AL-QAIM, Iraq (June 22, 2008) – Marines with Transportation Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 1st Marine Logistics Group, conducted a re-supply mission to al-Qaim, June 22.
The convoy of 53 vehicles ventured through the night to deliver food, water, fuel and force protection materials to support 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division.
“This is a five-hour drive,” said Sgt. Deryl B. Stockton, assistant convoy commander for TS Co. “But, all these supplies will help get the mission accomplished and keep Marines safe.”
The leadership and responsibility at the lowest level possible is essential to mission accomplishment. Transportation Support Co. is a perfect example of this kind of leadership.
“Every truck has at least a lance corporal, sometimes a private in charge of that vehicle,” said Stockton, from Dallas. “They have to be responsible enough to know exactly what they are doing on the convoy.”
Lance Cpl. Michael D. Ramirez a Logistics Vehicle System operator with TS Co., said they regularly make re-supply runs to al-Qaim.
“This is one of the most Northern camps we support,” said Ramirez, from El Paso, Texas. “We get to help the Marines out there and that’s a good feeling.”
Ramirez said he is proud to call himself a Marine and to have so much responsibility delivering supplies for his fellow Marines in the area.
“What other job can you have, where you have the opportunity to support Marines on the front lines?” said Ramirez, as he drove the dark road. “I get to be a part of history and make a difference in Iraq.”
Ramirez said their convoys cover a lot more distance than the convoys in the Southern part of the area of operations. With this distance, being accountable for gear and vehicle maintenance is crucial for a flawless trip. These are just some of the responsibilities that Marines have on any convoy.
“If you treat every mission as if it were your last and do everything you are supposed to the right way, you won’t have anything to worry about,” Ramirez said.
“I try to pass on to my Marines the leadership traits I learn along the way,” Stockton said.
As TS Co. continues to apply their leadership skills, they strive to make a difference for the units they support.
AL ASAD, Iraq (May 28, 2008)- The view from the back of a KC-130J, several thousand feet above ground and with the wind’s pressure pulling from all directions gave Marines a “rush” before jumping out of the cargo plane during an air-drop mission in Al Qaim, May 28.
Marines from Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 1st Marine Logistics Group, delivered supplies with the support of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing; and 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division.
“We are going to be dropping two fuel blivets at Al Qaim, and we’re going to be following that up with a few jumpers,” said Sgt. David S. Cascio, a 27-year-old, parachute rigger from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., with LS Co., CLB-6, of the mission’s sequence of events. “We’re also going to be dropping two container delivery systems filled with water.”
Dropping supplies from approximately 9,500 and 12,000 feet accurately was not an easy task. To make this happen the supplies were sent below with a Joint Precision Air Drop System or Sherpa parachutes equipped with a global positioning system and a square canopy instead of the conventional round chute. This system “guides” the cargo, making sure it lands within 100 meters of its target.
Sgt. Christopher M. Bird, air delivery specialist with LS Co., CLB-6, who works with the Sherpas, explained that during this deployment they have been successful, the two drops have landed within 25 meters of their target.
Bird, 26, from Jonesboro, Ark., makes sure the Sherpas have a GPS lock before the drop. If that lock is lost, Cpl. Josiah S. Selby, air delivery specialist, LS Co., CLB 6, jumped with a hand controller for the Sherpa system to guide the cargo to a designated and safe area.
“As long as he has line of sight with the Sherpa he can control where it lands,” said Bird.
As for the jumpers’ safety, the Marines go through two jumpmaster parachute inspections before taking the plunge to ensure their parachutes work, explained Gunnery Sgt. Robert J. Blanton, 33, platoon sergeant, 1st Platoon, Alpha Co., 3rd Recon Bn., who is from Santa Rosa, Calif.
“The Marines landed safely and accomplished their mission, making it a successful jump,” said Sgt. Tim Cunningham, 26, from Albany, N.Y., who is a pointman, 1st Platoon, Alpha Co., 3rd Recon Bn.
Selby, who was jumping with the hand controller for the first time, described the jump as “a rush like no other,” and also finds it rewarding because of the service it provides to other Marines.
