We ll Keep Up the Pace

Transcription

1 Volume 2, Issue 7 March 4, 2011 We ll Keep Up the Pace 2d MLG (FWD) takes logistical reigns in southern Afghanistan 2nd Lt. Joshua Smith 2nd MLG (FWD) Public Affairs CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan Brig. Gen. Charles L. Hudson, commanding general of 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), transferred authority to Brig. Gen. Michael G. Dana, commanding general of 2nd MLG (FWD), during a ceremony here, March 4. Maj. Gen. Richard P. Mills, commanding general of Regional Command Southwest, spoke as the guest of honor during the ceremony. See TOA, Page 6 Watch 2nd MLG (FWD) take the reigns Orellano posts as new CLB-6 sergeant major... Page 5 Also: Blotter... Page 2 Warrior of the Week... Page 3 CLB-8 improves Helmand... Page 4 Follow us on

2 The Warrior s Log Page 2 We re going to keep charging TOA, continued from Page 1 2nd MLG Activated Photo by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik Brig. Gen. Michael G. Dana, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), speaks to service members during a transfer of authority ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 4. 2nd MLG (FWD) relieves 1st MLG (FWD) from logistical responsibility in Helmand There s a saying in the Marine Corps that amateurs talk tactics, but professionals talk logistics, he said. Often logistics are taken for granted, but when you come to the real world, to the real fight, to Afghanistan, to tough mountains, no roads, bad weather, and a completely challenging environment you will not get over the line of departure if the logistics aren t right. When you take a look at what 1st MLG has done over the past year, you can t help but be awed, Mills continued. Everything from the convoys over thousands of miles, through fierce enemy contact, over IED-laden terrain, and roads that didn t exist to deliver supplies, we put out the requirements, and [1st MLG (FWD)] made it happen. With the engineer requirements, the 27 [forward operating bases] that needed to be constructed, the bridges that needed to be built, we gave you a hard deadline, and you got it done. Hudson, a native of Zirconia, North Carolina, oversaw logistical operations in southern Afghanistan in support of RC Southwest since March 17, The arrival of 1st MLG (FWD) last year marked the first time it deployed with such robust logistical capability since operations in Afghanistan kicked off. We came here with the mindset, the focus of effort, and the guiding principle that whatever we did on a day-to-day basis would be to support those [privates first class] and lance corporals from 1st Marine Division (Forward) as they were walking point across the battle space. Across the board, I trust we ve been able to do just that over the past 360 odd days, Hudson said. I haven t slept well for the past year because we have Marines outside the wire every day. As Dana takes control, the event marks the first time 2nd MLG (FWD) operates at the Group-level in Afghanistan. 2nd MLG (FWD) assumes all logistics combat element responsibilities held by its predecessor, and Dana plans to capitalize on 1st MLG (FWD) s progress and hard-won success made in the past year. Dana personally thanked Hudson and the Marines and sailors of 1st MLG (FWD) in his remarks. To the Marines and sailors of 1st Marine Logistics Group, you ve done an absolutely phenomenal job over the past year... you are all pros, said Dana. For the Marines out here, we re going to keep up the pace. We re going to keep charging for the next year and it s an absolute honor to be with you. Mills concluded, [Brigadier] General Dana and his crew bring with them a tremendous reputation. They are fully prepared, ready to get started, and have the skill, the motivation, and they certainly have the leadership they need to accomplish the mission. on August 1, 1944 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the unit was originally designated as the 8th Field Depot, Supply Service, Fleet Marine Force. Since it s inception, elements of the unit have supported operations across the globe, including campaigns in the Persian Gulf and Iraq. 25 Feb A Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 24 approached the gate with an altered temporary pass. The Marine admitted culpability and was subsequently apprehended, processed and released to a unit representative. The vehicle was released to a licensed driver. 25 Feb A Marine with Combat Logistics Regiment 25 reported that she was involved in a verbal altercation with another individual, which escalated when the individual retrieved a kitchen knife and stated he was going to kill the first person he saw. The aggresor was detained, processed and released. The knife was seized as evidence.

