Photo By Sgt. Mary Torres | U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jacob Shonk with Combat Logistics Battalion 15 (CLB-15), Combat...... read more read more
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YUMA, Ariz. – Combat Logistics Battalion 15, “Task Force Forge,” assumed operational responsibilities last month from 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, “Task Force Sapper,” under Joint Task Force-Southern Border, recently launching its first missions to support U.S. Northern Command’s ongoing assistance to the Department of Homeland Security.
Comprised of 500 Marines and Sailors, CLB 15 is conducting vital ground engineering and logistical operations within the U.S. Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector. These missions include reinforcing the existing southern border barrier, emplacing National Defense Area signage, and performing roadway surveys and maintenance – all part of the Department of Defense’s continued support to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Border Patrol.
Before starting barrier reinforcement tasks, the unit completed a series of barrier surveys along key segments to evaluate conditions, identify reinforcement needs, and guide mission planning. These assessments form the foundation for ongoing operations.
The barrier reinforcement mission, previously conducted by 1st CEB in the San Diego Sector, was an anticipated requirement that CLB 15 prepared for in advance. Marines and Sailors are now welding prefabricated steel brackets onto the existing barrier infrastructure. Once installed in sufficient numbers, these brackets will support the placement of barbed and concertina wire, enhancing the overall security of the barrier.
“The Marines and Sailors of Task Force Forge bring precision, professionalism and purpose to every mission,” said Lt. Col. Colin Graham, CLB 15 battalion commander and Task Force Forge commanding officer. “Reinforcing the border barrier is a tangible way we assist our interagency partners to strengthen security and protect the territorial integrity of the United States.”
In parallel, following the recent establishment of the Yuma National Defense Area (YNDA) – located adjacent to the Barry M. Goldwater Range and now part of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma – CLB 15 has been tasked with emplacing NDA signage throughout the NDA 4 East region. This land, previously owned by the Department of the Interior, was transferred to the Department of the Navy, with MCAS Yuma delegating operational authority to USNORTHCOM. CLB 15 may continue to support signage emplacement as mission requirements evolve.
Additionally, CLB 15 is conducting detailed surveys of unimproved roads essential for maintaining mobility for CBP and DoD personnel operating in rugged desert terrain. These surveys evaluate road geometry, surface conditions, and drainage patterns.
CLB 15’s engineering experts are using these findings to plan targeted maintenance activities such as blading, reshaping, and dust abatement. These efforts aim to preserve the environmental integrity of each route while ensuring safe and reliable travel for mission-critical operations.
CLB 15 and Task Force Forge operate under the tactical control of Joint Task Force-Southern Border and in close coordination with CBP and USBP. These efforts reflect USNORTHCOM’s ongoing role as the Department of Defense’s operational lead in employing military forces to protect the territorial integrity of the United States.
| Date Taken: | 08.15.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.15.2025 12:51 |
| Story ID: | 545191 |
| Location: | YUMA, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 160 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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