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CLB-22 Marines engage in global response drill

US Marine Corps News

10/18/2010
By Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado, 2nd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- The Marine Corps has long been known as the world’s quick reaction force. Marines pride themselves in their ability to arrive anywhere in the world and uphold justice as they deem necessary.

In keeping up with tradition, Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, reported to the flight line on Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., to test their operational readiness Oct. 14.

With less than 12 hours notice, the battalion’s Humanitarian Aid Platoon readied combat gear, rifle and personal protective equipment in preparation for a short-fused mission.

The operation was actually just a drill for the Global Response Force and was designed to simply test their capabilities.

“Basically, we have a HA team and a [Mass Casualty] team,” said 1st Lt. Ronald Hageman, Engineer Platoon commander, CLB-22. “Both teams are going to get on the plane, fly to Bogue [Auxiliary] Air Field and get off.”

The exercise was supposed to simulate a humanitarian aid or mass casualty event, added Hageman.

With speed being a crucial part of what the Marine Corps does as a whole, time was a concern during the simulated operation.

“This was a good opportunity for [younger Marines] to see how a CLB is supposed to react,” said Hageman. “An expedient response makes it necessary for the Marines to realize how important it is for us.

“For instance Haiti, it’s not an everyday thing. A hurricane comes, boom, and we have to respond.”

This is something CLB-22 knows all too well. They were called back early from their leave to assist with the humanitarian efforts in Haiti in January 2010.

Dependable troops made things a lot easier than they could have been.

“The recalls were very successful,” said Hageman. “It started off last night at 2100, and all sections got a hold of everyone and full accountability at 2230.”

Everyone had their gear and all the Marines showed up ready and on time, said Hageman.

Combat readiness was key, but along with that it showed the younger Marines the Marine Corp isn’t just about killing bad guys, it’s also about helping those in need, concluded Hageman.