CLB-8 transfers authority to CLB-6 Marines

II Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by Lance Cpl. Katherine Solano

Date: 08.12.2011
Posted: 08.13.2011 01:30
News ID: 75285

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), transferred authority to the commanding officer of CLB-6, 2nd MLG (Fwd.), during a ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Aug. 11.

During their seven-month deployment, CLB-8 traveled more than 290,000 miles and executed more than 90 combat logistics patrols.

“They just never stopped in seven months,” said Lt. Col. Michael E. McWilliams, the CLB-8 commanding officer.

The engineers completed 31 missions involving over 39,000 man hours. In part, these missions led to the purification of 350,000 gallons of water, providing troops operating in southwestern Afghanistan with 27,000 showers and 85,000 pounds of clean laundry.

“Our engineers increased productivity by three times, working eighteen to nineteen hour days. They just weren’t satisfied until [their mission was] complete,” added McWilliams.

McWilliams also spoke of the support from the MLG and the Regimental Combat Team the Marines and sailors of the CLBs were working with.

“They just made us feel like part of the team and really that was a major contributor to the success of CLB-8,” McWilliams concluded.

As the battalion prepares to redeploy, CLB-6 stands ready to assume duties of providing service members throughout the area of operation with engineering and logistical support.

“I promise you, we will continue the legacy of superior support that CLB-8 has started here on this battleground,” said Lt. Col. Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr., the CLB-6 commanding officer.

During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Michael Dana, the commanding general of 2nd MLG (Fwd.), addressed the Marines and sailors with both the outgoing and incoming CLBs.

“CLB-8, thanks for an absolutely tremendous performance,” began Dana. “CLB-6, you’ve got big shoes to fill, but I know you’ll do it. Welcome aboard.”