Combat Logistics Battalion 15

Combat Logistics Battalion 15
Combat Logistics Battalion 15
	CLB-15 Unit Crest
Active	15 October 1987 to present
Country	United States
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch	United States Marine Corps
Type	Combat Logistics
Role	Amphibious / Expeditionary
Size	Battalion
Part of	Combat Logistics Regiment 17 ; or ; 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit ; (when so assigned)
Garrison/HQ	Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Motto(s)	"Leaders in Combat Logistics"
Colors	Scarlet and Silver
Mascot(s)	Atlas (mythology)
Anniversaries	35 years active on 15 Oct 2022
Engagements	Operation Fiery Vigil ; Southwest Asia Cease Fire Campaign; Operation Restore Hope ; Operation Support Hope ; Operation Vigilant Warrior ; Operation Southern Watch ; Operation Stabilize; Operation Enduring Freedom ; Operation Iraqi Freedom ; Operation Unified Assistance
Commanders
Current; commander	LtCol Linsay Mathwick; as of 01 October 2021
Notable; commanders	MajGen Charles L. Hudson ; 10 Aug 1990 to 6 Sep 1990; LtGen Robert R. Ruark ; 19 Feb 1999 to 24 Aug 2000

Last updated January 25, 2024

Combat Logistics Battalion 15 (CLB-15) is a military logistics battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Camp Pendleton, California. It consists of approximately 275 Marines and Sailors. It is part of Combat Logistics Regiment 17 within the 1st Marine Logistics Group (1st MLG), I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF). When assigned under the operational control of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU), it becomes the Logistics Combat Element (LCE) providing expeditionary combat logistics support to all supported elements of the Marine Expeditionary Unit. CLB-15 has two sister MEU CLBs also based out of Camp Pendleton: CLB-11 and CLB-13.

Mission

Provide expeditionary combat logistics to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in order to enable accomplishment of all assigned missions across a wide spectrum of conventional and selected maritime special operations.

Subordinate units

Headquarters Company(S-1, S-2/3, S-4, S-6, Supply)
Combat Logistics Company (Engineers, Landing Support, Motor Transport)
Maintenance Detachment (Maintainers, Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Welders)
Health Services Detachment (Battalion Aid Station, Dental, Shock Trauma)
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Detachment

History and lineage

Inception and early years (1987–1991)

Marine Amphibious Unit Service Support Group 15 (MSSG-15) was activated on 15 October 1987 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton California and was assigned to the 1st Force Service Support Group (1st FSSG). The battalion's intended purpose was to serve, when so assigned and on a scheduled rotational basis, as the Combat Service Support Element (CSSE) for the 15th Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU). The battalion was redesignated as Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group (MSSG-15) on 5 February 1988 to reflect the renaming of the 15th MAU to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). During October 1989, elements of MSSG-15, under the operational control of the 15th MEU, participated in the Loma Prieta earthquake relief efforts in the San Francisco Bay Area of California by performing their assigned relief missions and also taking on several volunteer projects to help the victims of the disaster. During their routine amphibious deployment beginning in June 1991, MSSG-15, under the 15th MEU, participated in Operation Fiery Vigil by assisting in the evacuation of designated personnel from the Republic of the Philippines after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo. Later in the summer of 1991 elements of MSSG-15, under the 15th MEU, participated in support of the Southwest Asia Cease Fire campaign following Operation Desert Storm after relieving the 11th MEU.

Post Desert Storm years (1992–2000)

From December 1992 to January 1993, MSSG-15, under the 15th MEU, participated in Operation Restore Hope to assist in the civil war torn and famine stricken country of Somalia. While in Somalia, MSSG-15 supported the securing of the capital city of Mogadishu and the American Embassy on the first day then quickly moved out to outlying areas of Berbera, Baido and Kismayo to assist with food distribution convoys and help restore order. From July through August 1994, MSSG-15, under the 15th MEU, participated in Operation Support Hope in Rwanda and then later assisted in the relocation of the United States Liaison Office from Mogadishu, Somalia to Nairobi, Kenya. From September through October 1994, MSSG-15 participated in support of Operation Vigilant Warrior as part of the Southwest Asia Cease Fire Campaign following Operation Desert Storm. In February 1996 and again in July 1997, MSSG-15, under the 15th MEU, participated in Operation Southern Watch once again in Southwest Asia. In February 2000, MSSG-15, under the 15th MEU, participated in support of the Australian-led Operation Stabilize in East Timor.

