Establishment of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ripley was essential to the 22d MEU(SOC)'s operations against Taliban sanctuaries in Operation Mountain Storm. Its construction reduced dependence on the single-trail supply route between the FOB and Kandahar airfield, and the airfield enabled the MEU to resupply its forces free of rugged terrain and potential ambushes.
Construction of FOB Ripley began on 22 April, during one of the MEU's shaping operations. Coupled with presence patrols. MEU Service Support Group 22's advance construction party was organized to establish initial security for, and reception of, follow-on forces and supplies. Eventually, the combat service support detachment grew to 165 sailors, soldiers, and Marines. Throughout construction, the overriding rule was to minimize the personnel and equipment needed to operate the FOB. Two-man tents, meals ready to eat, and reduced infrastructure were the norm.
The greatest challenge was transporting supplies to remote areas using a road system of little more than goat trails. In addition to the combat operations center, the advance party built compounds for the Army's provisional reconstruction team, the Jordanian Special Operations Force, an ammunition supply point, and detainees.
Initially built to the length required for an empty C-130 Hercules to take off, the landing strip was extended to the 6,054 feet needed to launch fully loaded C-130s. This strip was the lifeline for fuel (more than 400,000 gallons) and critical supplies; it received as many as four sorties per night.
From this austere FOB, supplies were dispatched to units maneuvering against the enemy and to teams providing security for voter registration and conducting civil-military operations. Whenever possible, a task-organized section of trucks would be attached to each element. Because much of the terrain denied access to trucks, helicopter support teams (HSTs) often were used for resupply and recovery missions.
In 90 days, other major accomplishments at Ripley were:
* Transport of 25,000 personnel and 1,973 short tons of cargo
* Conduct of 40 HST operations and 5 aerial deliveries
* 200 third-echelon repairs on motor transport and engineer equipment
* Processing of 94 detainees
* Delivery of 560,000 gallons of fuel
* Application of armor to all MEU vehicles
* Construction of 14 bunkers
Constraints posed by terrain, dust, heat, and the rapid tempo of operations were no match for the innovation of small-unit leaders and the perseverance of its team of Marines, sailors, and soldiers.
Lieutenant Colonel Braden is the commanding officer of MEU Service Support Group 22 and Marine Wing Support Squadron 274.