CLB-3 begins independent operations

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1 Oct. 29, 2010 Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II Combat Logistics Battalion 3 CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan - Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), are conducting independent operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom after the official transfer of authority was held, Oct. 18. Marines from 2nd Platoon, Motor Transport Company A, CLB-3, 1st MLG (FWD), embarked on their own convoy from Camp Dwyer to resupply Forward Operating Base Geronimo, Oct. 14. Their mission was to deliver provisions and other essential supplies to the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment based out of the FOB. For the past two weeks, Marines and sailors from CLB-3 have been taking part in side by side operations while learning from Combat Logistics Battalion 5, the unit they replaced. CLB-5 did an excellent job understanding how to correctly load vehicles in this terrain, said 1st Lt. Brian Basile, 2nd Platoon commander, Motor Transport Company A, CLB-3, 1st MLG (FWD). We are learning from that and continuing to improve upon it. By doing this, our mission out here will be successful -- that s my guarantee. Though the last of the operations were categorized as Combat Logistics Battalion 5 missions, they were carried out by CLB- 3 personnel as the final stage of the turn- Don t be Late! Mailing holiday packages overseas? Volume 2 Issue 21 CLB-3 begins independent operations CLB-5 heads home Afghan children talk to Marines who were on a long security halt during a resupply convoy, Oct. 14. For more photos, see Page 7. over. It was time for CLB-3 to show what they had learned from their predecessors, who conducted numerous resupply missions within the area of operations during their tour. Though these missions may become routine, the Marines must always remember their training and never allow complacency to set in, Basile added. We continuously include the enemy threat in our convoy briefs, said Basile, 26, from Clinton, Conn. That will raise eyebrows every single time. When the Enhanced Mojave Viper training Marines understand that their job entails operating in a hostile environment, they will continue to maintain situational awareness and vigilance throughout every convoy. Complacency isn t an avenue of approach to any mission. Complacency isn t an option -- and it sure as hell won t be in CLB-3. The Marines from CLB-3 will now begin operating independently as they begin their deployment in support of units within the AO. paul.zellner@afg.usmc.mil Page 3 Page 1 Page 6 See USPS cutoff dates Page 5

2 Official transfer of authority CLB-3 is definitely ready. -Lt. Col. Henry W. Lutz III Commanding Officer Sgt. Maj. Angela M. Maness, battalion sergeant major, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), and Lt. Col. Henry W. Lutz, commanding officer, CLB-3, 1st MLG (FWD), render salutes after uncasing their battalion s organizational colors during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 18. CLB-3 Marines take the reins Cpl. Daniel Woodall Combat Logistics Battalion 3 CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan The Marines and sailors of Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), officially assumed control of their southern-afghanistan area of operations during a transfer of authority ceremony here, Oct. 18. After conducting nearly three weeks of relief in place missions with their counterparts from CLB-5, personnel with CLB-3 are poised to conduct independent operations throughout Helmand province. Following the successful completion of their 7-month deployment here in support of the International Security Assistance Force, CLB-5 personnel are transitioning back to their home station of Camp Pendleton, Calif. For the Marines and sailors of CLB-3, the transfer of authority ceremony marks the beginning of their journey. During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Charles L. Hudson, commanding general, 1st MLG (FWD), welcomed CLB-3 to their new, seven-month home while lauding CLB-5 s accomplishments in the area. Congratulations on a job well done, said Hudson, while addressing CLB-5 personnel. You can be justifiably proud of what you all have done to support [Regimental Combat Team 7], RCT-1, and the other organizations within 1st Marine Division (Forward). [For CLB-3] this is a welcome back as it is the battalion s second rotation to Afghanistan. After talking with [CLB- 3 s Marines and sailors] I know they are well prepared, well trained and well led. Though CLB-5 has relinquished its authority and departed Afghanistan, their experiences and knowledge gained throughout their deployment formed an invaluable foundation for CLB-3 s Marines and sailors. There are a lot of lessons we can take from CLB-5 s time in Afghanistan, said Lt. Col. Henry W. Lutz III, commanding officer, CLB-3, 1st MLG (FWD). This includes everything from conducting [combat logistics patrols], learning the routes and driving techniques to get from point A to point B and knowing the enemy threat. There are also management lessons that our [staff non-commissioned officers] and Page 2 officers will take to understand the structure of operations as far as planning aspects and coordination required to support RCT-1 and the other elements within this area of operation. Aside from normal, day-to-day operations that CLB-3 personnel must conduct throughout the duration of their deployment, they must also prepare for a possible expansion of their area of operations. According to Lutz, CLB-3 s current area of operations in Helmand province could increase in order to provide for more security and to better control Taliban movements to reduce the trafficking of drugs and illegal weapons. For now, however, CLB-3 is picking up where CLB-5 left off. They are focused on the task at hand, which is to provide combat logistical support to elements within RCT-1. CLB-3 is definitely ready, Lutz said. The training we ve done at [Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii and Enhanced Mojave Viper], as well as the familiarization and coordination we ve done during the relief in place, have all set the conditions for the battalion to execute its mission. daniel.woodall@afg.usmc.mil