Post 9/11 years (2001–2009)

In September 2001, MSSG-15 again participated in support of Operation Stabilize in East Timor. From October 2001 through January 2002, MSSG-15, under the 15th MEU, participated in Operation Enduring Freedom by supporting an amphibious assault over 400 miles into the land-locked country of Afghanistan. Landing at a remote airbase 90 miles southwest of Kandahar, MSSG-15 supported the establishment of Camp Rhino, America's first Forward Operating Base in country while maintaining the first significant conventional ground presence in Afghanistan. MSSG-15 later moved north to Kandahar International Airport securing a new forward operating base. With the move, MSSG-15 was able to continue to support new missions and support the building of a prison camp that housed numerous Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters. In November 2001, concurrent with actions occurring in Afghanistan, elements of MSSG-15 participated in support of humanitarian efforts in Djibouti.

In February 2003, MSSG-15, under the 15th MEU, deployed to Kuwait in support of what was then known as Operation Enduring Freedom. From March 2003 through July 2003, MSSG-15 participated in what began Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and the invasion of coalition forces into Iraq to topple the regime of Saddam Hussein. During February and March 2003, tactical control of the 15th MEU was assigned to the United Kingdom's 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines for OIF. On 21 March 2003, elements of MSSG-15 crossed the border into Southern Iraq and supporting the securing of the port of Umm Qasr and enabled follow-on humanitarian assistance to begin. By late March 2003, elements of MSSG-15 (with the 15th MEU now back under I Marine Expeditionary Force) moved to An Nasiriyah, Iraq to relieve the Marines of Task Force Tarawa. Elements of MSSG-15 provided humanitarian assistance to the local population that included purifying drinking water, immediate medical care, helping establish the local government, police, and other local services.

From December 2004 through January 2005, MSSG-15 participated in support of Operation Unified Assistance in Southern Asia supporting the 2004 Indonesian tsunami relief efforts by providing disaster relief to survivors of a massive tsunami in Sumatra, Indonesia, and southern Sri Lanka. Following this period, the battalion was redesignated as Combat Logistics Battalion 15 (CLB-15) on 15 March 2006 and assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group (1st MLG). The redesignation from MSSG-15 to CLB-15 was as a result of the larger logistics reorganization from the 1st FSSG to the 1st MLG. The battalion's intended purpose remained to serve, when so assigned and on a scheduled rotational basis, as the Logistics Combat Element (LCE) for the 15th MEU.

From November 2006 through May 2007, CLB-15 once again participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom. CLB-15, under the 15th MEU, was committed into Iraq to support area commanders in the Al Anbar Province. Spread throughout the region from Korean Village in Ar Rutba, to Ramadi, and the Haditha triad, CLB-15 supported security actions to the area which enabled the establishment of Iraqi law enforcement, economic progress, and the creation of local Iraqi government. Due in part to their successes, the needs of the area commanders, and being part of the Multi-National Force-Iraq "surge" to defeat insurgent forces across the country, the CLB-15, under the 15th MEU was extended twice, turning what was supposed to be a six-month deployment into almost nine months.

Post Afghanistan and Iraq years (2010–2013)

From August through October 2010 and during a routine Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment, torrential rains ravaged Pakistan and caused major flooding throughout the country. As a result, CLB-15 participated in humanitarian relief supporting Pakistan flood relief efforts. In the final weeks of September 2010, CLB-15 assisted in the rescue and life support of 62 Ethiopian and Somali immigrants at sea from their disabled skiff. The rescued persons stayed aboard the USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52) into early November 2010 where they were given medical care, food, water, and clothes by CLB-15 before being patriated to Kenya. CLB-15 completed her WESTPAC deployment in December 2010 and from February to September 2012 conducted its rigorous pre-deployment training program (PTP) under the operational control of the 15th MEU.

