Photo By Lance Cpl. Kris Daberkoe | Sgt. Robert Torres, a military policeman with Combat Logistics Battalion 3, Combat...... read more read more
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OKINAWA, Japan — Approximately 400 Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 3, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, returned from Afghanistan over the course of the last several days.
Elements of CLB-3 were spread throughout central and southern Helmand province, in areas such as Marjah and Garmsir, providing logistical support to combat elements on the ground from October to April.
“Marines from a variety of [military occupational specialties] were working with Regimental Combat Team 1 throughout the winter,” said Capt. Kevin Ritchie, company commander with the battalion’s engineer company.
According to Ritchie, engineers with the battalion paved hundreds of miles of road and constructed dozens of bridges and culverts, while motor transport Marines took part in combat logistics patrols to deliver essential supplies, gear and personnel to forward operating bases within their area of operations.
“Every day was different,” said Lance Cpl. Edgardo Fuentes, a motor transport operator with the battalion. “Every day we had something to work for and goals to achieve.”
During several operations, the Marines with CLB-3 worked closely with soldiers from the Afghan National Army.
“This is a great team of professionals that did everything that was asked of them and more,” said Lt. Col. Henry Lutz, the battalion’s commanding officer. “They always had oil in the tank when the regiment needed something.”
CLB-3 passed on its responsibilities to the Marines of CLB-7, based out of Marine Corps Combat Development Command Twentynine Palms, Calif., April 17.
For many friends and family members on Okinawa, the announcement that CLB-3 was returning from Afghanistan meant a long-awaited reunion was only days away.
Screams of excitement pulsed though the air as the first Marine-packed bus pulled into the regiment’s motor pool. The families were bunched into two columns to welcome the arriving service members, but soon broke apart as they ran to embrace their loved ones.
“It feels good to be home,” said Staff Sgt. Carl Petitfrere, a maintenance chief with the battalion’s engineer company.
| Date Taken: | 04.26.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 04.29.2011 00:28 |
| Story ID: | 69527 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 109 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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