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CLB-3 begins operations in Afghanistan

US Marine Corps News

11/5/2010
By Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II, Marine Corps Bases Japan

Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan -- Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 3 began conducting independent operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom after an official transfer of authority Oct. 18 on Camp Dwyer in Afghanistan.

The battalion, part of Combat Logistics, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, is currently assigned to 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward). For the past two weeks, CLB-3 Marines and sailors have been taking part in side-by-side operations while learning from CLB-5, CLR-1, 1st MLG, the unit they replaced.

Though the last of the operations were categorized as CLB-5 missions, they were carried out by CLB-3 personnel as the final stage of the turnover. During these missions, CLB-3 showed what they had learned from their predecessors, who conducted numerous resupply missions within the area of operations during their tour.

In one of the missions, Marines from 2nd Platoon, Motor Transport Company A, CLB-3, embarked on a convoy from Camp Dwyer to resupply Forward Operating Base Geronimo Oct. 14.

Their mission for the day was to deliver provisions and other essential supplies to the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, based out of the FOB.

“CLB-5 did an excellent job understanding how to correctly load vehicles in this terrain,” said 1st Lt. Brian Basile, 2nd platoon commander with Motor Transport Company A. “We are learning from that and continuing to improve upon it. By doing this, our mission out here will be successful – that’s my guarantee.”

Though these missions may become routine, the Marines must always remember their training and never allow complacency to set in, Basile added.

“We continuously include the enemy threat in our convoy briefs,” Basile said.

“That will raise eyebrows every single time,” he said. “When the Marines understand that their job entails operating in a hostile environment, they will continue to maintain situational awareness and vigilance throughout every convoy. Complacency isn’t an avenue of approach to any mission. Complacency isn’t an option – and it sure ... won’t be in CLB-3.”

The Marines and sailors from CLB-3 are now operating independently as they begin their deployment in support of Regimental Combat Team 1, 1st MarDiv., I MEF (Fwd.), and other units within the area of operations.