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2nd Marine Logistics
Brigade assumes logistics support mission in Al Anbar province
CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq
- 2nd Marine Logistics Brigade (Forward), assumed operational
control of Marine Corps logistics forces in Iraq from 1st Force
Service Support Group during a ceremony here March 12. 2nd MLB (Fwd)
was formerly known as 2nd Force Service Support Group.
The 2nd MLB (Fwd) provides logistical support for II Marine
Expeditionary Force (Fwd), which is in the process of assuming
command of Marine forces in Iraq as part of a comprehensive turnover
of Marine forces in Al Anbar Province. The more than 14,000 Marines
from II MEF are augmented by Marines from around the globe as they
prepare to replace the California-based I MEF.
More than 4,000 Marines and sailors comprise 2nd MLB (Fwd), which
falls under the Camp Lejeune-based 2nd FSSG and II MEF, and are
comprised of Marines from every active and reserve FSSG around the
Corps, and from base and station supporting establishments. 2nd MLB
(Fwd) will be filling the large shoes of 1st FSSG, which has
provided logistical support for the 31,000 Marines and sailors of I
MEF deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The 2nd MLB (Fwd) is organized into a combat logistics regiment, two
combat logistics battalions, 8th Engineer Support Battalion and
Headquarters and Service Battalion. A reserve U.S. Army provisional
infantry battalion, the 2nd Battalion, 112th Armor, 36th Infantry,
known as the "Texas Rifles," will support 2nd MLB (Fwd) in their
security mission.
The 2nd MLB (Fwd)'s mission is to provide support to U.S. Marines
throughout II Marine Expeditionary Force's area of operations in
western Iraq. 2nd MLB (Fwd) will also provide support to the forces
of other services attached to II MEF and to the rapidly developing
Iraqi security forces.
The 2nd MLB (Fwd) provides the full range of logistics support to
include supply, maintenance, transportation, general engineering,
and medical and dental services. They also provide a comprehensive
array of services such as legal assistance, postal, disbursing,
exchange services, and mortuary affairs. The two Combat Logistics
Battalions provide direct support to the Marine Division Regimental
Combat Teams. The Combat Logistics Battalion, 8th Engineer Support
Battalion and Headquarters and Service Battalion provide general
logistics support to all Marine forces in the II MEF (Fwd) area of
responsibility.
While serving in Iraq, 1st FSSG had numerous accomplishments to
include operations in Fallujah and supporting the Independent
Election Committee of Iraq elections, received, billeted and
provided basic life support to more than 1,000 IECI personnel.
They also supported approximately 141,000 civilians at humanitarian
assistance sites in Fallujah, handing out more than 124,000
humanitarian rations and more than 140,000 bottles of water.
Thanks to the accomplishments of 1st FSSG Marines and Sailors, the
bar is set high for 2nd MLB (Fwd), and building on their great
accomplishments will be a continual challenge as they strive to
build on U.S. and coalition forces reconstruction efforts aimed at
improving Iraq's future, said Col. John E. Wissler, 2nd MLB
commander.
"The capabilities suite we are bringing to the battlefield places
technological enhancements over improved processes and organizations
to bring unprecedented support to every warfighter in the MAGTF,
whether in the Marine Aircraft Wing, Division, the MLB or the MEF
headquarters," said Wissler, a Brooklyn Park, Minn., native. "We are
field testing many of the tenets of logistics modernization
championed by Lt. Gen. Richard L. Kelly, deputy commandant for
Installations and Logistics, Headquarters Marine Corps and his
Marines, and are experiencing the benefits of their hard work and
innovation." The Marines, sailors, and soldiers that comprise the
2nd Marine Logistics Brigade (Fwd) team are among the finest our
Marine Corps, Navy, and Army have to offer and they are well led,
well trained, and well equipped, both physically and mentally, to
achieve the highest of accomplishments in this most challenging
environment."
The 2nd MLB (Fwd) Marines and Sailors have taken the reigns and are
doing their part to assist in furthering the reconstruction of Iraq,
and developing a safe and representative Iraq that will contribute
to the defeat of the global threat of terrorism.
For more information, please contact Public Affairs Officer 1stLt.
Katherine O'Neill, 2nd Marine Logistics Brigade at oneillkl@cssemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
Release #050315h |
