Illumination
June 9th, 2009 | Photography | Posted by Chris Maddaloni
The mortar team at FOB Lagman mid-launch – sending multiple 120mm illumination rounds up at timed intervals.
A Handful of Dust
June 8th, 2009 | Photography | Posted by Chris Maddaloni
Pfc. Matthew Hoyt, 20, from Chicago, Ill., waits to move an ammo resupply from a Chinook helicopter at PMT Viper in SW Zabul province. This is a few seconds into the takeoff – it was actually a total brownout in the beginning – and there are more than a few pebbles thrown in there. Larger bases have gravel for LZs – but for the smaller FOBs, well, as always, one makes do in more than one way.
Dab Pass
June 7th, 2009 | Photography | Posted by Chris Maddaloni
A tricky section of road in Shinkay district – a mountain pass that is a recent convoy ambush spot.
Search Party
June 5th, 2009 | Photography | Posted by Chris Maddaloni
Sunrise over the mountains in SW Zabul, as the Afghan National Police, escorted by PMT Viper, look for Taliban KIA from a helicopter gunship called in by them the night before.
The High Ground
June 4th, 2009 | Photography | Posted by Chris Maddaloni
A Romanian solider prepares to test fire the weapons on a BTR at FOB Mescall in SW Zabul province – the tires on one side are in ditches, so it can fire downhill. The new base, which overlooks Highway One, has been used in past by others – notably Gen. Dostum – to secure the area. It is named after Maj. Brian Mescall, a U.S. Army officer who was killed this January by IED nearby.
IED – Found
June 2nd, 2009 | Photography | Posted by Chris Maddaloni
An EOD team member wires up a IED (right) found a road off Highway One, near Qalat, to be detonated – this one was a five gallon bucket made with fertilizer.
The Ceremony
June 1st, 2009 | Photography | Posted by Chris Maddaloni
Members of RCP 6, 951st Engineer Co., 276th EN BN receive their combat action badge for enemy engagement this past February – they were attacked while doing their daily mission – route clearing with special MRAPs – going on along Highway One and its offshoots to detect, and more, often get hit by, IEDs.