Photo By Sgt. Mary Torres | U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Lyla Schmidtke, a transmissions systems operator and native of...... read more read more
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YUMA, Ariz.-- U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Lyla Schmidtke, a transmissions systems operator and native of Gray, Ga., with Combat Logistics Battalion 15 (CLB 15), Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, assigned to Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB), was named Task Force Forge‘s Defender of the Week, for her exceptional contributions to the southern border mission in Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 22, 2025.
Schmidtke significantly enhanced the Combat Operations Center’s (COC) ability to command, control and synchronize critical operations for CLB 15. Her implementation of real-time information sharing procedures directly supported over 800 missions related to barrier reinforcement and National Defense Area signage emplacement.
Beyond the operations center, Schmidtke dedicated over 30 hours to providing vital communications support to the Engineer Reconnaissance Team (ERT) during their missions. She ensured uninterrupted internal and external communication channels that enabled the ERT to conduct their reconnaissance with enhanced coordination, safety and overall operational effectiveness.
In addition to her COC duties, Schmidtke serves as the Key Management Infrastructure noncommissioned officer for the battalion – a role typically held by a Marine of higher rank. In this capacity, she is responsible for managing, safeguarding and accounting for all cryptographic and communications security materials within the task force. She expertly manages this critical responsibility by conducting weekly cryptographic rollovers and maintaining accurate documentation and accountability of all cryptographic material.
“Schmidtke is a dedicated and hardworking individual who consistently demonstrates exceptional initiative in achieving mission success,” states Staff Sgt. Fernando Mendoza, Schmidtke’s staff noncommissioned officer. “Her technical proficiency and commitment to excellence are invaluable to our communications team.”
For Schmidtke, the drive to excel stems from a personal commitment to continuous improvement. “The fear and disdain of mediocrity motivate me to push myself and work harder to ensure I improve upon myself from one day to the next,” she explained. “Having the opportunity to be at the heart of command and control for the task force is a responsibility I don't take lightly. I want to ensure I'm always performing at my best.”
CLB 15, the command element for Task Force Forge, recognizes an outstanding Marine or Sailor each week who demonstrates exceptional performance, initiative, and excellence in support of the southern border mission, highlighting their critical role in national security efforts.
| Date Taken: | 10.22.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.18.2025 11:58 |
| Story ID: | 550533 |
| Location: | YUMA, ARIZONA, US |
| Hometown: | GRAY, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 40 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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