Week-long patrol resupplies Musa Qal'ah
13 Apr 10
Even though they have only recently arrived in Afghanistan, soldiers from 6 Squadron, 12 Logistic Support Regiment, have already conducted a gruelling week-long logistic patrol delivering equipment to troops on the front line.
The largest Combat Logistic Patrol ever conducted in Afghanistan prepares to depart from Camp Bastion
[Picture: Corporal Lynny Cash RAF, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
The patrol saw the squadron deliver US specialist equipment, stores and personnel from Camp Bastion to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Edinburgh near Musa Qal'ah in the north of Helmand province. The patrol also brought back UK soldiers and equipment to Camp Bastion.
The patrol comprised 609 soldiers and 217 vehicles of which 130 soldiers and 46 vehicles were British.
6 Squadron was joined on the patrol by soldiers and vehicles of Combat Logistics Battalion 6 from the United States Marine Corps and 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion from the United States Army.
The total distance travelled was 206km.
See the Gallery at Related Links for more images from the patrol.
The Musa Qal'ah district recently transferred from the British to the United States Area of Operations.
The patrol was tasked with supplying the incoming United States Marine Corps and drawing down the equipment and supplies of the outgoing Household Cavalry Battle Group who have started returning to the UK after their six-month deployment. See Related News.
The convoy left Camp Bastion during the hours of darkness at the end of March after receiving a detailed series of orders, rehearsals, final intelligence briefings and a service of blessing conducted by the padre.
Soldiers taking part in the Combat Logistic Patrol wait for the order to move
[Picture: Corporal Lynny Cash RAF, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
The patrol was accompanied by soldiers of the Force Protection Team and the Route Clearing Team who dealt with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and protected the patrol from attack.
Lieutenant Jim Sutton, Officer Commanding UK Force Protection Team, said:
"Civilians would come out of their compounds and wave as we drove by. The move out wasn't intimidating at all. We enjoyed the interaction, but never lost focus on the possible threats around us."
After 61 hours of continuous driving and one attack by insurgent fire, the patrol arrived at FOB Edinburgh and the unloading of equipment and stores started immediately.
Lieutenant Karl Beck was responsible for the loading of all UK stores and equipment:
"It was a testing morning," he said.
"Everyone was exhausted, but everyone just got on with the job. No-one complained. Everybody knew that the main effort was to deliver the US equipment before picking up the UK stores to return home.
"The sooner it was done, the sooner we could go home."
The patrol was turned around within a 48-hour period to complete the return leg of the journey.
After one week and over 200km, the Combat Logistic Patrol arrives back at Camp Bastion
[Picture: Corporal Lynny Cash RAF, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
On the return journey, the patrol was contacted by insurgent fire on another two occasions from a variety of weapons including mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms.
The patrol arrived safely back at Camp Bastion in the late hours of 6 April. No casualties were sustained during the course of the patrol.
Private Carla Lewis, who was on her first Combat Logistic Patrol, said:
"The hardest thing was staying awake, but I did really enjoy it, especially the cross-country driving.
"Where we were passing through the Green Zone, the roads were really narrow and the trees obscured the view, so you had to keep a pretty close eye on the vehicle in front of you.
"It's extremely exhausting driving non-stop for so long, but you just get on and live with it."
Private James Berridge said:
"The driving conditions were bad. The dust in the desert stages just reduced visibility down to a matter of a few metres, so you really had to stay alert to vehicles in front and behind you and also to watch out for signs of IEDs."
Private Stuart Gaylor said:
"I was on top cover when three bullets went whizzing past my head.
Soldiers clean down their vehicles and carry out maintenance checks ready for the next patrol
[Picture: Corporal Lynny Cash RAF, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
"I heard the noise, but it was my first operation, so I didn't really know what it was until the driver told me."
Corporal Craig Williams said:
"I was the vehicle commander on the way up to FOB Edinburgh.
"As the vehicle went static, we started to receive indirect fire. The first round landed about five metres from the vehicle and the next one hit the back of the truck, displacing some of the load.
"The legs of the guy on top cover started to shake, but it was his first tour so he was a bit afraid.
"This is my second tour now and I've done lots of patrols before, so I knew what to expect.
"Because I was a commander I didn't have time to think about it. It's my job was to make sure everyone else was OK."
The patrol was led by Major Jo Chestnutt, Officer Commanding 6 Squadron, 12 Logistic Support Regiment:
"I'm extremely proud of my troops," he said.
"They never gave up. They were determined, resolute and immensely professional. Every member of the patrol - both UK and US - remained fully focused in fighting this logistic patrol through."