Operation Groundhog Day Turn Around Pt 3

From their last stop in Kuwait to their first destination in Iraq, things go well for the clip and it appears their luck may be changing for the better. Between the clip’s stop at Scania and their second stop in Iraq, things again run smooth. The third night however, brings their luck a step back toward the negative side.

The clip arrives at their second stop in Iraq. After a brief wait the trucks are taken care of and once the entire convoy is refueled and staged for departure, the drivers bed down for the night.

This night’s accommodations are better than most. The transient billets at this FOB are often referred to as “the chicken coops”, partly because they are long, low ceilinged, warehouse-like buildings that have individual cubicles for the drivers to sleep in. Each cubicle has its own electrical outlets, an actual bed and mattress, and every other one has a small A/C unit. The ‘coops are close to the showers, latrines, laundry, and a short walk from the DFAC (Dining Facility). Overall the ‘coops are one of the better accommodations on the road. The clip sleeps well during the day and is bright-eyed and ready to go for their O’dark-thirty departure time.

However, due to a large dust storm the clip is grounded for the night and will remain at the Fob for another attempt at leaving the following night, weather permitting. This is met with mixed views as some of the drivers would prefer to press on to their next stop, some are content to stay at the current FOB, and some are looking forward to a return to Kuwait as soon as possible.

As the sun rises on what will be the clip’s second full day at the current FOB, the clip is hopeful that it will be their last morning at the FOB for a while. As the light chases away the darkness and reveals all that it touches, the dust storm remains.

Visibility in open areas is like that of a thick Victorian London fog, less than a city block. Within the blast barrier confines of the transient area visibility is a gracious 50 or so meters. Dust-choked fire alarms can be heard emanating from various buildings. By Noon there is little sign that the storm will let up by nightfall. A strong, warm wind still blows as if from a limit-less source and some clip members begin to wonder if they will have to back up their boastful words from the previous night of enjoying a few days stay at the FOB.

Fortunately by the clip's schedule departure time the dust has moved on and the clip leaves as scheduled, albeit a night late.

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