Photo By Lance Cpl. Mike Granahan | Sgt. Felipe Perezrobles holds his son Miguel for the first time in seven months after...... read more read more
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CAMP FOSTER — Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 4 returned from Afghanistan Aug. 19 at Camp Foster.
The battalion, a part of Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, was deployed in Helmand province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“We spent seven months supporting operations in Afghanistan,” said 1st Lt. Samy I. Cano, a platoon commander with the battalion. “The Marines performed above and beyond my expectations for them.”
During its deployment, the battalion participated in the opening stages of retrograding equipment from forward operating bases back to Camp Leatherneck and various other logistic operations, such as vehicle recovery and convoy operations.
In retrograding the equipment, CLB-4 returned material from FOBs and smaller outposts to major bases of operations, such as Camp Leatherneck for future redeployment to the U.S.
“We started the retrograde process for everything coming out of Afghanistan,” said Staff Sgt. Jay C. Ashland, the staff noncommissioned officer in charge of the maintenance platoon with the battalion. “There were a lot of changes (happening) when we were there. We had to adjust with the changes.”
The Marines of the battalion took the changes in stride to complete their assigned missions.
“The retrograde was very intense,” said Cano. “The main effort was companies A, B and the motor transport company. My landing support platoon had to retrograde a lot of helicopter support teams. It was very intense, very rapid and very extensive. The Marines were extremely flexible to any change in retrograde plans.”
As part of the retrograde, the battalion also performed many convoy operations.
“It went a lot smoother than expected,” said Sgt. Felipe Perezrobles, a motor vehicle operator and an assistant convoy commander with the battalion. “Our Marines went out there and did two to three convoys per day, retrograding equipment from the smaller operating bases to larger bases.”
In addition, the Marines assisted the Afghan citizens.
Sometimes Marines would dispense water, food, other types of necessities, and tow vehicles back onto the roadway to help the local populace, according to Perezrobles.
Moving vehicles and providing necessities were only some of the missions the Marines performed while also conducting their respective missions.
“I had a great group of Marines,” said Ashland. “They performed very well and did whatever I asked for.”
As the service members returned, their families greeted them and congratulated them on a job well done.
“Seeing my wife and my child (was an) excellent feeling,” said Perezrobles. “This is my third time coming back, and it is still a good feeling.”
For the returning Marines, the transition will be tough, but with the support of family and friends, the Marines will soon return to a normal daily routine.
“It feels surreal,” said Cano. “I seriously feel like I am not here yet. Tomorrow when I wake up, I might think that I still have to report to our compound on Camp Leatherneck. I think it will take a couple days to get used to this, and I do not think I am alone on this.”
The Marines will rest and recuperate knowing they successfully accomplished their mission in a difficult environment.
“The Marines performed very well,” said Perezrobles. “I could not be more proud of them. Many of the Marines have never deployed before. It was an outstanding experience to be able to deploy with them.”
| Date Taken: | 08.19.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 08.23.2012 05:26 |
| Story ID: | 93679 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 299 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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