. They are also more durable and less flammable then tents. Numerous tent fires were reported at camps throughout Iraq last year.

"Ideally, we will be able to tear down the tents and (move all the) Marines into C-huts," said Watson, 33, a native of Irvine, Calif.

The first four C-huts are complete and the current plan calls for the Marines to build a total of 20 C-huts by Jan. 2005 to house the next major influx of Marines. The Marines of Engineering Company Charlie are tasked to fulfill the needs of RCT-7.

The Marines of RCT-7 look forward to living in the hardened structures instead of the cloth tents. Many of the tents are in need of repair with holes in the floor and rips in the side.

"The C-huts keep the dirt out better and have power outlets which make them seem a little more like home," said Cpl. Jay E. Mitchell, 24, a native of Shreveport, La., from Company B, 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion, who has lived in both tents and C-huts during his deployment in Iraq.

The Marines rely on some of their more experienced construction workers in order to construct the huts. Many members of the reserve unit work construction as their civilian profession. The unit has been able to use the Marines knowledge to be able to build the C-huts quicker and more efficiently, according to Lance Cpl Pete K. Carrey, 24, a native of Peoria Ill.

"The support of CSSB 7 has been amazing. They have been ready, willing and able to help on any project," added Watson.

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Photos included with story:

	Lance Cpl. Christopher G. Harness, 24, from Towanda, Ill., a combat engineer with Engineer Company C, Combat Support Service Battalion 7, 1st Force Service Support Group, drills holes to screw widow latches on new C-huts being constructed at Camp Ripper. The C-huts are being constructed to provide a safer living space than the highly flammable tents many Marines are currently living in. Photo by: Cpl. Matthew R. Jones

	Private First Class Jason M. Hubrich (left) and Cpl. Rich R. Flesner cut a planks of wood to be used for the roof of new C-huts being constructed to provide a safer living space than the highly flammable tents many Marines are currently living in. Flesner, 24, from Camp Point, Ill., and Hubrich, 19, from Lincoln, Ill., are both members of Engineer Company C, Combat Support Service Battalion 7, 1st Force Service Support Group. Photo by: Cpl. Matthew R. Jones

	Lance Cpl. Pete K. Carrey, 24, and electrician with Engineer Company C, Combat Support Service Battalion 7, 1st Force Service Support Group, hammer a nail into the corner of one of the new C-huts being constructed to provide a safer living space than the highly flammable tents many Marines are currently living in. Carrey is a construction worker in his hometown of Peoria, Ill., and said that the experience has helped with the project. Photo by: Cpl. Matthew R. Jones

CSSB 7 - 1st FORCE SERVICE SUPPORT GROUP
From CO's Message: 1 November 2004

~*~

What is the mission, you might ask? I will borrow from the Commanding General of the 1^st Marine Division’s recent letter to his Division. In the broader context “our mission here is three-fold: we must neutralize the insurgency, develop the Iraqi Security Forces, and maintain the territorial integrity of Iraq. These actions, conducted alongside Iraqi Security Forces, will ultimately allow Iraqis to take control of their own destiny, and allow us to return home”

Specifically, the mission of CSSB-7 is to conduct multifunctional combat service support operations in general support of I MEF forces from Camp Al Asad in order to facilitate and sustain I MEF security and stability operations throughout our area of operations.

It is important for you to know how your Marines and Sailors contribute to this endeavor. Their daily efforts (driving and fixing trucks, improving roads, delivering supplies, running the passenger terminal at the airfield, etc) directly support the Marines who are on the front lines of the war on terrorism. We all can be proud of the hard work and dedication of the logisticians in this battalion whose sole purpose is to support Marines in combat. While we wish we were at home with our loved ones, we know that we are needed here to continue to take the battle to the enemy.

We’ll begin November with a traditional cake cutting on 10 November to celebrate the birthday of our beloved Marine Corps. The Chowhall tells us that we will have a special menu that day and on Thanksgiving as well.

Our Key Volunteer Network continues to provide great support to our families while we are away. I know many volunteers are preparing to send holiday care packages and Christmas stockings and decorations our way. I’m also aware of events at the local level, sponsored by the KVN. For example, Charlie Company, 6^th ESB in Peoria, Illinois is holding a “family play day” in early December. The efforts of these volunteers and families are greatly appreciated and are a “force multiplier” for those of us deployed. Knowing that our families are “OK” makes all the difference. Thank You KVN!

Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all throughout this holiday season. We are thankful for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us – the most important being your love and support. We are also blessed to be Americans as we are reminded in the famous Lee Greenwood song that says “I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free”. Our efforts here are planting the seeds of freedom. We have brought hope to 25 million people.

Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful)

Again, we thank you for your support during our time away from home. Until next month!

P.S. Don’t forget to check our website for news and photos: This site gets better and better. Recently a few articles that appeared on the USMC.MIL website are posted on our page. These are stories about your Marines and Sailors in action. Check them out!

http://www.imef.usmc.mil/msc/1fssg/KVN/deployed/cssb7.html

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