3 CLB-5 returns after 7-month deployment Story and photos by Lance Cpl. Khoa Pelczar 1st MLG MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PEND- LETON, Calif. Most Marines would consider crying to be a sign of weakness, but for the occasion, tears were appropriate as they were a sign of joy. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), reunited with their friends and families here, Oct. 23. More than 600 Marines and sailors arrived back to the United States after completing a 7-month deployment to Afghanistan. I didn t believe that we re actually back in the States until I saw a palm tree as we landed, said Seaman Michael Delmundo, corpsman with CLB-5, 1st MLG (FWD). It felt like I was flying to another operating post; seeing the palm tree was a sign that told me I was no longer in a combat zone. Delmundo, 23, from San Jose, Calif., wasn t the only one who felt this way. Most Marines and sailors of CLB-5, 1st MLG (FWD) had a doubts in their minds that they were really home. That uncertainty only went away when they saw their friends and families rushing to the buses to greet them. I didn t recognize her. When I left, she was a few months pregnant; now she s running toward me with a baby in her arms, said Cpl. Nicholas E. Wroten, engineer mechanic with Engineer Company, CLB-5, 1st MLG (FWD), who got to hold his newborn son for the first time. As they reunited with their loved ones, nothing else in the world seemed to matter. Knowing how eager they were to go home and spend time with their families, the command didn t wait long to sound the liberty bell and send them home for 96 hours of well-deserved time off. Wroten, 21, from Baltimore, refused an offer to have a smoke with his buddy and said he wanted to clear my lungs from all the desert sand he had been inhaling throughout the deployment. In fact, Wroten just wanted to go home and be with his family. As the moonlight shined brighter, the parking lot slowly emptied as Marines and sailors gathered their bags and headed home for the first time in a long time. Cpl. Nicholas E. Wroten, engineer mechanic with Engineer Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), kisses his fiancé, Elizabeth, as he stepped off the bus on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 23. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) were welcomed home by their friends and families as they stepped off the buses at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 23. Marines and sailors were reunited with their families after seven months. Page 3