“It’s something I am proud to do,” said Selby, 21, from Baltimore. “The way I look at (my job) is the more loads we drop the more trucks we take off the roads, which means less (improvised explosive device) blasts, therefore saving lives.”
CAMP AL ASAD, Iraq (April 08, 2008) – Under heavy enemy fire, the area was locked down and a quick reaction force was sent in to neutralize the threat and contain the chaos.
The “terrorist” was armed with rocks and not only did he prove to be a worthy adversary, he offered a useful training tool during the mock invasion held April 8.
The training was part of the Unit Protection Plan which is designed to enhance the security posture of Combat Logistic Battalion 6’s area of responsibility.
“It’s a giant playground out here,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Rosario, the Base Reaction Force Commander for Camp al Asad about CLB-6’s region which provides multiple buildings and rooms that an intruder could easily hide in. Rosario was on hand to provide his expertise during the exercise in their proverbial jungle gym.
The purpose of the drill is to make sure that the CLB-6 Marines are capable of reacting to potential threats occurring in their area of operations.
“Anything can happen out here,” said Rosario,
from Newbern, N.C.
And that is exactly what the Marines are preparing for.
Setting up two cordons to help contain the threat, Marines quickly neutralized the “intruder,” learning as they progressed through the course.
One group of Marines set up an outer cordon, controlling the foot traffic in to and out of the compound. The inner cordon closed in on the enemy and concentrated on the building he was located in.
“It definitely went a lot smoother this time,” said Pfc. Anthony W. Greeson, a packaging specialist with Headquarters and Support Company, CLB-6. The drill was the final step in the UPP. To get here, the Marines have gone through a planning phase, an internal battalion drill and ended with the final integrated drill.
Greeson has been working with the rest of the QRF team through various exercises, learning more each time.
“We learned more about situational awareness and how
to pay attention to certain things that may be out of the ordinary,” said
Greeson, from Kennewick, Wash.
Along with the hands-on learning experience, Rosario also displayed practical application on clearing and handling the suspected threat once they are apprehended.
This demonstration built even more confidence for the Marines who already have the situation well in hand.
“If a situation occurs, we’re here to take them down,” said Sgt. Aaron A. Morgan, the ammunition chief for CLB-6.
The confidence spread to the Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Officer for CLB-6 as well who was impressed with the Marines’ abilities to neutralize the threat, quickly and effectively.
“I have full faith and confidence in (the Marines) to
handle any situation that may arise,” said 2nd Lt. Eric C. Chase, from Mont Claire,
N.J.
Throughout the rest of the deployment, the Marines involved with the QRF will receive refresher training to keep them ready for any potential threat that may arise.
CAMP AL ASAD, Iraq (April 5, 2008) – A new union was formed between Coalition Forces and the Iraqi Army after the breaking of bread at a dinner here, April 5.
The dinner was the beginning of a partnership between the two groups where the service members of Combat Logistics Battalion 6 will share logistical experience with their counterparts in the IA.
“This is the first step with coalition forces stepping back and allowing the Iraqis to take a step forward to do their own missions,” said Gunnery Sgt. Robert D. Oehler, Intelligence Chief for the 7th Division of the IA’s Military Transition Team.
The group from CLB-6 plans on visiting the Iraqis’ work areas to see how they do things. With their developing rapport and new relationships, they also plan on giving them a glimpse at how they handle things with the 1st MLG, sharing their years of experience with the newly formed IA.
The Marines and Sailors spent the evening with their Iraqi counterparts, getting to know them better after a quick class on the Iraqi culture.
Once dinner was served, they talked shop with their counterparts as they tasted some of their culture.
“They all have the right mindset,” said Maj. Jeffrey V. Barnett, the operations officer for CLB-6, about his group of advisors that are working with the Iraqis.
“They’re positive about the relationship, and setting
the right tone for our Iraqi brethren that will give them the faith that we’re
here to help,” said Barnett, from Greenville,
Tenn.
Those in attendance already made plans for how to help the Iraqis and had faith in their new partnership.
Chief Petty Officer James A. Meeker, the senior medical department representative for CLB-6, believes that it is an obtainable goal after his visit with the medical advisor with the IA. Meeker’s plan was to start from the ground up, helping them with the basics first.
