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TIKRIT, Iraq – On September 25, the Smoke Platoon from 12th Chemical Company was given the warning order to prepare for a smoke mission in Samarra, in support of Operation Baton Rouge. The mission called for the Smoke Platoon to provide screening smoke for B Company, 9th Engineer Battalion while they emplaced a Traffic Control Point near Alternate Supply Route Grape, 400 meters northeast of Samarra. The engineers had previously encountered both direct and indirect fire during the construction of this TCP. Numerous preparations had to be made. The Smoke Platoon had to be called off their force protection mission at Forward Operating Base Speicher. The smoke generators had to be put back into operation and a minimum of five M1059 Smoke Tracks had to be fully mission capable. In addition, at least 9,000 gallons of fog oil would have to be transported to Iraq. All available personnel from the smoke platoon and maintenance worked non-stop to bring all the equipment up to standard. One week later, the equipment and the fog oil arrived at FOB McKenzie, 20 miles east of Samarra. On October 4 at 7:45 a.m., the Smoke Platoon kicked off the first operational smoke mission in more than 13 years. The engineers requested a smoke curtain be placed between them and the city of Samarra, since it was important that they have 100 percent visibility throughout the construction site. Throughout the first day, the smoke platoon positioned three M1059 smoke tracks approximately 200 meters from Samarra and provided the engineers with a smoke curtain that completely obscured the TCP emplacement from the city. Throughout the morning hours, the winds were blowing to the west, but around noon the winds had shifted to the north and caused the smoke to hinder the construction of the TCP. The smoke was discontinued until the following day. On the second and third day the winds remained favorable throughout the day. Three tracks were used for the majority of the time, but at times it was only necessary to use two. The winds changed directions frequently and caused gaps in the curtain, but only minor adjustments were needed to fill in the gaps. During the afternoon, the 100 plus degree temperatures and dry air caused the smoke to quickly rise and disintegrate, but this was remedied by maneuvering the M1059s in racetrack patterns. The Soldiers of the Smoke Platoon accomplished the mission in superb fashion. They provided the concealment needed for the engineers to construct the TCP without incident. They placed themselves within 200 meters of known enemy positions to provide for the safety of their fellow Soldiers. For three days they provided a smoke screen for B Company, 9th Engineers, maintained situational awareness and 360-degree security. Each person on that team was aware of the danger and importance of the mission and accepted the challenge whole-heartedly and without reservations. They knew that this mission could well be the last smoke mission ever to be performed by the Chemical Corps and they all deserve to remembered for their bravery and their commitment to excellence. |
