U.S. Marines change commanders in Italy

Photo By Sgt. Alexander Mitchell | Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, and Combat Logistics Battalion 6 render salutes for colors before a transfer of authority at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy on April 25, 2016. Lt. Col. Matthew Hakola, the Commanding Officer for CLB-6, transfers authority of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa Logistics Combat Element to Lt. Col. Randall Jones, the Commanding Officer of CLB-2. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexander Mitchell/released)  

NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, ITALY

04.25.2016

Story by Cpl. Alexander Mitchell 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

U.S. Marines in Italy have a new commander following a ceremony at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, April 25, 2016.

Combat Logistics Battalion 2, led by their new commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Randall Jones, took control of the logistical combat duties for the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa from CLB-6 during the ceremony.

“We have a lot of hard work ahead, and I expect each Marine and sailor to work to their fullest potential to reach our shared objectives. I am excited to be a part of the MAGTF team and I know that by working together, we will have a tremendous impact both in the Italian community, as well as with our regional partners in Africa.”

Major General Niel Nelson, Commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, made it clear he felt SPMAGTF-CR-AF LCE was in good hands.

“The Marines and sailors with us here put in countless hours preparing themselves for this deployment and I have full confidence they are up to the challenge,” said Nelson.

The battalion will serve as the logistics combat element for SPMAGTF-CR-AF, as well as coordinate and execute theater security cooperation missions in Africa. As the LCE, CLB-2 provides logistical support to the entire SPMAGTF-CR-AF, whose posture allows for response across a broad range of military operations in the AFRICOM region. By maintaining the ability to act in permissive and uncertain environments, the crisis response force is able to protect U.S. personnel, property and interests in Europe and Africa.

• Date Taken: 04.25.2016
• Date Posted: 04.26.2016 09:52
• Story ID: 196513
• Location: NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, IT