Combat Logistics Battalion 46 activates for Iraq deployment

Photo By Cpl. David Weikle | Lt. Col. J. Eric Davis Jr., commanding officer, Combat Logistics Battalion 46, and Sgt. Maj. Derrick Smith, the battalion sergeant major, uncase the American flag and battalion colors, symbolically activating the battalion for duty, at Camp Lejeune, June 1. The Marines and Sailors of CLB-46 will provide general and direct combat service support to units deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They are scheduled to deploy in support of OIF later this year.  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

06.01.2009

Story by Cpl. David Weikle 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.- Hundreds of Marines and Sailors gathered in French Creek, June 1, for the activation of Combat Logistics Battalion 46 in preparation for an upcoming deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The mission of a Marine Logistics Group is to provide general and direct support and sustained combat service support above the organic capabilities of the support element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

"The Commandant of the Marine Corps directed the 4th Marine Logistics Group to activate forces to provide a direct support combat logistics battalion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom," according to the orders read by Master Sgt. Mark Hanks during the ceremony as they were published for all to hear.

The Marines and Sailors of CLB-46 came from 54 sites, in 40 states across the nine battalions of the 4th MLG.

"Commanding General, 4th Marine Logistics Group, designates Combat Logistics Battalion-46 as a separate and detached command...and further directs that Combat Logistics Battalion-46 report to Commanding Officer, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Force Generation Element) for pre-deployment training and follow-on deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom," Hanks continued reading.

After the orders were published, Lt. Col. J. Eric Davis Jr. battalion commander, and Sgt. Maj. Derrick Smith, battalion sergeant major, uncased the American flag and the battalion colors, symbolically activating the battalion for duty overseas.

As the ceremonies drew to a close "Anchors Aweigh" and "The Marines' Hymn" were played.

The Marines and sailors of CLB-46 are scheduled to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom later this year.

• Date Taken: 06.01.2009
• Date Posted: 06.03.2009 13:15
• Story ID: 34486
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US