MCCS Marines inaugurate new MCX at FOB Edinburgh

Photo By Staff Sgt. Bruno Bego | Sgt. Leland S. Watson, from Greenville, N.C., a Marine Corps Community Services Marine with 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), assists customers during the Marine Corps Exchange grand opening May 23, 2011, aboard Forward Operating Base Edinburgh, Afghanistan. The 40-foot trailer will permanently stay at the FOB and will be constantly resupplied to satisfy the needs of the troops who are in the area in support of International Security Assistance Force operations.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

05.24.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Bruno Bego 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

FORWARD OPERATING BASE EDINBURGH, Afghanistan – A small base home to many Marines and sailors of 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) recently received an upgrade to better serve those on the outer rim of Regional Command Southwest in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

The troops at Forward Operating Base Edinburgh now have the luxury of stopping in at a Field Tactical Exchange while those living aboard combat outposts and patrol bases in the area can procure health and comfort items in a much shorter amount of time.

The Marine Corps Community Services Detachment, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), opened a Marine Corps Exchange at FOB Edinburg May 23, 2011.

“It’s been so long since we have been able to go to an exchange and buy what we need,” explained Cpl. Jeffrey F. Stebell, from Snellville, Ga., a combat engineer with Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd MLG (Fwd.). “I think this is great. It definitely increases the morale since we are now able to get what we need, whenever we need it.”

Before the exchange opened, the service members had to wait for the Warfighter Express Services Team, which is a mobile exchange, to buy items like supplements, drinks, snacks and even items for their uniforms like chevrons. On average it took the WES Team 21 days to reach the FOB via convoy.

“The troops over here have a really tough job,” said Staff Sgt. Kevin B. Flynn, the Marine Corps Exchange staff non-commissioned officer in charge with 2nd MLG (Fwd.). “If we can do anything to bring them a little bit of home or give them a minute inside the store to remind them of someplace else, we will do it. I also believe this will help them accomplish their mission.”

The newly-opened exchange not only provides the troops at FOB Edinburg with basic health and comfort items, but it also enables the MCCS Marines running the WES Teams to get Marines and sailors operating at smaller combat outposts what they need in a matter of days instead of weeks.

• Date Taken: 05.24.2011
• Date Posted: 05.27.2011 01:56
• Story ID: 71178
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF