2d Low Altitude Air Defense transfers authority to Marine Wing Support Squadron 373

Photo By Cpl. Tyler Barstow | Lt. Col. Todd M. Jenkins, 43, from North Canton, Ohio, commanding officer for Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and the squadron's sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Willington Sims, 46, from St. Louis, unfurl their battle colors during the transfer of authority ceremony, Oct. 23, 2008. MWSS-373 replaced 2d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion.  

AL TAQADDUM, IRAQ

10.23.2008

Story by Cpl. Tyler Barstow 

1st Marine Logistics Group

By Cpl. Tyler B. Barstow
1st Marine Logistics Group

CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq – 2d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group relinquished command to Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 during a transfer of authority ceremony, Oct. 23, 2008.

The Marines and Sailors of 2d LAAD were in charge of the camp's security; manning perimeter and entry control point security for Camp Taqaddum and West Camp Habbaniyah.

"2d LAAD Battalion served as a model for total unit integration," said Brig. Gen. Robert R. Ruark, 48, from Salem, Ohio, 1st MLG commanding general. Ruark was also impressed with the unit's civil military affairs operations and their success in the "enrichment of the lives of the local Iraqi people."

More than 36 thousand vehicle searches, 800 perimeter patrols and 650 mounted and dismounted patrols were conducted by 2d LAAD in their endeavor to help the Iraqi people and maintain security for 1st MLG. All this was accomplished by a group formed from 28 different units and locations.

"They all came together and jelled into one," said Lt. Col. Matthew Sieber, 39, from Reedsville, Pa., commanding officer for 2d LAAD, about his unit's cohesion.

Lt. Col. Todd M. Jenkins, 43, from North Canton, Ohio, commanding officer for MWSS-373, assumed command and is looking forward to carrying on with the mission that began so well with 2d LAAD.

"I know we're up to the challenges and looking forward to the successes," Jenkins said. "It's been a privilege to work with a unit that has been as professional as 2d LAAD."

As they pack up their gear and prepare to return home, 2d LAAD leaves behind a safer location for Marines and strong relationships with the locals.

"It's been absolutely awesome working under the umbrella of the 1st MLG," said Sgt. Maj. Todd M. Parisi, 40, from St. Maries, Pa., sergeant major for 2d LAAD. "They brought the force protection integration concept into a reality."

Now MWSS-373 is stepping up to fill the well-worn boots of 2d LAAD as they take control.

"We're looking forward to being a part of the 1st MLG team and doing everything we can to support the Group's overall mission," Jenkins said.

• Date Taken: 10.23.2008
• Date Posted: 10.25.2008 08:39
• Story ID: 25538
• Location: AL TAQADDUM, IQ