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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Since World War II, Combat Logistics Regiment 1 has played a significant role in the logistical support of the Marine Corps. From the battles of Guadalcanal and Okinawa, to today’s war on terror, the daily works of Marines and sailors have contributed to decades of support to the Corps.
Originally activated at Marine Corps Air Station New River, in 1942,
as the 1st Pioneer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, CLR- 1 participated in many World War II campaigns including Guadalcanal, Eastern New Guinea and Okinawa.
According to CLR-1 lineage, the unit was relocated to Camp Pendleton, Calif., following the end of WWII in 1947. In addition to receiving Presidential Unit Citation Streamers with one Silver and one Bronze Star for efforts in World War II, CLR-1 also
received a Navy Unit Commendation Streamer with two Bronze Stars for their efforts in Pusan, Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir.
During the Korean War, CLR-1, designated as 1st Shore Party Battalion, participated in the defense of the Demilitarized Zone from 1953 to 1955. In “All in a Day’s Work,” written first hand by Lynn Montross, the author describes the daily efforts of 1st
Shore Party Battalion. Along with the engineers, both groups helped support 1st Marine Division with road repair, supervision of refugee workers, creating future tactics, and loading and
landing operations. Commanded by Lt. Col. John H. Partridge, the shore party devotedly ran support operations for the combat troops and contributed by providing security as well.
At the end of the Korean War, the unit was deactivated, and remained that way until 1964, at the beginning of the Vietnam War. The unit later went on to provide logistical support during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm as Headquarters and Service Battalion, 1st Division Support Group.
After a deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the regiment was reorganized and officially joined 1st Marine Logistics Group in October 2005.
Today, CLR-1 encompasses service members within Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Battalion 5, and 7th Engineer Support Battalion located here on Camp Pendleton. Additionally, the regiment includes Combat Logistics Battalion 7, the only battalion-sized element that supports the 1st Marine Division, 7th Marine Regiment at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat
Center Twentynine Palms, Calif.
From motor transport operators, to food service Marines and legal services specialists, every form of support for infantry Marines is provided by the regiment, today. The landing support Marines still wear the red patch, originally designated during World War II to identify landing support Marines from infantry Marines. Mail clerks keep Marines motivated with letters from home, water purification
specialists keep the laundry clean and explosive ordnance disposal technicians keep Afghan roads safe.
“They do a tremendous job supporting division,” said Col. John M.
Schultz, 1st MLG chief of staff, who commanded CLR-1 from October 2007 to June 2009.
During deployments, CLR-1 Marines train Afghan soldiers, participate in community relations, build and repair roads, transport troops and resupply combat outposts. They make
seemingly simple things possible, like making a phone call or doing laundry which, when deployed to Afghanistan, are considered luxuries.
“We are a combat-capable, fully trained force to support the fight in
Afghanistan,” said Col. James Caley, commanding officer CLR-1.
Despite having more than 40 different military occupations, the regiment ensures every Marine is trained and prepared to deploy.
“Fundamentally, the strength or weakness of any unit lies in the [noncommissioned officers],” said Caley, who assumed command of the regiment recently from Col. Thomas B. Eipp.
“The corporals and sergeants have got their head in the game and they are leading Marines every day. God knows they are the strength of this one.”
For Marines and sailors who are not deployed, the work is just as hard to keep things going. Those remaining in the rear are responsible for keeping the irons in the fire.
From the time they come home, until they cycle for another deployment, Marines continue their training, spending days or weeks in the field to keep their skills sharp.
“We get requests for field operations all the time,” said Petty Officer
3rd Class Richard M. Don, corpsman, 7th ESB. “The operations get rotated for corpsmen but we are always out there for safety. Getting Marines ready for deployment isn’t always fun, but I know that we have to do this job so they can do theirs.”
Don, who has been with 7th ESB for almost two years, said he loves his job because of the opportunities it presents.
“It’s the best job I can think of,” said Don, 25, a San Diego native.
“Not only do I get to see Marines for their injuries or for being sick, I get to go on operations with them and be part of everything they do.”
While each person plays their part, the regiment remains strong to
support the efforts both at home and abroad. Everywhere the 1st Marine Division goes, there are CLR-1 Marines supporting them directly.
“It wouldn’t matter if they were 10 feet in front of me or 10,000 miles away, their distance is irrelevant,” said Caley. “There are none better.”
From the islands of the pacific so many years ago, to the efforts made in the freezing mountains of Korea, CLR-1 will remains a force multiplier for the combat troops of today’s war, and any more to come.
| Date Taken: | 08.12.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.12.2011 11:38 |
| Story ID: | 75247 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 233 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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