Warriors Sustaining Warriors

Volume 2, Issue 24

July 29, 2011

67years Warriors Sustaining Warriors

2nd MLG celebrates more than six decades of combat service support

Photo by Pfc Franklin E. Mercado Second to none, the 2nd Marine Logistics Group has maintained a reputation for excellence since it’s inception on Aug. 1, 1944, as the 8th Field Depot, Supply Service, Fleet Marine Force. Over the years the name has changed, but the support has not. The force looks to continue serving the nation’s warfighters across the globe for many more years to come. See Page 4 for the Commandant’s message to the 2nd MLG.

Also: Route improvements keep Blotter ...... Page 2 Warrior of the Week ...... Page 3

Inside Marjah trafficable ... Page 5 GCSS Implementation ... Page 5 Follow us on The Warrior’s Log Page 2

Tank Crossing 8th ESB, 2nd Tanks conduct joint river raft operation Pvt. Brian M. Woodruff Although the tanks have the 2nd Marine Division ability to get to the range without crossing over any body of water, CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Dur- the trip is long and expensive. ing a joint operation between 8th “We’re taking a long and te- Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd dious process for these Marines Marine Logistics Group, and and turning it into a few hours 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine of loading and offloading,” said Division, combat engineers set Staff Sgt. Andrew J. Brannen, the up rafts and moved tanks across staff non-commissioned officer a body of water aboard Marine in charge. “This way, they have Corps Base Camp Lejeune, more time and energy to concen- N.C., July 14, 2011. trate on their qualifications.” The objective of the operation Before the process of loading was to move 10 M1A1 Abrams can begin, two days of prepa- Main Battle Tanks and one M88 ration are vital to mission suc- Hercules Heavy Equipment Re- cess. Marines must spend time covery Vehicle to a range where setting up and configuring the the Marines of 2nd Tanks would Improved Float Bridge. The complete their annual gunnery Marines have the option of sev- qualifications. eral different configurations for According to Capt. Brad Klus- the bridge. The one they chose mann, company commander for to use can handle any 75 ton Photo by Pvt. Brian M. Woodruff company C, this sort of mission tracked vehicle. Lance Cpl. Zachary G. Mixon, a tank crewman with 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, directs an M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank onto requires something only 8th “The amount of logistics an Improved Float Bridge during an operation aboard Marine Corps ESB can provide. that go into missions like this is Base Camp Lejeune July 14, 2011. The objective of the mission was “We’re using bridges to float huge,” said Sgt. Joshua L. Cur- to ferry 10 M1A1 tanks and one M88 Hercules Heavy Equipment Re- the tanks across the water, and rie, a combat engineer with 8th covery Vehicle to the annual gunnery qualifications for 2nd Tank Bat- we’re currently the only ac- ESB. “We have to deal with put- talion, 2nd Marine Division. tive duty unit in the Marine ting together the bridge, bring- ration for the M3 Bridge Erec- The M3’s were also used alter- Corps that has that capability,” ing boat mechanics because of tion Boats, which help guide the nately as safety boats, cruising said Klusmann. “This is a very the usual wear and tear problems bridge through the water and unique skill set.” with the boats, as well as prepa- mark the areas on its path.” See CROSSING, Page 6

26 July 2011 - A Marine with Combat Logistics Regiment 27 reported an un- known person(s) stole an amplifier and amplifier housing unit from the back of an MRAP. NCIS assumed investigative jurisdiction. The estimated value of the stolen property is $11,159.

26 July 2011 - A Marine with 8th Engineer Support Battalion was operating a personally-owned vehicle when he struck a deer attempting to cross the road. Upon impact the deer fled the scene. The vehicle was subsequently released to the driver with minor damage. The Warrior’s Log Page 3

