CSSD-79 is backbone at PTA
USMC News
Story Identification Number: 2003317114727
Story by Lance Cpl. Monroe F. Seigle
POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, ISLAND OF HAWAII, Hawaii(March 14, 2003) -- POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA - Several infantrymen are on the front line, and a war is raging. Ammunition is running low and food is almost out. The troops need reinforcements or the enemy is going to break through the line of defense and overrun the perimeter.
It is for situations like this one that Marines from Combat Service Support Detachment 79 deployed to Pohakuloa Training Area, on the "Big Island" of Hawaii, to train for. The detachment is one of the most essential units during any training or wartime mission, and it's Marines that make missions happen.
Deployed to PTA since Feb. 13, CSSD-79 has provided tactical and logistical support throughout every training mission. It provides fuel, food, and ammunition in combat.
Along with these essentials, it is responsible for medical care, mail delivery, supply maintenance and transportation.
"We are right behind the infantry during combat," said Maj. Matthew Puglisi, commanding officer for CSSD-79. "We must provide our own security as well as provide combat service support to any unit."
While at PTA, the Marines from CSSD-79 have been pushed to the very limits with fatigue, resulting from 24-hour missions in order to support training operations on the front line.
During one operation, CSSD-79 managed to supply the entire Marine Air Ground Task Force - of approximately 2,000 Marines - with all the essentials in less than eight hours.
"This has been a tremendous experience for the Marines," said Puglisi. "Since they have arrived at PTA, they have been steadfast and determined during every mission. They are the ones out here who are making things happen."
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