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CAMP Victory, Iraq – Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Frank A.
Grippe, the Multi-National Corps-Iraq (MNC-I)
CSM, visited the Soldiers and
Sailors of Task Force (TF) 3-3 Air Defense Artillery (ADA)
Counter-Rocket, Artillery and -Mortar (C-RAM).
The event was hosted by the Soldiers of E Battery, 5-52 ADA
(E/5-52 ADA).
It’s a great day when a senior leader gets to visit a warfighting
unit and this visit was no different.
CSM Paris A. Williams (TF 3-3 ADA) kicked off the visit with an
operational brief saying, “we have a responsibility to ensure that
supported unit’s understand our capability and limitations.
When units understand your capability, then that capability is
maximized and you become a combat multiplier on the battlefield.”
The hour long brief enabled the Corps CSM to field a
number of questions to the battalion staff and at the end of the brief
CSM Grippe walked away with an appreciation of C-RAM and the 400 +
Soldiers and Sailors that fight the system everyday in Iraq.
Following the brief CSM
Grippe was escorted by First Sergeant (1SG) Robert Navarro, E/5-52 ADA,
to the Ground-Based Phalanx Weapon System known as “Big Ivey”.
Upon arrival to the gun, CSM Grippe was greeted by the Soldiers
and Sailors of the battery and offered the opportunity to fire her.
Within a few minutes the airspace was cleared and
Grippe was ready to unleash the power of the 20mm Gatling gun.
Grippe fired over 300 rounds and lit up the night sky surrounding
Camp Liberty.CSM Grippe said, “as an Infantryman I always
look forward to putting lead down range, but I have never in my life had
the opportunity to shoot something like this.
The Coalition Forces in Iraq can sleep at night knowing this
system is protecting them.
This has truly been an awesome experience for me and I will never forget
it.”
1SG Navarro said, “I
really appreciate the Corps CSM taking time
out of his busy schedule to visit our Soldiers and recognize their hard
work. It means the world
for these young Soldiers to receive a pat on the back from a warfighter
like CSM Grippe. A visit by a
senior leader always strengthens morale and improves readiness.”
The Corps CSM handed out several coins to the Soldiers and Sailors of TF
3-3 ADA. Corporal (CPL)
Joel Goffinet said, “you know your weapon system brings a lot to the
fight when you have the Corps CSM down in your area to see what it can
do.”
Captain Amanda Parker is assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Air Defense
Artillery (C-RAM) in Iraq.
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