Deployment Blogs (Part 3 of 4)
A USMC CH-46 loads outgoing patients at TQ Surgical.
In the summer of 2007, the Marines pushed forces further out from the major bases in Al Anbar Province as part of the “surge.” The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, normally retained on Navy ships for “contingency operations” like disasters, embassy evacuations and other national emergencies, was brought ashore in Iraq to help end the insurgency that was keeping US policy off balance. To augment them, Angie’s mobile team (Forward Resuscitative Surgery System) was called out for its second trip into the hostile desert. They set up camp and spent the next month fighting boredom and desert heat. For the most part, the “surge” accomplished its goal in Al Anbar. Business at TQ dropped off to a trickle. The Surgical Company spent the last month looking for things to do and counting down to departure.
The following text is from the the email between Iraq, home, and extended family and friends.
June 18, 2007
Deployment Day 149
I was hoping to get a call from Angie, but last time we talked, she said there may be things afoot today. Apparently a unit from the 13th MEU was gearing up at TQ for a foray into the Al Anbar Province. Her mobile surgical team might be going along for the ride, just in case the weather prohibits helicopter medevac. There was some fuss about Angie going along because the unit is an all male combat outfit, but since she didn’t call today, I can only guess they decided to take the mobile team, female surgeon and all. I don’t have any details, and I know better than to ask.
June 20, 2007
Deployment Day 151
I got a short email. Angie is camping out with the Marines at Combat Outpost “Golden.” She reports conditions are pretty bad. “Filth and squalor,” she called it.
June 22, 2007
Deployment Day 153
Angie writes: Conditions are improving rapidly around here. We are learning to be self-sufficient and appropriate goods and resources with the best of them. My boys go out each day in search of things that could be useful in our camp. They are mostly looking for scrap wood, tent stakes, camo netting, sand bags, etc. They are also meeting the Marines that operate forklifts, electricians, etc, and ask to get things done. In the last three days we’ve been able to get our Hescos constructed, (thought not yet completely filled,) 100 sand bags delivered by forklift, and air conditioning in both tents run by a 30 KW generator. We also covered our tents with camo netting this morning. I can proudly tell you my skills are greatly expanding after learning to weave together diamond and hexagon sections. But even better than that, the boys built me a personal shower. We are calling it our “decon station” if anyone asks. I got my first bottled water shower since we got here and it was heavenly.
July 17, 2007
Deployment Day 178
Angie writes: This morning we were brought our first patient. A 5 year old Iraqi boy who was caught in the crossfire of a tribal dispute over a power line. He was shot in the left arm and abdomen and brought to us by ground. Kind of a controversial situation because we aren’t supposed to treat him unless our forces were involved. We almost lost the interpreter when we exposed the wounds (to fainting that is.) We operated on him and flew him out to Al Asad. It was good to see our team function. Now I guess we can say we’ve done something out here at COP “Golden.”
July 27, 2007
Deployment Day 188
The Kid and I had a most welcome wake-up call this morning. Angie arrived safely at TQ after a ten minute midnight helicopter flight from COP “Golden.” After getting to sleep in her “can” and a decent lunch, we got to chat with her for 27 minutes. Two of the other Company surgeons have flown out to “Golden” and we wish them luck. They will be there for about a month and will disassemble the kit when the 13th MEU goes home. Next on the list are the promotion ceremonies (Angie will put on Commander!) and a welcome back party for the FRSS.
If you are wondering, like me, does 97 degrees in the middle of the night feel cooler than 120 during the day? Angie says yes, but it is still hot.
August 17, 2007
Deployment Day 209
Return plans are firming up. The replacement company is in training and slated for arrival at TQ on or about August 31. As of yesterday, Departure is slated for September 15. The Kid and I plan to be there when the plane arrives. They are expected to be at Camp Lejeune for a few days to turn in gear and then bussed to their respective commands. As with the departure half a year ago, stand by for changes.
September 13, 2007
Deployment Day 236
The Surgical Company, 2D Maintenance Battalion arrived safe in Kuwait about 2200 local time. The flight was a day early because the transportation folks saw a closing weather window and decided to get them on a C-17 as soon as possible. On arrival at Camp Virginia, Angie enjoyed a new benefit of her recent promotion to Commander. Instead of bunking in the one-size fits all female tent, she was able to get into the VIP/O-5 quarters. No more sleeping next to a door that opens at all times of the night.
The Company is still scheduled to arrive at Camp Lejeune on Monday. The Kid and I will be there. It is hard to believe we are separated by just a few days. Keep your fingers crossed and hope there are no transportation foul-ups.
Standard office apparel.