MSSG-13 shows versatility at Exercise Edged Mallet
Submitted by: 13th MEU
Story Identification #: 200234134119
Story by Sgt. Nathan J. Ferbert



MANDA NAVAL BASE, Kenya (February 22, 2002) -- Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group 13, Combat Service Support Element of the 13th MEU (Special Operations Capable), proved it is not only the glue that binds, but stands formidably on its own.

In 18-days, MSSG-13 farmed out nearly all its assets to six different coastal areas of Kenya to complete several Humanitarian/Civic Assistance projects and provide medical and dental care, and support the three other MSEs with transportation, maintenance, security and logistical support for Exercise Edged Mallet, Feb. 4-21.

Like fielding All-Star teams in their respective military occupational specialties, MSSG-13 sent mixed detachments of people from the 13th MEU (SOC) and USS Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group to ensure they covered all the projects' bases.

For half of the H/CA project, a group of more than 40 Marines convoyed daily to and from the Aviation Combat Element's Forward Arming and Refueling Point - operated by Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 (Rein) - and boarded helicopters with tools, generators and supplies for the 15-minute jump to Faza, a town on the island of Pate, Kenya.

Crews in Faza worked on the village's decrepit footbridge that connects it to the adjoining town when the waterway reaches high tide. During low tide, residents can walk or ride donkeys across the shallow water and soft sand. However, the bridge is the only foot access to the other side to trade or travel during high tide.

The group replaced more than 40 percent of the bridge's rotting planks and support beams, and also touched up cracks in some of the cement pillars.

Inside Faza, the other half of the group built a two-classroom building for school children of the town. Workers dug trenches and lay coral brick and mortar to support the framework, walls and tin roof. Highland Middle School in Albany, Ga., will donate text books to the school as part of a school exchange program.

As a sign of gratitude, the entire Faza group held a going-away picnic with the locals, which included dances, songs, poems, tasting the local cuisine and an exchange of gifts between Marines and Sailors and villagers.

The other half of the H/CA building/construction project was completed at two sites in the District of Malindi - creating a water source for the Gongoni Maternity Wing and completing carpentry work at the Kibarani School for the Deaf in Kilifi.

More than 45 Marines and Sailors worked hand-in-hand with Kenyan Army engineers to drill a 110-foot bore hole to reach water, plumb pipe lines to the maternity clinic and build a foundation for a water holding tank.

They also worked together at the school for the deaf to renovate several classrooms, restrooms and the roof and ceiling of one of the teacher's houses.

Navy doctors, dentists, corpsmen and dental technicians from several sections of the MEU/ARG team went on another crusade to treat more than 1,700 Kenyans by providing medical and dental care in Faza, Lamu and Hindi.

Assisted by Kenyan physicians, dentists, physician's assistants and nurses, Sailors gave classes on preventive medicine, oral hygiene and treatment methods to the local population. Local medical and dental supplies, such as bandages and over-the-counter medications, were also replenished by MSSG-13.

Dentists treated more than 200 patients for several problems, often relieving months of pain. Most dental treatments included extracting decaying teeth. Dentists extracted more than 640 teeth during the project, while focusing on basic healthcare education and treating patients for diseases common to the region, such as malaria.

Constant smiles on the faces of Kenyans proved that Marines and Sailors made a difference in Kenya.