3 The Warrior s Log From Page 3 to Pastels & Paint Brushes Trenches and Bushes Cpl. Melissa A. Latty 2nd MLG Public Affairs CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. When looking at a formation of Marines, they all look the same. They are dressed the same, they move the same and they even sound off the same cadence. Everything is done in unison and no one stands out. Outside of these formations, however, these Marines are individuals. They have diverse personalities, come from different walks of life and have various hobbies. Cpl. Sarah Webb, a motor transportation operator with Bravo Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, grew up with a love for art starting at a young age. I have always been interested in art, Webb said. When I was little my older brother, Billy, would teach me. Then in high school I took some college level art classes. Before joining the Marine Corps, Webb s dream was to attend Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design in Lakewood, Colo. When you apply you have so show your art work to see if you are eligible to attend, explained the Loveland, Colo. native. Only 800 students are allowed to attend the school so they are very pickychoosey. I didn t think they were going to pick me so I [signed up for the delayed entry program] in the Marine Corps. [The college] called me for a follow-up interview for a possible full scholarship because they liked my work, but it was a month before I left for boot camp and I had already taken the first oath of enlistment I cried. See ARTIST, Page 6 Cpl. Sarah Webb Job: Motor-T Operator Hometown: Loveland, Colo. Q: If you were stranded on a desert island, what is one piece of issued gear you would want with you? A: ESS Glasses. You can only be in the sun so long before your eyes start to hurt and you always need eye pro. Q: What is your favorite MRE? A: Chicken Pesto. Q: Why did you join the Marine Corps? A: To go to war. Q: What sports team do you root for? A: Philadelphia Eagles.

4 The Warrior s Log Page 4 Fueling their Future Roads, Security Improve in Southern Afghanistan Lance Cpl. Kenneth C. Jasik 1st MLG Public Affairs CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan What used to take days, now takes only hours. Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), can now escort fuel trucks to supported Forward Operating Bases faster than ever before due to improvements in both roads and area security. The mission time, which used to take up to four days, improved significantly due to the securing of the road by Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Forward) from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The majority of the road is also now paved, hindering insurgents ability to emplace improvised explosive devices. The pavement is great, said 2nd Lt. Julius Macat- Photos by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik (Top) Lance Cpl. Paul N. Machicao, bulk fuel specialist, Engineer Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), helps a local national open his fuel tank during a fuel-run mission to Forward Operating Bases Nolay and Robinson, in Sangin, Afghanistan, Feb. 17. The bulk fuel Marines are responsible for keeping Coalition forces in and around the Sangin district supplied with fuel. (Above) Marines with Transportation Support Co., CLB-8, 1st MLG (FWD), escort more than 50 local nationals delivering fuel to Forward Operating Bases Nolay and Robinson. The trip, which used to take up to four days, was shortened significantly due to the security efforts of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Forward). angay, platoon commander, 4th Platoon, Transportation Support Company, CLB-8, 1st MLG (FWD). It s trafficable and secure because of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines. One of the purposes of combat logistics patrols is often to supply fuel to outlying bases, which is essential for coalition forces in the vicinity of Sangin, including the Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st MarDiv (FWD). The recent road improvements make travel in southern Afghanistan safer and faster. Prior to the recent road upgrades, Marines were often forced to travel through open desert, more susceptible to the effects of weather and rugged terrain. The MEU has enabled safer passage, said Gunnery Sgt. James R. Lucas, Transportation Support Company motor transport operations chief, CLB-8, 1st MLG. Due to the MEU s presence, a lot of combat logistics patrols have been able to go to the different FOBs and COPs along [the road] with less fear of IEDs prolonging their journey. The security being provided by the MEU, has provided combat logistic patrols with safer passage, and each patrol has drastically seen their convoy time drop from a two-day journey See IMPROVE, Page 6

5 The Warrior s Log Page 5 I m ready Orellano posts as CLB-6 SgtMaj Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado sergeant major I told him he 2nd MLG Public Affairs CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. The Marines and sailors of Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, welcomed Sgt. Maj. Phillip Orellano as their new senior enlisted leader during a post and relief ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 25, Orellano relieved 1st Sgt. James Gillespie, the battalion s acting sergeant major, after a successful tour as the company first sergeant for Headquarters C o m p a n y, 2nd Bn., 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. Gillespie will remain with the battalion as the company first sergeant for Headquarters and Support Co. Although it is Orellano s first post since attaining the rank of sergeant major, his reputation has already commanded steadfast support from none other than the commanding officer himself. I believe we got the cream of the crop here, said Lt. Col. Ralph J. Rizzo Jr., the commanding officer for CLB-6, 2nd MLG. When I met the had two jobs I said to him those two jobs were to take care of our Marines and to take care of me, and you can t do one without doing the other. I saw the look in his eyes and he is ready, said Rizzo. Kind words aside, Orellano did not hesitate to mention the critical role the Red Cloud Battalion s junior Marines will play in the in the scope of his daily duties. He addressed them after being presented with a non-commissioned officer s sword; a tradition which represents the office of the sergeant major. There are many challenges that lay ahead for us, including another deployment this year, but it is nothing we won t be able to overcome as a team, said Orellano, as he spoke to the two platoons of Marines present during the ceremony. He also noted the importance of taking care of Marines on a more personal level and ensuring their morale remained high as the unit s second tour to Afghanistan nears. I want the Marines to stay motivated, I don t want them to think I m unapproachable, Orellano said. I need them to Photos by Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado (Top), Sgt. Justin J. Shemanski (Above) Sgt.Maj. Phillip Orellano receives a non-commissioned officer s sword from Lt. Col. Ralph J. Rizzo Jr., the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, during a post and relief ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 25. By accepting the sword of office, Orellano takes his post as the battalion s senior enlisted advisor. ((Above) Sgt. Maj. Phillip A. Orellano (left), the new sergeant major for Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, renders honors following a post and relief ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 25. Orellano joins the battalion from 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. know they can talk to me about their problems. This battalion is my main concern and I will take care of everyone to the best of my abilities. I m ready. Orellano completed recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in 1988 and has deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield/Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal with gold star in lieu of second award and the Combat Action Ribbon.