Saving blood, saving lives blood can save,” said Croxton. “One Ma- 2nd MLG blood rine could need all 100 units, or 100 service members could need one each. It just coordinator changes depends on the injury. “There is no set amount given to any blood distribution patient, but I think it’s safe to say any life Sgt. Rachael Moore saved, be it one or one hundred, is one or 2nd MLG (FWD) Public Affairs one hundred that get to go back home,” Croxton added. CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan After he completed his research, Croxton – The Marines and Sailors of 2nd Marine proposed an idea that would bring blood Logistics Group (Forward) are known as products from Role I and Role II facilities “warriors sustaining warriors.” They en- back to Camp Bastion’s Role III facility. sure troops at forward operating bases and “We’re bringing the soon-to-expire combat outposts have the supplies they blood products back to Bastion because need to continue combat operations. One the majority of the surgical patients come Sailor made a change to a routine resupply, through there,” explained Senior Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class which resulted in approximately a 30 per- Petty Officer William Brown, the Medi- cent decrease of wasted blood. cal Operations Leading Chief Petty Of- Joshua D. Croxton Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua D. Crox- ficer with 2nd MLG (Fwd.). “They have ton, the blood coordinator for the 2nd MLG a higher blood product usage rate so Job: Blood Coordinator (Fwd.), restructured the way blood is dis- they’re more likely to use the blood than tributed throughout Helmand province, Af- the more distant FOBs.” Hometown: Niceville, Fla. ghanistan, June 1. The change in distribution wasn’t “We had blood getting destroyed because dramatic; in fact it’s very similar to a Q: Why did you join the Navy? it wasn’t being used,” explained Croxton, routine resupply. A routine resupply is A: “At first I wanted to ac- a Niceville, Fla., native. “I had to find out conducted by requesting blood products celerate my life, but then I how we could save or use the products to from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, decided to be a Global Force the best of our ability, while keeping the who receives the blood from service for Good.” products at an acceptable level to main- members in Afghanistan or organiza- tain readiness at our Role I Shock Trauma tions in the United States. Q: What’s the best part about “The difference is ‘when,’” explained Platoon and Role II Forward Resuscitative your job? Surgical System facilities.” Croxton. “Now, what we do is ask for the A: “I’d have to say, being a Croxton, who has worked with the Amer- resupply sooner than later.” Warrior Sustaining Warriors.” ican Red Cross Blood Donation Program Normally the blood would be returned to and Armed Services Blood Program in the Camp Bastion for disposal, once it expired. Q: Favorite band? past, had no problem diving in when this Now it comes to Bastion’s Role III facility issue came to light. before expiration and gets used. A: “AFI.” “I’ve learned many people don’t want to “This is going to help increase the sur- donate because they think blood is wasted vivability of the [service members] who Q: What is your personal or not used,” explained Croxton. “I wanted sustain any degree of bodily injury or trau- motto? to debunk that thought as well as save lives matic blood loss,” said Croxton. “It’s going A: “Semper Gumby!” with the blood we have on hand.” to give them the blood they need to return With those intentions, Croxton began home to their families and friends.” researching the amount of blood that was “This change optimizes the blood expiring at outer-lying forward operating product we have not only in our area bases, which came to an average of 100 of operation but in theater,” conclud- units of blood. ed Brown. “It really does cut down on “I cannot say exactly how many lives the wasted blood products.” The Warrior’s Log Page 4

2nd MLG Anniversary

It is my distinct honor to congratulate the Marines and Sailors of 2nd Marine Logistics Group on the oc- casion of your 67th anniversary. Activated on August 1st, 1944 as 8th Field Depot Supply Service, Fleet Marine Force, in the midst of World War II, 2nd MLG has unfailingly provided dedicated combat service support to the warfighter and rapid humanitarian aid to those in need around the world - in every clime and place. From World War II to the battlefields of Afghanistan today, Marines and Sailors of 2nd MLG consistently epitomize the axiom of “warriors sustaining warriors.” Members of this storied unit bring honor to them- selves and the Corps by accomplishing their mission of sustaining warfighting effectiveness and providing logistics support to all forces in their battlespace. On behalf of all Marines, and along with a grateful nation I salute all who have served with 2nd MLG as you celebrate this historic anniversary.

SEMPER FIDELIS, GEN. JAMES F. AMOS, COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS The Warrior’s Log Page 5

GCSS implementation begins within II MEF, 2nd MLG this month Sgt. Justin J. Shemanski 2nd MLG Public Affairs

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Beginning July 24, several units within the II Marine Expeditionary Force, including the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, will begin transitioning to the new Global Combat Support System – Marine Corps. Over the next 11 weeks, Combat Logis- tics Regiment 25, along with 2nd Medical and 2nd Supply Battalions, will be among the first units executing the implementation aboard Camp Lejeune. All units are sched- uled to be complete by December 2012. Ten years in the making, the new Web- enabled system will replace two existing legacy systems – Marine Corps Inte- grated Maintenance Management Sys- tems (MIMMS) and Supported Activities Supply System (SASSY) – and provide

