Photo By Cpl. Khoa Pelczar | Col. Randy J. Lawson, chief of staff, 1st Marine Logistics Group, attaches the Battle...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines and sailors with 1st Marine Logistics Group celebrated the 65th Anniversary of the unit here, July 2.
“Good morning [everyone] and thank you for joining us today as we celebrate the 65th Anniversary of our organization,” said Col. Randy J. Lawson, chief of staff, 1st MLG. “We’ve been through a few name changes and reorganizations over our history, and, yes, we’re experiencing another in the next three years.”
The 1st Combat Service Group, now known as 1st MLG, was formed July 1, 1947, at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
“Change in organization has been a recurring theme, but our mission has always been constant,” said Lawson. “We provide seamless combat service support to [I Marine Expeditionary Force] and its major subordinate commands in any time and place.”
The 1st MLG is the Marine Corps’ provider of the six functions of logistics – transportation, engineering, maintenance, supply, health services, and services – for I MEF.
The 1st MLG has attributed in building roads, bridges and camps throughout the globe, in support of numerous operations, as recently as Operation Enduring Freedom, according to Lawson.
Marines in the unit have also identified and destroyed multiple improvised explosive devices, Lawson said. The unit also took charge of repairing vehicles and equipment, as well as conducting resupply missions to the warfighters with all class of supply – food, water, ammunition, fuel and repair parts – via combat logistics patrols and air deliveries. Almost as important as the troops’ welfare, disbursing personnel with 1st MLG ensured that service members get pay and receive their care packages.
Sailors with the unit attended the wounded, offering medicine, treatments and dental care for those needed at aid stations, forward and in garrison, as well as providing immediate care to those with severe wounds at shock trauma platoons and forward resuscitative surgical systems. The unit also supported Marines and sailors with legal services, Lawson explained.
On top of their specialties, Lawson said Marines and sailors in the unit trained to be professional service members, to understand their tradition and core values.
“Our Marines epitomize the slogan ‘Every Marine is a rifleman.’ We provided our own security for convoys in Iraq, and we also do it in Afghanistan,” said. Lawson. “We ensure that I MEF receives the support services and supplies they required to persevere in combat, and while in garrison has what it needs to train and maintain readiness.”
During the ceremony, Lawson attached the Battle Streamers to the unit Battle Colors to recognize and celebrate the honors the unit has received. The Battle Streamers included – the Presidential Unit Citation Streamer with Two Bronze Stars, the Navy Unit Commendation Streamer with Three Bronze Stars, the Navy Unit Commendation Streamer with Three Bronze Stars, the National Defense Streamer with Three Bronze Stars, the Korean Service Streamer with Two Silver Stars, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamer, the Vietnam Service Streamer with Two Silver Stars and One Bronze Star, the Southwest Asia Service Streamer with Two Bronze Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Steamer, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation Streamer, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Streamer and the Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Streamer.
“As you can see by our battle chronology, our organization has deployed in every engagement, beginning with the Korean War,” said Lawson. “We stand on the shoulder of our predecessors, who have left us a proud legacy to uphold.”
Lawson closed the ceremony addressing the Marines and sailors of 1st MLG, as well as their guests.
“As we continue to reorganize and refocus to our amphibious nature, we must remember to honor our legacy by striving everyday to train hard, mentor our subordinates and look out for one another,” said Lawson. “As we approach another Independence Day celebration, think about how privilege we are to serve in this great nation, and in our stoic Corps and Group. When that chill starts down your spine when you hear ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ be proud of who you are and what you represent. Victory [is] through logistics.”
| Date Taken: | 07.02.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 07.06.2012 18:06 |
| Story ID: | 91218 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 82 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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