Photo By Sgt. Whitney N. Frasier | Cpl. Kenneth R. Witz, a motor transport operator with Headquarters Battery, 1st...... read more read more
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TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Combat Logistics Battalion 7 is made up of highly skilled Marines who stand ready to support any task or mission bestowed upon them. They symbolize flexibility, timeliness and proficiency. They plan to never let this image waver, even if they have to support three units at the same time with a small crew of Marines who remain behind while the rest of their unit deployed to Afghanistan.
The Marines of CLB-7 are assisting the 11th Marine Regiment during their 25 day field exercise, Desert Fire, starting April 21. A large convoy of more than 50 Marines go to the training areas every couple of days to provide them with food, fuel and water. Smaller convoys are sent out to drop off ice or ammunition when needed.
During a resupply, stations are set up by CLB-7 at areas 100 meters apart from each other, then each battalion push through to receive their supplies. Once they are topped off, the battalions head out for another segment of training.
Mechanically, CLB-7 can't be stopped. With as little as two weeks into the training, the motor transport Marines fixed more than 10 trucks from 11th Marine Regiment. Their turnaround time was under 24 hours. They proved themselves by fulfilling the highest expectations, which included repairing two of the howitzers that malfunctioned during training.
"Our Marines have done a phenomenal job providing the 11th Marines with logistics," said Capt. Brian L. White, company commander for Support Company, CLB-7. "Most of us are not even logisticians ... we have a lack of personnel and a lot going on," said White, 40, San Antonio.
Combat Logistics Regiment 1 took advantage of the engineering and general services that CLB-7 was willing to provide. The need for more logistics Marines was considerable, so they started to work in shifts. Fire teams worked day and night to meet the urgent demands which lasted beyond normal working hours. They backed up CLR-1 with material handling equipment, such as forklifts, which helped with setting up and on-and-off loading procedures.
Seventh Marines also called for support from its very own logistics battalion. Providing helicopter support teams with only the minimum amount of team members, they moved trailers, Humvees and supplies several times a week.
"I am all about getting my guys training," said Cpl. Christopher J. Sutherland, landing support specialist, Support Company, CLB-7. "The resupplies are going good ... both sides are well prepared," said Sutherland, 21, Gulf Shores, Ala.
Marines worked outside their normal military occupation constantly to get the job done.
"The [Command Operation Center] is an eye opener for me," said Lance Cpl. Matthew D. Wegenke, a communications repairman with Support Company, CLB-7. "I am getting the experience of seeing the Marine Corps, outside my [military occupation]," said Wegenke, 20, Jamestown, N. D.
In addition to CLB-7's regular mission, they steadily provided support for these units allowing them to accomplish their operations. They spent many hours preparing themselves for these events to properly and accurately support each unit as they arrived in the training area.
"Our mission is going as well as theirs," said Gunnery Sgt. Guy W. Dixon, the company operations chief, Support Company, CLB-7. "This is our opportunity to train our Marines for convoys and build proficiency before we deploy," said Dixon, 35, Westpoint, N.Y.
| Date Taken: | 04.28.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 05.05.2009 16:56 |
| Story ID: | 33238 |
| Location: | TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 232 |
| Downloads: | 191 |
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