Taking command with strong vision

Photo By Cpl. Justin Wheeler | Brig. Gen. Craig Crenshaw, commanding general, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, has his first star pinned on by his son, C.J. and wife, LaDonna, at Camp Kinser July 29.  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

08.05.2010

Story by Lance Cpl. Justin Wheeler 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

"We provide support to III MEF units, and we need to continue to do that," he said.
His focus is on this theater, providing ready and trained Marines in support of III MEF operations, engagements and theater security cooperation activities, the CG explained. Another focus area is the quality training and preparation of 3rd MLG battalions and augments that may deploy in support of the fight overseas.

Since the rank of second lieutenant, Crenshaw has served in a variety of roles as a logistics officer, attributing some of his greatest feats to the Marines he has served with.

"I see the MLG Marines as a family," he said. "We are all here to support one another."

As commanding general, Crenshaw expects Marines to learn from and take care of one another.

"The reason we fight is to protect the guy [on] the left and right," said Crenshaw. "We have to have that same mentality in combat as well as garrison."

Crenshaw is especially impressed with the diversity of the MLG. The different skill sets that the Marines possess give the MLG unique capabilities to accomplish the mission.

"If you notice all of the different (Military Occupational Specialties) that exist within the MLG, it's mindboggling to realize how large it is," said Crenshaw. "You get to see those individuals come together to (accomplish) a single mission."

He also stresses the importance of quality in mission accomplishment and to take advantage of the training exercises here in the Pacific region.

"What we do is important and how we do it is just as important," he said. "We have a lot of opportunities here to do things we wouldn't be able to do in the states. The training value is better here."

Crenshaw is currently serving his third tour on Okinawa. He was commissioned in 1984 through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps.

He began his career with the 3rd Force Service Support Group, now 3rd MLG, where he served as a logistics officer.

Crenshaw returned to Okinawa a decade later, assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, where he served as the group logistics officer. In this role, he participated in numerous regional exercises such as Cobra Gold, Tandem Thrust and Ulchi Focus Lens.

His combat deployments include Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Prior to his current position, Crenshaw was the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd MLG, II MEF.

Crenshaw attributes a lot of his success to his mentors and opportunities the Marine Corps presents.

"I don't think anyone wakes up and says, as a lieutenant, 'I want to be a general,"' he added. "One of the things that is important about becoming successful is having a good mentor. I think the Marine Corps is very successful in mentoring its Marines."

Now back in Okinawa, Crenshaw has come a long way from his days as a junior lieutenant in this same unit.

"I'm very excited to be the commanding general of this outfit," said Crenshaw. "It has a long history of giving great support to the III Marine Expeditionary Force and Pacific Command area of operations."

• Date Taken: 08.05.2010
• Date Posted: 08.05.2010 21:18
• Story ID: 54034
• Location: OKINAWA, JP