Combat Logistics Battalion 4 finishes tour in Afghanistan, transfers responsibilities during ceremony

AFGHANISTAN

08.19.2012

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud 

1st Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEATHERNECK, HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan—Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), transferred responsibilities to CLB-2, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), during a ceremony here Aug. 14.

The CLB-4 colors were cased during the ceremony, symbolically marking the end of their tour, as CLB-2 uncased their colors to signify officially taking over logistics support duties.

The transfer of authority ceremony marked the culmination of all of the work and sacrifices contributed by the CLB-4 Marines and sailors, signifying the end to this stage of their adventure in the Marine Corps, said Lt. Col. Adam L. Chalkley, Commanding Officer, CLB-4.

The Marines of CLB-4 began their Afghanistan tour in February, providing Tactical Logistics Support to Regimental Combat Team 6.

Their mission included delivering and retrograding supplies and equipment, both on combat logistics patrols and through the execution of helicopter support team missions. Marines and sailors also provided vehicle recovery capabilities.

CLB-4 conducted 152 combat logistics patrols over the course of their deployment, transporting 24,588 short tons of supplies, more than 700,000 gallons of water and 188,919 gallons of fuel. Traveling over 300,000 miles throughout the Regional Command (Southwest) area of operations, the group supported units in multiple locations throughout Helmand Province.

Arrival and Departure Airfield Control Groups manned by landing support Marines from CLB-4 supported more than 3,000 rotary wing missions and helped transport 23,269 passengers. LS Marines also facilitated 99 helicopter support team missions, moving equipment ranging from generators to artillery pieces across the battle space.

What the Marines and sailors of CLB-4 accomplished during their deployment is something that they will be able to look back on as special and a truly noteworthy accomplishment in the years ahead, added Chalkley.

Marines and sailors of CLB-4 and CLB-2 worked side-by-side during their overlapping time in Afghanistan to ensure seamless transition of logistical support and CLB-2’s full familiarization with their responsibilities before their official assumption of duties.

“We built the battalion to be flexible and responsive to the war fighters’ needs with a ‘bend don't break’ mentality,” said Lt. Col. Denise Mull, Commanding Officer, CLB-2. “We came in with significantly less personnel having to cover roughly the same amount of battle space, and as the only CLB with an engineering capability in the [area of operations].”

The hands on approach to the transfer of responsibilities ensured that RCT-6 experienced no disruption in support.

“Thus far, the battalion has done very well, but the real test lies ahead,” said Mull. “I know that our Marines and sailors will perform well. They know their task and purpose, and have been moving out smartly and with a real sense of urgency since [their arrival].”

• Date Taken: 08.19.2012
• Date Posted: 08.19.2012 11:29
• Story ID: 93498
• Location: AF