Photo By Staff Sgt. Justin Shemanski | Marines with Engineer Company, Combat Logistics Battalion-6, Combat Logistics...... read more read more
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Long flights and bag drags now a not-too-distant memory, the Marines and sailors of Combat Logistics Battalion—6, Combat Logistics Regiment-2, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, finally regrouped at their final destination, Jan. 29.
Numbering more than 700 service members, the battalion is part of a "plus-up" in the region with the intent of providing direct logistical support for Regimental Combat Team-2 during the projected seven-month tour. This is the first time CLB-6 has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The deployment was bumped up nearly four months and when asked what is expected of his Marines and sailors, all of whom aggressively met the challenge of leaving early, Sgt. Maj. A. M. Dobson, CLB-6 sergeant major, began his answer with one bold statement — "a lot."
"First and foremost, mission accomplishment must be a priority," said Dobson, who has served at his current post at the battalion for the last two years. "We have to find ways to say 'yes.' There are folks out there who depend heavily on us for what we can do for them. I expect the Marines to act with professionalism and discipline. This is the key to our success out here and I am very confident they will come through. I'm extremely satisfied with their performance thus far."
Depending on just where the RCT settles down at will better dictate how the battalion can provide the best support possible for the "trigger pullers," said Dobson.
The support comes in many forms, noted Lt. Col. Mike Lepson, CLB-6 commanding officer. Though larger sections such as maintenance, engineering, and medical services often come to mind when the word "support" is mentioned, there's much more involved in keeping the gears of war turning.
"There's a lot more to it than beans, bullets and bandages," said Lepson. "You have to think about the morale aspect as well. Are they getting mail? Do they have the parts they need to fix their vehicles...? These items, along with so much more, are all important and I want to ensure a culmination point is never reached where logistical support is the issue. Our mission is to ensure the sustainment of combat operations and we will do what it takes to allow those assault units to fight and win."
From administration, motor transport and the armory to communications and everything else in between, the Marines and sailors of the "Red Cloud Battalion" seem eager to dig in to their respective work areas and are poised to complete any mission battalion leadership may lay before them.
"This is a great chance to put these boys to work doing what they were trained to do, and that goes battalion wide" said Sgt. Brian Francis, a combat engineer with Engineer Company. "What we do here is going to serve a purpose for a long time to come; it's something everyone can take pride in. We are here to help establish permanence."
The Marines of Engineer Company recently broke ground on two new structures — a chapel and recreation center — which serve as just one of the many indicators that CLB-6 is here and ready to leave its mark.
Lance Cpl. Justin Shockley, a combat engineer with the battalion, said, "There should be a lot to build upon here and any efforts we put forth to help the people of Afghanistan live better lives will make this deployment worth it."
| Date Taken: | 01.29.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 03.25.2010 06:08 |
| Story ID: | 47187 |
| Location: | AF |
| Web Views: | 354 |
| Downloads: | 157 |
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