Photo by Lance Cpl. Bruno J. Bego all logistics personnel the convenience of Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 7, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) assemble operating from one common data source. a drainage pipe during route repairs July 12, 2011, in Marjah, Afghanistan. The engineers are “The implementation will really set the improving 11 kilometers of road to increase convoy access in the area in support of Interna- tional Security Assistance Force operations. Marine Corps up to move into the future,” said John Chandler, Headquarters Marine Corps’ liaison for Logistics Policies and II Marine Expeditionary Force. Route improvements “Improved asset visibility is one of the greatest improvements,” he noted. If a Marine in the field needs anything keep Marjah trafficable from brake pads to truck tires to water, they will be able to access the system wherever Lance Cpl. Bruno J. Bego improve the mobility in that portion of the they have basic internet connectivity and 2nd MLG(FWD) Public Affairs [area of operation],” explained 1st Lt. Garrett put in a request. An operator on the other J. Verhagen, originally from Cincinnati, the end of that request will see it in near real- CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – Old dirt engineer platoon commander with CLB-7. time, instead of the current day and a half roads eroded by the extreme Afghan weath- Some of the road improvements include refresh rate, and can begin fulfilling the er can limit the access of military vehicles placing new pipes for improved water needs of the warfighter almost immediately. in remote areas of Marjah, Afghanistan. management, laying gravel and reinforc- GCSS-MC allows Marines performing Engineers with Combat Logistics Bat- ing some sections of the deteriorated road. maintenance functions to maintain account- talion 7, 2nd Marine Logistics Group “We have also installed retaining walls ability of equipment repairs, parts and person- (Forward) are rebuilding 11 kilometers to widen out certain areas and re-graded nel, while allowing supply personnel greater of road in the district in support of Regi- some rough sections of the road,” Verha- control and planning capabilities of inventory. mental Combat Team 1. gen explained. “Some areas are going to GCSS is the foundation on which all “The road we are fixing wasn’t very traf- need some major work done, but it’s noth- modern logistics systems will be built, ficable for military trucks, and they want to ing we can’t do.” said Chandler. The Warrior’s Log Page 6

CROSSING, continued from Page 3

alongside the bridge in case of an accident or man overboard, even though each Marine was required to wear a safety flota- tion vest and protective Kevlar helmet. Once the bridge reaches shore, hydraulic pumps are used to help steady the bridge and get the ramp into the correct posi- tion for the tracked vehicle to board. Anchors are then some- times used to keep the bridge It’s an steady while the vehicles are being brought on. The vehicle must come in straight in order to keep the bridge stable, and if Honor it drifts too far to either side, the Photo by Lance Cpl. Bruno J. Bego results could be disastrous. Lance Cpls. Alexander F. Maloof and Kevin E. Campos , a personnel retrieval and processing specialist swith Personnel Retrieval and Processing Detachment, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), fold a “Safety is of the utmost im- flag July 13, 2011, aboard Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan. portance in missions like this,” said Brannen. “On top of the Personnel retrieval and processing: Bringing heroes home usual mechanical problems we also have civilians in the area roes and all of us in the shop take pride in what Lance Cpl. Bruno J. Bego fishing and boating. Marines we do,” Lance Cpl. Kevin E. Campos, from 2nd MLG (FWD) Public Affairs always have to be aware.” Sacramento, Calif., a personnel retrieval and Although the Marines did CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – Marines with processing specialist with 2nd MLG (Fwd.). make it through the mission the Personnel Retrieval and Processing Detach- “As a Marine, I think it’s a relief to know Ma- safely, transporting all the ve- ment, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) at rines are taking care of their own.” hicles, they know that with Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, are on call 24 hours According to Campos, there is no certain rank a day, seven days a week to take care their own or age required to enter this job, but the few who each similar mission, they in Southern Helmand province. are a part of it are extremely proud of their trade. must be equally as well pre- The PRP specialist military occupational spe- “I can’t explain the feeling when we receive pared and alert. cialty is a reserve-only field, and they constantly that call, and we are told that it is one of our “We do this pretty regularly, deploy overseas to current and previous combat own,” Campos concluded. “I don’t think we’ll so we know what to expect, but zones, such as Japan and Vietnam. ever get used to the feeling, but we understand we always keep an eye out for “To me it is an honor and a privilege to have that our job is important … nobody is better fit- trouble. In the water, anything the responsibility to take care of these fallen he- ted for this duty than a Marine.” can happen,” said Brannen.

Commanding General Public Affairs Officers Public Affairs Chief Brig. Gen. Michael G. Dana 1st Lt. Joshua Smith (FWD) Staff Sgt. Theresa E. Seng (FWD) 2nd Lt. James F. Stenger Sergeant Major Press Chief Sgt. Maj. William T. Stables Combat Correspondents Sgt. Justin J. Shemanski Sgt. Rachael Moore (FWD) Command Master Chief LCpl. Bruno J. Bego (FWD) CMDCM Russell W. Folley