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Marne Thunderbolt
Camp Striker, Thursday, 10 January 2008
Lieut. Col. Robert Wilson explains the objectives of an early bombing and aerial surveillance campaign in Operation Marne Thunderbolt.
Wilson is the executive officer of the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. The CAB provides air support to the brigade combat teams and ground forces operating in Multi-National Division - Center.
In a phone interview on Jan. 9, Wilson explained:
“Operation Marne Thunderbolt is a nested operation under Operation Phantom Phoenix. And we, the Combat Aviation Brigade, is part of Operation Marne Thunderbolt.
Well, our helicopter pilots are going out there based on detailed intelligence, following that intelligence, and we’re confirming or denying that intelligence, and then we’re developing that into future targets for our ground brothers or the Iraqi Security Forces. And then we are also undertaking the strikes that present themselves to us, as well, based on that intelligence.
So, the intelligence is driving our operations. We certainly have our opponents on the ropes, and we’re going to go after him while he’s on the ropes. We’re going into his sanctuary areas that we’ve pushed him out from, some of the other areas around Baghdad.
He’s now seeking solace and looking to regroup and plan future operations against us and our Iraqi Security Force brethren. And right now we’re seeking him out and attempting to destroy him or capture him wherever he may be.”
