Photo By Sgt. Mary Torres | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Daniel Herrera, a motor vehicle operator and native of La...... read more read more
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YUMA, Ariz.– Gen. Eric Smith, the 39th commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz, sergeant major of the Marine Corps, visited Marines and Sailors assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 15 on Oct. 17 at the Yuma National Defense Area in Yuma, Arizona. The leaders engaged directly with personnel supporting Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB) under the operational name Task Force Forge.
The visit highlighted the Marine Corps’ ongoing commitment to interagency cooperation and national security operations at the southern border. Task Force Forge plays a crucial role by supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through vital logistical and engineering missions that enable U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents to more effectively prevent illegal entry into the United States.
Maj. Gen. David Gardner, commanding general of Joint Task Force-Southern Border, and Brig. Gen. Jeremy Winters, deputy commanding general, welcomed the Marine Corps' senior leadership team during their visit. Joining them were Lt. Col. Colin Graham, commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 15 (CLB-15) and Task Force Forge, along with U.S. Army soldiers and U.S. Border Patrol agents operating in the region.
During an operational briefing, the general officers and Lt. Col. Graham detailed the Joint Task Force’s structure and mission. They emphasized the seamless integration between the joint force, Marine Corps, and USBP, focusing on how Task Force Forge’s logistical support and engineering expertise fortify border infrastructure and contribute to maintaining the territorial integrity of the United States.
Smith and Ruiz toured multiple CLB-15 sites, where Marines demonstrated critical mission capabilities, including resupply operations and metal fabrication. Marines showcased the fabrication of steel brackets used to reinforce barriers, work that is essential to sustaining the progress of concertina wire emplacement along the border.
In a demonstration of hands-on leadership, Smith and Ruiz donned welding helmets and joined Marines in fabricating steel brackets, underscoring the practical and direct nature of their engagement. Smith also observed Marines installing barbed wire and triple-strand concertina wire atop the barrier – physical measures designed to deter or delay illegal crossings and provide crucial response time for USBP agents.
In addition, Smith and Ruiz met with Marines who briefed them on the unit’s Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) capability, the DroneBuster, as well as Marines who discussed the task force’s role in supporting the establishment of Yuma NDA 4. CLB 15 emplaced more than 480 NDA signs across both the NDA 4 East and West.
“This visit allowed us to demonstrate to our Commandant the full scope of Task Force Forge’s operations and their direct contribution to Joint Task Force-Southern Border’s mission,” said Lt. Col. Graham. “We understand what we do here resonates beyond the tactical level—it’s part of a priority mission. I’m pleased the Commandant and Sgt. Maj. Ruiz could see the work firsthand and interact with the Marines and Sailors who make our success possible.”
The visit concluded with an all-hands formation where Smith addressed Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and USBP agents. He praised their professionalism and dedication while reinforcing the significance of their work in the broader national defense context.
Before departing, Smith performed “on-the-spot" meritorious promotions for three Marines, recognizing their exceptional performance both in their careers and while operating along the southern border. Two Marines were promoted to the rank of sergeant, and one was promoted to corporal.
“I was thoroughly surprised by the promotion,” said Sgt. Daniel Herrera, a native of La Marque, Texas. “Being promoted by the Commandant and pinned by both him and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is a moment I’ll never forget. I’m proud of this mission and excited to continue serving.”
The Marine Corps’ role in the southern border mission is part of a broader Department of War executive order to support the Department of Homeland Security. Marines in Task Force Forge continue to make a significant impact by enabling partner agencies, strengthening critical infrastructure, and protecting the territorial integrity of the United States.
| Date Taken: | 10.21.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.22.2025 13:00 |
| Story ID: | 550294 |
| Location: | YUMA, ARIZONA, US |
| Hometown: | LA MARQUE, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 905 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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