Logistics Marines support large-scale exercise across Okinawa

Photo By Sgt. Tyler Giguere | Col. Michael H. Oppenheim, center, speaks with Marines from the day and night shifts for the logistics combat element during exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian Aug. 22 at Camp Kinser. The Marines were briefed on what to expect for the rest of the exercise before being released to their respective duties. The Marines are with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Oppenheim is from Modesto, California, and was the commanding officer for 3rd MLG during the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler S. Giguere/Released)  

CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

09.08.2014

Story by Lance Cpl. Tyler Giguere 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP KINSER, Japan - Nightshift Marines anxiously approach their relief for a much needed turnover of duties. The Marines on dayshift prepare for upcoming challenges as the weary nightshift looks forward to some much needed rest before this scenario plays out again. This continuous cycle of shifts is a necessary part of the island wide exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian.

Throughout UFG, Marines with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, provided direct support and general support logistics to designated Combined Marine Component Command forces, supporting simulated combat operations and sustaining designated CMCC elements.

“Our goal is to provide tactical level logistic support to III MEF,” said Capt. Paul E. Brashier, the senior watch officer with 3rd MLG. “We serve as the logistics combat element underneath the greater command structure. We make decisions for the commanding general based on changing events on the battlefield. That’s our purpose here, to facilitate his command and control.”

The exercise prepares the Marines for real-world scenarios through the establishment of a combat operations center where solutions to different logistics and military issues could be worked through in real time alongside Republic of Korea service members.

“I think it does require us to stretch our capabilities,” said Brashier, from Laguna Niguel, California. “It stresses our manpower. It stresses our equipment, but it does so in the event that if we have to fight tonight we keep that skill set fresh. We practice that interoperability not only between ourselves and 3rd Marine Division but also across strategic lines, in this case with the Republic of Korea.”

As the stress level increases, the Marines look on the bright side of their mission and the impact it will have not only on III MEF, but on an international scale.

“I know there is a lot of pressure on us,” said Staff Sgt. Joshua G. George, a supply administration and operations specialist with 3rd MLG. “Marines embrace it, and they enjoy it. That’s why they joined the Marine Corps, and they know what we are doing is important. We need to be ready for supporting the MEF.”

Supporting III MEF with advanced logistical capabilities is the primary mission of 3rd MLG. They employ Marines assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiments 35, 37 and 3, 3rd Dental Battalion and 3rd Medical Battalion to accomplish their vital role.

• Date Taken: 09.08.2014
• Date Posted: 09.08.2014 02:51
• Story ID: 141358
• Location: CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, JP
• Hometown: EDMOND, OK, US
• Hometown: LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA, US
• Hometown: MODESTO, CA, US
• Hometown: WICHITA, KS, US