Logistics Marines go forward for Exercise Key Resolve

Photo By Lance Cpl. David Hersey | Cpl. David A. Lopez carries Lance Cpl. Dominic L. LaBeaf Feb. 25 during a gas attack drill as part of training scenario on Camp Kinser in preparation for Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 14. During the training, Marines executed several scenarios designed to test the response time of Marines working in a combat operations center. Lopez is a data network specialist with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF. LaBeaf is a motor vehicle operator with 3rd MLG, III MEF.  

CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

02.25.2014

Story by Lance Cpl. David Hersey 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP KINSER, Japan - Marines with 3rd Marine Logistics Group established a forward combat operations center Feb. 25 at Camp Kinser during Exercise Key Resolve.

The COC is a centralized location for key commanders to fluidly communicate during military operations, according to Capt. Paul E. Brashier, a tactics, readiness and training officer with 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

“The COC is our central hub,” said Brashier. “It’s where our planning, communication and orders are routed through to our units out in the field and on Okinawa.”

The exercise prepared the units assigned to 3rd MLG to provide comprehensive logistical support during Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 14, according to Staff Sgt. Gizelle L. Katchka, a logistics and embarkation specialist with 3rd MLG.

“We’re in the process of doing what we call the ‘crawl-walk-run’ method,” said Katchka. “We started practicing during a staff exercise in January. Now, we’ve managed to (correct) a lot of our (deficiencies) and are practicing again for the ‘walk.’ When we go out as part of MEFEX 14 we’ll be ‘running’ smoothly.”

The training consisted of each participating section responding to several scenarios. In one scenario, a response to a chemical attack, Marines donned proper protective equipment and quickly evacuated the COC.

During MEFEX 14, Marines assigned to 3rd MLG will partner alongside logistics personnel with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, according to Cpl. David A. Lopez, a data network specialist with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd MLG, III MEF.

“Our Marines and the (ROK Marines) will be sitting together at the same table,” said Lopez. “That way, we can compare our way of handling situations to theirs and find which one is more effective. We’re working together, training to make ourselves better at what we do.”

The Marines remain committed to providing the best logistical support possible, whether in a field or garrison environment, according to Capt. Troy J. Cronbaugh, the officer in charge for the 3rd MLG COC forward and a logistics officer with 3rd MLG, III MEF.

“When we deploy for the exercise, we’ll have the experience and training to ensure everything goes smoothly,” said Cronbaugh. “If we’re faced with a situation, we’ll be ready to respond in the most efficient way to complete the mission.”

• Date Taken: 02.25.2014
• Date Posted: 03.18.2014 02:08
• Story ID: 122138
• Location: CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, JP