1140th trains on bridge building at Macon site

MACON, Mo. -- A bridge-building exercise performed by the 1140th Engineer Battalion involved a Chinook helicopter, dozens of pieces of military equipment, several boats and more than a few heavy artillery simulations.

But when the two-hour battalion-wide training exercise was over, the 1140th had constructed two bridges that were strong enough to drive a convoy of military vehicles and equipment across.

"This is the first time we have done something on this scale since the last time we were deployed," said Capt. Kelly Messerli, company commander of the 1438th Engineer Multi-Role Bridge Company, which is a part of the 1140th.

"So it's important for us to get out there on the water and do this," Messerli said.

The exercise -- held at the Missouri National Guard's Macon Training Site as part of the battalion's annual training -- involved many of its units -- Headquarters Company, Forward Support Company, the 1438th and the 220th Engineer Company. The Chinook and its crew were provided by the U.S. Army Reserves 11th Aviation Command from Kansas.

"It went really smooth," Messerli said. "It took a lot of planning and preparation, but anyone who watched the exercise knows that we are more than capable of doing our job and making sure that it's possible for the mission to move forward -- whether over land or water."

The scenario called for the 1438th to construct two bridges -- a 180-meter floating bridge that was constructed in a lake at the Macon Training Site and erecting a 40-meter fixed, dry-support bridge. The 1438th performed this mission all while fighting off opposition forces, which were provided by other units within the battalion.

The Chinook was used as part the sling load operations to build the floating bridge, which called for the helicopter to be loaded with seven-ton interior and ramp bays. Those bays were attached to the helicopter by 15 members of the bridge company and they were then transported by are to the lake.

The bays were dropped into the water by the Chinook and were constructed in the water and attached together by Soldiers who were waiting in boats. Seventy Soldiers were used to build the floating bridge while about 10 National Guardsmen constructed the dry-support bridge at a secondary location.

"This is one of the better training exercises I've been on," Messerli said. "It seemed very realistic and that was the intent."

The exercise began with a simulated battle after two 15-person rafts crossed the lake and participated in a simulated battle to secure the far shore. A green-star cluster flare was shot in the air to let the bridge-builders know that the area was secure.

Soon after, the bays were transported by helicopter to the water. Others were pushed into the water by trucks.

"There were so many interacting units," said Capt. Mike Roberts, who was the officer in charge of the sling load operations. "This was new to a lot of our Soldiers and it showed there was some good coordination and radio work. They really seemed to catch on quickly. They executed well."

2nd Lt. Jenna Hansen, a bridge commander with the 1438th, said it was the first time she'd participated in such an exercise of this size.

"I was thoroughly impressed," she said. "It showed a lot of teamwork and motivation and I think it was outstanding. Knowing how to do this is so important. We could provide access to two different places. Bridges are invaluable -- they can get trucks across, Soldiers, food, medical supplies. Our job is to keep the traffic moving."

Messerli said he thought all involved did a great job.

"It was a culmination of good teamwork and learning from each other," he said. "We kept our focus and the mission was accomplished. There's always room for improvement -- and there were a few areas we need to work on -- but overall, I was very pleased with how it turned out."

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.

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For more information about this release, please contact Scott Moyers at (573) 339-6264 or e-mail him at scott.moyers1@us.army.mil.