Bravo Co. Marines take on new mission, demilitarize base

Photo By Cpl. Mark Stroud | Cpl. Sebastian N. Caballero, motor vehicle operator, Bravo Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), ground guides a Tractor, Rubber tired, Articulated steering, Multi-purpose vehicle onto a M870A2 Medium Heavy Equipment Transporter at Patrol Base Mirmandab, March 30, during a combat logistics patrol. The TRAM was retrograded from the base during the patrol.  

PATROL BASE MIRMANDAB, AFGHANISTAN

04.06.2012

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud 

1st Marine Logistics Group

PATROL BASE MIRMANDAB, Afghanistan—Marines with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), assisted in demilitarizing Patrol Base Mirmandab, March 23-31.

The CLB-4 Marines retrograded supplies and equipment from the patrol base over the course of several trips in preparation for the base’s closure.

“This is the first [demilitarization] CLB-4 has been a part of,” said 2nd Lt. Mathew E. Danielson, Platoon Commander, 2nd Plt., Bravo Company, CLB-4. “The rest of the [combat logistics patrols] have been direct support operations, bringing supplies out to the [forward operating bases] and [combat outposts].”

CLB-4’s Marines are improving their proficiency as they gain experience fulfilling their duties as Regimental Combat Team 6’s direct support battalion, said Sgt. Junior R. Infante, security team leader, 2nd Plt., Bravo Company, CLB-4.

“The Marines are becoming much sharper tactically while still accomplishing the logistic support mission,” Infante said. “The Marines are able to pick up or put down [shipping containers] anywhere we can fit the trucks.

“They have learned from their experience out here how to deal with rough or uneven terrain, as well as loading shipping containers that have been sunk into the ground,” added Infante.

Though it was the first demilitarization CLB-4 took part in, the combat logistics patrol involved a comparatively small number of Marines.

“It was a small operation; one platoon retrograded an entire base,” said Danielson. “Accomplishing that in the number of trips we made shows how capable our vehicles are and how much they can carry.”

The battalion anticipates receiving missions similar to the PB Mirmandab run in the long term.

“We are expecting to see more [demilitarization] missions in the future as the FOBs and COPs start to shut down,” said Danielson.

The mission was considered successful based upon the speed and efficiency of the demilitarization.

“The CLP went well,” said Danielson “We managed to demilitarize the entire base … had little to no maintenance issues with the vehicles and kept good momentum throughout the convoy.”

The platoon security-team leader anticipates continued mission success due to the high level of performance and professionalism amongst the Marines.

“The Marines understand the importance of the missions, and they are stepping up to the challenge,” said Infante.

• Date Taken: 04.06.2012
• Date Posted: 04.06.2012 08:22
• Story ID: 86370
• Location: PATROL BASE MIRMANDAB, AF