Roving Rev Part 16 - The Countdown Continues - Rackcdn.comhttps://c69011.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/2a927e8601ce4fac9886470203786e6d-0x0.pdfOne final trip as...
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Roving Rev Part 16 ‐ The Countdown Continues Hi Roving Rev here and writing to you after making one final trip to PB5. One final trip as PB5 is no more. It’s both good and sad that PB5 is no more. Sad as visiting the Bull Dogs at PB5 Star was always a good shout. As I arrived there it was a very different place than the PB5 I visited just a few weeks before. Hesco had been removed tents were down and some of the guys had already gone, (taking vehicle back to Bastion,) but as always the place was busy. The boys under TQ Dozza were doing a fantastic job in getting the place closed down. Because of the smart planning by Dozza the quality of life (and especially the gym) was kept in place right up until the bitter end. I am sure this had nothing to do with Dozza’s requirement of three phys sessions a day As I arrived Brunch was being served. Waz! The scran was always great at 5 Star and on the last day of fresh rations it continued to be the case. With a base closure the galley inevitable has to close a few days before the lads go and therefore the last few days are 24 ration pack. But on this last day Kev and the chefs did the guys proud with this brunch and the final BBQ in the evening. I have never seen so much scran! It was the BBQ to end all BBQ’s in which we had at least two pigs and Cows, as well as the odd chicken apiece ‐Hoofing. It was also a special time to come in as we had a service at the memorial in PB5 dedicated to the three marines and Rifleman who died whilst serving at PB5 during Herrick 14. The memorial was then carefully dismantled and it will now be relocated to the UK. In this the men of 42 will continue to be remembered. ‘at the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.
The following day more of the guys flew out to Bastion with the rest of us carrying on the work of pulling down the remaining tents, getting rid of rubbish and finishing off ISOs. Then it was a night under the stars for me and a return trip to Price VIA the IRG. On my return I saw Rob, Bonny and the rest of the guys in charge of HMS Price life hard at work and also saw a bit of Artist Tom from Bravo Coy who after squaring his kit away flew over to Price to get some art work done for the Corps Museum. One of his favorite haunts was to go up ‘Freedom Tower’. Yes with that name it was indeed American to get a panoramic view of the place. I’m hoping that some of Tom’s work will be on display with the other art work they guys have done with their combat art kits. So I spent a few days in Price and then headed back to Bastion for a service before flying back to Price where we had a service to mark the 10th anniversary of 40’s role in OP Telic. Maj Karl G read the citation of some of the amazing events of the opening days of this conflict. Hearing them afresh it’s understandable why they are such an important Battle Honor to the Unit. Playing at the service was James the ‘stick’ (see his picture.) I only mention this as this involved only his third flight on a helo. On the first, as Maj Chris H wanted me to relay on to you, he wet himself like an excited little puppy. I am fast running out of time for letters home so my next and report will be soon. Until next time God bless. Padre Paul the Roving Rev,