CLB-6 ramps up for Operation Enduring Freedom

Photo By Maj. John Parry | Marines from Transportation Support Company engage the enemy during improvised explosive device lane training during Combat Logistics Battalion 6’s field exercise at Fort Pickett, Va., March 22. CLB 6 Marines participated in a 12-day exercise in preparation of their upcoming deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Marine Corps photos by 2nd Lt. John J. Parry)  

FORT PICKETT, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES

03.28.2013

Story by 2nd Lt. John Parry 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

Story by 2nd Lt. John J. Parry

FORT PICKETT, Va. - Heat, snow, rain and mud marked Combat Logistics Battalion 6’s field exercise at Fort Pickett, Va., March 15-26.

Despite the elements and lack of daily luxuries as choices of where to eat or catch a movie on any given day, the Marines honed their logistical capabilities for their upcoming deployment for Operation Enduring Freedom.

With temperatures hovering around balmy 30 or so degrees Fahrenheit, the Marines challenged each other with broad scenarios ranging from building local national relationships to handling hostilities abroad.

“It prepares us for combat,” said 1st Sgt. Bernard Moran, company first sergeant for Combat Logistics Company, CLB 6. “It gives a real life atmosphere that prepares you for what could happen and what you can expect. It helps us make solid plans.”

The training began from the first day when the CLB maneuvered all its personnel and equipment to Fort Pickett on tactical convoys from Camp Lejeune.

Once there, the Marines set up forward operating bases and logistical support areas where they moved vehicles, supplies and personnel between. All the while, the Marines interacted with the local population and fought enemy forces role played by Marines using made up foreign names.

“(It was) good, cold,” said Lance Cpl. Danny Baldwin, a reservist distribution clerk with CLC, who also worked forward security when he wasn’t performing his regular duties. “Getting the idea across that we’re not going to know what happens next is important, because over there it’s an unpredictable environment. And, we’ve just got to be ready to go quickly.”

The Marines also continued their annual training to include vehicle rollover training, enhanced marksmanship training or more occupational specific training to finalize their preparations for the CLB’s upcoming deployment.

“This is probably my favorite (part of it),” said Lance Cpl. Brent Lewis, an electrician with Engineer Company, CLB 6. “Most people haven’t been in a rollover, so it teaches you to get out and could save lives. I love it. Every Marine’s a riflemen, and it gives me a chance to do something other than the ordinary”

• Date Taken: 03.28.2013
• Date Posted: 03.28.2013 16:04
• Story ID: 104253
• Location: FORT PICKETT, VIRGINIA, US