6 The Warrior s Log Page 6 IMPROVE, continued from Page 4 Courtesy Photo Cpl. Sarah Webb displays some of her artwork. Before joining the Marine Corps, Webb s dream was to attend the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. ARTIST, continued from Page 3 Although she missed the chance to attend the college of her choice, Webb said she is pleased with the way her life has turned out. I am really happy about the path I did choose, she said. I always say, God puts a fork in the road and every time you choose a path there is always a new fork. There are times I wish I could go back and wait the extra month, but I wouldn t change where I am now. The art enthusiast has been on three deployments and is currently preparing for her fourth with CLB-6. Even in the midst of training with her battalion, Webb has made a way to incorporate art in her day-to-day life. Recently, CLB-6 became the first Marine logistics battalion to attend training at Fort Irwin and National Training Center, Calif., where the Army conducts month-long predeployment exercises. It is tradition that once a battalion completes the training, they paint a large rock with their battalion s insignia, crest or motto. Webb was assigned to paint the rock for the battalion, which became the first 2nd MLG rock at NTC. It s pretty cool to be the first Marine to paint on an Army base, Webb said. If I had more time the rock would have had a lot more kazow. I wanted people to look at it and think that must be a Marine s rock. Webb s talents do not end with a paint brush. I like to explore my boundaries, she said. I always try to use two types of media in my art work. It shows that you are not a one-minded person. Webb said she likes to take her time on her art and prefers not to have a timeline. My work is never finished, she explained. Someone else may look at it and think it s done, but I look at it and think of all the work I could still do to it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don t believe that one person can judge art, which is why I never entered any competitions. Although Webb once saw herself with a career as an artist, she now plans to keep it as a hobby and way of relieving stress. She is now on her second enlistment and is undecided if she wants to make a career out of the Marine Corps. I m going to take it one enlistment at a time, she concluded. to a one day journey. Although the route is now safer, the Afghan fuel truck drivers still risk much working with International Security Assistance Forces. [The Afghan nationals] are putting a lot on the line, said Sgt. Jonathan R. Ialongo, noncommissioned officerin-charge of the FOB Nolay fuel farm, Engineer Company, CLB-8, 1st MLG (FWD). By delivering the fuel, it shows that they are willing to help. We talk to a lot of them, and they all seem to have a problem with the Taliban they are thankful for us getting them out of the area. The bulk fuel Marines who are on the receiving end of the supply chain enjoy working with Afghans because it gives them an oppournitunity to interact with the locals. Most of the Afghans have been pretty good to work with, said Ialongo, 23, Millbrook, N.Y. They cook and give us some of their dinner, and they always ask us if we want anything for the next run. The Marines of CLB-8, along with the Afghan drivers, keep the Sangin district fueled in order for coalition forces to execute their mission. They understand full well the critical nature of their job, in one of the deadliest districts in Helmand province. By no way is conducting a combat logistics patrol with fuel easy, said Lucas, 42, Bronx, N.Y. The Marines who participate in these missions come back with their heads held high because not only do they travel to [Sangin] with a lot of fuel, but the Marines also safely escort empty fuel trucks back to Leatherneck. Commanding General Public Affairs Officers Public Affairs Chief Brig. Gen. Michael G. Dana 1st Lt.. Michele Perez Staff Sgt. Theresa E. Seng (FWD) 2nd Lt. Joshua Smith (FWD) Sergeant Major Press Chief Sgt. Maj. William T. Stables Combat Correspondents Sgt. Justin J. Shemanski Cpl. Rachael Moore (FWD) Command Master Chief Cpl. Melissa Latty CMDMC Russell W. Folley LCpl. Bruno J. Bego (FWD) Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado Follow us on facebook