CLB-8 deactivates after eight years of service

Photo By Cpl. William Kresse | Lt. Col. Chris D. Hrudka (center), the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 8, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and 1st Sgt. Roger E. Kraft (right), the battalion sergeant major, furl the battalion’s colors during a deactivation ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 7, 2013. The battalion has the distinction of not losing a single Marine or sailor in combat over its short 8-year history with four combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

11.07.2013

Story by Cpl. Devin Nichols 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Fellow Marines, friends and families members gathered at the French Creek Recreation Center to witness the deactivation of Combat Logistics Battalion 8, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group at a ceremony here Nov. 7.

The ceremony commemorated the battalion’s eight-year legacy that was made by many.

“CLB-8 is a unit born in combat, thrived and succeeded beyond expectations in combat, and has the distinction of not losing a single Marine or sailor in combat over its short eight-year history with four combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Lt. Col. Chris D. Hrudka, the commanding officer of the battalion, standing proud and confident.

The battalion represents nearly 3,000 service members who have carried its colors through rigorous training plans, across the globe, and into harm’s way.

“Being so close to so many fantastic professionals was a motivator every day, and I learned a great deal from all of them through this experience,” said Hrudka, a Deerfield, Ill., native. “As we built up to our task organized strength of almost 1,100 [service members] for the deployment, I was surrounded by consummate professionals who made every day in command an honor and privilege.”

“Command of any unit for any duration is a privilege that few get to experience, and as the last commander of CLB-8 my opportunity is even more unique,” said Hrudka.

After Hrudka gave the battalion’s memoir to the Marines and sailors, he received a standing ovation in recognition of CLB-8’s accomplishments and service to the Marine Corps.

The battalion commanding officer and battalion sergeant major stood before the color guard while the colors were lowered. Together they furled and cased the battalion’s flags symbolizing the deactivation of the unit.

“CLB-8 is going on the shelf, behind the glass so to speak, with that sign that says, ‘break glass in case of war and the need for professional combat support,'” said Hrudka.

• Date Taken: 11.07.2013
• Date Posted: 11.07.2013 17:50
• Story ID: 116472
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US