4 To take an oath: Staff Sgt. re-enlists after successful deployment Cpl. Shannon McMillan 1st MLG (FWD) CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan A Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) raised his right hand, Oct. 7, and pledged to continue honorably serving his country in a reenlistment ceremony here. The ceremony for Staff Sgt. Jose Reyna took place at Transportation Support Company A s motor transport lot, where senior leadership, fellow colleagues and subordinates watched him dedicate another four years of his life to the Marine Corps. Reyna, company gunnery sergeant for Transportation Support Company A, CLB-5, 1st MLG (FWD) was not ready to hang up his uniform yet. I feel like I can do things for the Staff Sgt. Jose Reyna, company gunnery sergeant for Transportation Support Company A, Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) raises his right hand as he takes the oath dedicating himself to four more years of active service, Oct. 6. Marine Corps; I am just not ready to get out, said Reyna, who first enlisted in March It was the last leg of his current deployment that solidified this decision. The camaraderie and willingness to help each other amongst the Marines [during this deployment] made me realize I didn t want to leave just yet, said Reyna. Several months ago, committing to the extra time on active duty was not a certainty. I wasn t sure what I wanted to do, said Reyna. Just in case I didn t stay in, I was prepared. Reyna took the Border Patrol exam and successfully passed before deploying, he explained. Even though his mind wasn t officially made up yet, his family was positive about his commitment to the Marine Corps and his career. She said it was expected of me to stay in, said Reyna when asked what his wife, Evelyn, thought about him reenlisting. She said she knew ever since she met me that the military life was a part of me. With a supportive family and the motivation to serve his country, Reyna seems to be in it for the long haul. Not planning on getting out anytime soon, I plan to retire when my time comes, said Reyna. shannon.mcmillan@afg.usmc.mil Follow us on: Facebook DVIDS Commanding General brig. gen. charles l. hudson sergeant major sgt. maj. antonio vizcarrondo jr. public affairs officers 2nd lt. jeremy mclean 2nd lt. rebecca burgess public affairs chief staff sgt. jennifer brofer ncoic sgt. whitney frasier combat correspondents cpl. shannon mcmillan lance cpl. jerrick griffin lance cpl. khoa pelczar lance cpl. kenneth jasik contact us: , firstmlg@yahoo.com Page 4

5 Deployed Marines keep patriotism high in Afghanistan Cpl. Shannon McMillan 1st MLG (FWD) CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan Standing tall in the Combat Logistics Battalion 2 compound here is a symbol of patriotism, pride and initiative. The National flag and Marine Corps color wave proudly above the compound due to the efforts of two CLB-2 Marines currently deployed to Afghanistan in support of the I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). Sgt. John Leavens and Lance Cpl. Devin Reyna constructed a flag pole in their spare time to give the battalion a place to display the colors. Taking the initiative and volunteering countless hours, the Marines created plans, gathered materials and assembled the dual flag poles within a few weeks of starting the project. Along with the National Colors and Marine Corps color flying beside each other, the Marines also constructed the display to hold the companies and battalion s guidons, which are smaller flags representative of each unit. I wanted to do something that will motivate everyone, said Sgt. John Leavens, lead navigator with 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, CLB-2, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). Whenever I look at the flagpole, I always get courage and motivation, said Lance Cpl. Devin Reyna, metal worker with Maintenance Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, CLB-2, 1st MLG (FWD), 19, from Corpus Christi, Texas. Motivation because of being in Afghanistan and constructing something that makes it that much better for everyone out here. The Marines hard work and dedication will be here as long as Marines are serving aboard Camp Leatherneck. Page 5 It was very motivating to see Marines take time out of their very busy schedule to hand-make the flag poles and do all the work to put them up, said Sgt. Maj. Tracy Linch, battalion sergeant major, CLB-2, 1st MLG (FWD). The flags came out awesome; they fly high above the CLB-2 compound with pride and honor to our country and Corps. Since the completion of the project, the flag display has been utilized for re-enlistment, promotion and awards ceremonies, and flying the colors at half mast in memory of a fallen comrade. When someone chooses to have their re-enlistment ceremony in front of something that [you built], that s when you know they are proud of it, said Leavens, 31, from Hammondsport, N.Y. As the Marines of CLB-2 prepare to complete their tour in Afghanistan, they know they are leaving a monumental piece of patriotism for future units who support the counterinsurgency mission here. When we started the project, we wanted to make sure they will last for the battalions after us, to hold the tradition of displaying the colors with Sgt. John Leavens (left) and Lance Cpl. Devin Reyna, Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), stand proudly in front of the flag poles they constructed displaying the National Colors and Marine Corps flag at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Oct OVERSEAS MILITARY HOLIDAY MAIL DEADLINES Military Mail Addressed To Express Mail First Class (letters) Priority Mail Parcel Airlift Space Avail. Parcel Post APO/FPO AE ZIPs Dec Dec Dec Dec. 3...Nov Nov. 12 APO/FPO AE ZIP n/a...Dec. 4...Dec. 4...Dec. 1...Nov Nov. 12 APO/FPO AE ZIPs Dec Dec Dec Dec. 3...Nov Nov. 12 APO/FPO AA ZIP Dec Dec Dec Dec. 3...Nov Nov. 12 APO/FPO AP ZIPs Dec Dec Dec Dec. 3...Nov Nov. 12 *These dates are estimates by USPS and can t be guaranteed by the military due to some remote locations. Be sure to check with the post office for any updates and correspond with individual unit guidance on holiday letters and packages.

