PALO VERDE, Calif. -- The 1st Marine Division crossed the Colorado River, May 8 and 9, using a ribbon bridge constructed by 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Force Service Support Group, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
The bridging operation is an integral part of the Division's command and control exercise, Desert Scimitar 01, and is the first time the Marine Corps has conducted a river crossing of this magnitude. It is also the first time the military has crossed the river since MajGen. George Patton led troops across prior to World War II.
Prior to the exercise, the engineers experienced challenges in acquiring enough materials to construct a 441-foot bridge capable of holding more than 70 tons. Later, resources and manpower came from 6th ESB, 4th FSSG and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3, Port Hueneme, to assist in the exercise.
After gathering bridging materials, the engineers were ready to confront the river.
Before the bridge bays -- devices used to construct a mobile bridge -- can be deployed, the river banks must be of equal elevation. To accomplish this, heavy equipment operators had to dig on the California side of the river.
"Our main job once we arrived was to lower the maintenance road leading to the river by 9-1/2 feet," said Sgt. Joel Eddings, platoon sergeant, Heavy Equipment platoon, A Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Force Service Support Group.
After both banks were properly prepared, the bays were launched into the river.
"We use the boats to maneuver the bridge pieces around and put them where they belong," said Sgt. Jay Saucier, boat driver, A Company, 7th ESB. "Once the bays are in place we use the boats to keep the bridge from moving with the current."
With both banks prepared for the bridge and the bridge bays ready for action, the only remaining obstacle was the river itself.
"River length is a substantial factor, but the most challenging part is the current," said Capt. Michael J. Callanan, company commander, A Company, 7th ESB, 1st FSSG.
The current threatened to render the bridge unstable. To combat this problem, the bridge bays were anchored to two bulldozers, one on each side of the river. The Marines also constructed an anchoring system from HMMWV tires, concrete and scrap steel. As an additional precaution, every person crossing the river received a safety brief. There were also two safety lines and numerous safety swimmers in the water.
The real-world bridging operation, gave the Marines valuable working knowledge.
"The knowledge of what it really takes to put a bridge up and what our equipment is capable of will benefit these Marines greatly in the future," said GySgt. Donald Burris, construction chief, A Company, 7th ESB.
"I'm looking at all the other units out here to see what they're doing - it's interesting to see everybody coming together as a team to accomplish this mission," said LCpl. Jason Casledon, motor transport operator, A Company, 7th ESB.
Community support has also been very important. Residents have gone out of their way to make the "out-of-towners" feel welcome.
"They like to see us and what we're doing - they're really interested," said Eddings. "After all, we are making history out here.
"They always bring up the General Patton museum and how what we're doing is the same as what he did out here. I just smile and tell them 'No - we're doing it better than he did.'"