“I want to make sure they have basic medical equipment
and show them how to use the essentials,” said Meeker, from Britton, S.D.
The new union isn’t expecting to change the IA’s ways overnight. They are fully prepared to make gradual changes before letting the Army take care of itself.
“We’re here for the long haul,” said Barnett. “Once the relationship is established and built, we can bridge that culture gap which demonstrates that we are here for the right reasons.”
CAMP AL ASAD, Iraq (April 3, 2008) – Still maintaining the boisterous and rowdy atmosphere of any smoke deck, the air was slightly reserved when the chaplain started passing out the smokes.
This is no joke. This is ‘Holy Smokes.’
Set up as a social night for service members to unwind, Navy Chaplain Lt. Richard L. Roe, Battalion Chaplain for Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 1st Marine Logistics Group, held the second successful night of the aptly named “Holy Smokes.”
Like bees to honey, the sweet scent of tobacco smoke attracted everyone from lance corporal to warrant officer during the social gathering which is held every Thursday.
“It’s almost like a weekend,” said Lance Cpl. Stephen L. Calabron, a Light Armored Vehicle mechanic with Ordnance Maintenance Platoon, Maintenance Company, CLB-6, 1st MLG. “It gives me something to look forward to every week, and it helps to relax and break up the routine,” said the 21-year-old out of North Kingston, R. I.
Cigars are provided by various state-side organizations looking to give something back to the service members for their daily sacrifices. The taste for cigars gives all in attendance something in common which starts other conversations, regardless of shop or rank.
“It means a lot to get to know peers as individuals outside of the work environment,” said Sgt. Justin G. Prior, the shipping and receiving chief for Headquarters and Support Company, CLB-6.
The social gathering also provides the chaplain and the service members a chance to get to discuss personal issues in a more comfortable setting.
“It’s less threatening for them to talk to (me) in a group rather than someone seeing them walk into the chaplain’s office,” said Roe about the personal setting created under the plume of cigar smoke.
Meeting on the smoke deck also eliminates the persistence to address the problem, instead it can be presented nonchalantly, taking the burden off of the individual while they are enjoying a smoke.
“It works very effectively,” said Roe, from Lawton, Okla., about the meetings he has held on the smoke deck. “Nobody has a clue that they are talking about something on their heart versus small talk.”
Those not seeking help enjoy the company shared at the weekly gatherings that help break up the monotony and stress of the combat environment.
‘Holy Smokes’ alleviates stress and sends all troubles up in smoke.
AL-ASAD, Iraq – A transfer of authority took place between Combat Logistics Battalion 4 and CLB-6 here Mar. 12.
Combat Logistics Battalion 4 had been in control since August, 2007. They took charge of 50,000 square kilometers with six different infantry battalions in their area of operations.
Col. William B. Spahn, commanding officer of CLB-4, spoke to his Marines at the ceremony about their accomplishments.
“Your dedication and professionalism has contributed to the successful counterinsurgency operations in western al-Anbar,” said Spahn. “You have made this a better place since your arrival.”
Combat Logistics Battalion 4 has conducted 240 resupply convoys, 110 route security patrols, 45 helicopter support team missions, 20 vehicle recovery missions and more than 90 rapid response security escorts for Explosive Ordnance Disposal missions.
“I’m certainly proud of your accomplishments,” said Spahn. “Thank you for a job well done.”
Combat Logistics Battalion 6 is now in charge. They have dedicated months of training to prepare them for a seven-month deployment to al-Anbar province.
“It is now your turn to write a chapter in the history of combat operations in al-Anbar province,” said Brig. Gen. Robert R. Ruark, commanding general, 1st Marine Logistics Group. “You have a tremendously talented team and I know you will perform well.”
Lt. Col. David J. Eskelund, battalion commander, CLB-6, spoke to his Marines as well.
“Don’t wait around to make changes for the better,” said Eskelund. “We will pick up where Combat Logistics Battalion 4 left off.”
Combat Logistics Battalion 4 provided great support to the area’s Regimental Combat Team 5, something his battalion will continue to do, said Eskelund.
He said CLB-6 is also looking for innovative and effective ways to partner with the Iraqi army and police forces.