6 Marines participate in Enhanced Mojave Viper training Story by Lance Cpl. Khoa Pelczar 1st MLG MARINE CORPS BASE TWENTY- NINE PALMS, Calif. The rain has stopped and the sun has risen, but training never ends for a group of warriors who conduct training operations from dusk til dawn. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 7, 1st Marine Logistics Group, conduct Enhanced Mojave Viper training here, Oct. 12 Nov. 12, in order to prepare for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. Mojave Viper is a month long training exercise created to sharpen the skills and improve the knowledge of our Marines about their jobs to prepare them for deployment, said 2nd Lt. Joshua J. Garland, platoon commander with Support Company, CLB-7, 1st MLG. The training consists of combat logistics patrol operations, basic combat life-saving skills and techniques, as well as patrolling, providing security, identifying and handling improvised explosive device threats, and vehicle-recovery missions, explained Garland, 25, from Fort Worth, Texas. The training is going well, said Lance Cpl. Brian G. Moore, motor transport mechanic, Support Co., CLB-7, 1st MLG. A lot of people learned how to work well with other Marines and units. Throughout the exercise, Marines will team up with others from different companies within the battalion to become familiar with how each other work together to accomplish the mission, said Moore, 28, from Pensacola, Fla. Personally, being a mechanic I ve learned a lot about the operating side of the job, said Moore. I understand how the vehicles break down and I know exactly where to start to fix the problem and get the vehicles back out to the operators faster. Marines were given the tools and the skills to help them cope with deployment mentally and physically. Pre and post-mission checks are two of the most important tools for most Marines, said Moore. It sets them up for success if they do it correctly. The Marines are doing extremely well, said Garland. They re motivated and excited to be here. The training prepares them for the deployment. It makes them become more efficient, and they re ready to tackle anything waiting ahead. khoa.pelczar@usmc.mil Page 6 Courtesy photo (Left) Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 7, 1st Marine Logistics Group, work together to recover a rollover Humvee during a monthlong Enhanced Mojave Viper training exercise at Marine Corps Base Twentynine Palms, Calif. Marines trained to deal with most scenarios they might face while deployed so they know the flow of things and understand what needs to be done. Courtesy photo Marines and corpsmen with Combat Logistics Battalion 7, 1st Marine Logistics Group, assess the simulated casualties to provide medical care while providing security to the patient and medical staff as part of a month-long Enhanced Mojave Viper training exercise at Marine Corps Base Twentynine Palms, Calif.

7 Photos by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik Afghan children ask for candy while Marines provided security during a long security halt during a resupply convoy, Oct. 14. CLB-3 begins independent operations Photos by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II Lance Cpl. Michael P. Burkett, a motor transport operator and Cpl. Chad Wadsworth, a military policeman, load a trailer on the back of a Logistics Vehicle System Replacement at Forward Operating Base Geronimo. For more photos of 1st MLG Marines and sailors, visit Page 7 Two Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles pull up alongside a Logistics Vehicle System Replacement for a short security halt during a resupply convoy to Forward Operating Base Geronimo, Oct. 14.