CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Marines of the Combat Logistics Battalion 46, a reserve battalion of warriors from all over the U.S., landed at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Nov. 30, 2009, after four months in Iraq. Now serving alongside Third Army, their mission here is to retrograde equipment coming out of Iraq and get it to the warfighters in Afghanistan.
After being part of the drawdown that redeployed all Marine Units serving in Iraq, CLB 46 has responsibilities in planning, prepping and loading Air Force aircraft and inspecting and conducting maintenance on Operation Enduring Freedom bound gear. They also supply support to the Marine Corps Logistics Command Forward who was already stationed in Kuwait.
"The original impression for those who volunteered for this detachment was that it would be going to Afghanistan after their time in Iraq, but Kuwait is where they ended up," said Capt. Robert Stevenson, detachment officer in charge, MCLC (Fwd).
The unit performs many of the facets of a logistical combat element allowing for a self-supporting structure.
"When you look at the big picture, we play an important role in what is going on in Afghanistan as we get this equipment to our Marine brothers and sisters there," said Lance Cpl. Chris Sparks, CLB 46. "I try to keep that in mind everyday as I repair equipment here in Kuwait for the war effort elsewhere."
The long ride that has tested the Marines abilities through various missions and different locations will soon come to a close as they prepare to return to the U.S. in the coming months. With that comes a feeling of pride and reflection on the missions and accomplishment the unit has completed.
"These Marines are truly some of the finest men and women the Corps has to offer," said Stevenson. "Their efforts have directly affected Marine Corps Logistics Command's ability to expediently move serviceable gear to Afghanistan."
| Date Taken: | 11.30.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 04.01.2010 10:45 |
| Story ID: | 47536 |
| Location: | CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: | 259 |
| Downloads: | 189 |
This work, Marines Retrograde at Camp Arifjan, by SPC Brandon Babbitt, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