In September 2012, CLB-15 was deployed for WESTPAC 12–02 with all elements of the 15th MEU: CLB-15 (a.k.a. "Blackout"), 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (a.k.a. "Darkhorse"), and Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364(rein) (a.k.a. "Purple Foxes"); as well as all elements of PHIBRON Three: USS Rushmore (LSD-47), USS Peleliu (LHA-5), and USS Green Bay (LPD-20). On 15 October 2012 CLB-15 celebrated her 25th anniversary during a small but formal battalion colors re-dedication ceremony on the flight deck of the USS Rushmore (LSD-47) just prior to pulling into the liberty port of Darwin, Australia. During this deployment, CLB-15 participated in several major named exercises: Exercise Eager Mace at Camp Buehring near the Udairi Range Complex in Kuwait, Exercise Iron Magic in the United Arab Emirates, and Exercise Red Reef in Saudi Arabia as well as sustainment training ashore in Djibouti. Of additional note during this deployment, and to coincide with the beginning of Fiscal Year 2013, CLB-15 was redesignated as a monitored command code (MCC 1US). As such, the battalion is now manned and equipped from Headquarters, Marine Corps vice ad hoc personnel and equipment sourcing from internal to the 1st MLG. CLB-15 returned to home station at Camp Pendleton in May 2013 following the completion of WESTPAC 12–02.

Honors awarded

Presidential Unit Citation (United States) Streamer (Iraq 2003)

Joint Meritorious Unit Award Streamer (Somalia 1992–93)

Navy Unit Commendation Streamer with Four Bronze Stars (Southwest Asia 1990–91, 1994, 1997–98; Afghanistan 2001–02; Iraq 2006–07)

Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer with Four Bronze Stars (1987–89, 1995–97, 2000, 2004–05, 2010)

National Defense Service Medal Streamer with One Bronze Star

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Streamer with Two Bronze Stars

Southwest Asia Service Medal Streamer with One Bronze Star

Afghanistan Campaign Medal Streamer with Two Bronze Stars

Iraqi Campaign Medal Streamer with Four Bronze Stars

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Streamer

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Streamer

Related Research Articles

A Marine expeditionary unit is the smallest air-ground task force (MAGTF) in the United States Fleet Marine Force. Each MEU is an expeditionary rapid reaction force ready to any crisis, whether it be disaster aid or a combat mission. Marine amphibious unit (MAU) was the name used until the late 1980s.

The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit is one of seven such units currently in existence in the United States Marine Corps. It is a Marine Air Ground Task Force with a strength of about 2,200 personnel. They are currently based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and fall under the command of the II Marine Expeditionary Force. It is the most decorated of the U.S. Marine Corps' seven MEUs.

The 1st Marine Logistics Group is a logistics unit of the United States Marine Corps and is headquartered at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, with several subordinate elements also located at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms.

In the United States Marine Corps, a Marine Air–Ground Task Force is the principal organization for all missions across the range of military operations. MAGTFs are a balanced air–ground, combined arms task organization of Marine Corps forces under a single commander that is structured to accomplish a specific mission. The MAGTF was formalized by the publishing of Marine Corps Order 3120.3 in December 1963 "The Marine Corps in the National Defense, MCDP 1-0". It stated:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2nd Battalion, 11th Marines</span> Military unit

2nd Battalion, 11th Marines (2/11) is an artillery battalion comprising four firing batteries and a Headquarters Battery. The battalion is stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Its primary weapon system is the M777 lightweight howitzer. The battalion was the first in the Marine Corps to fully transition from the M198 Howitzer. They fall under the command of the 11th Marine Regiment and the 1st Marine Division.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marine Wing Support Squadron 274</span> Military unit

Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 (MWSS-274) is an aviation ground support unit of the United States Marine Corps. They are based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. The squadron falls under the command of Marine Wing Support Group 27 and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Combat Logistics Battalion 7(CLB 7) is a logistics battalion of the United States Marine Corps. The unit is based out of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California and falls under the command of the 1st Marine Logistics Group and I Marine Expeditionary Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion</span> Assault amphibian battalion

3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion is one of two active duty assault amphibian battalions in the United States Marine Corps. The battalion's primary weapon system is the Amphibious Assault Vehicle or AAV. The AAV is a 27.5-ton armored vehicle that carries up to 21 combat-loaded Marines and is armed with the UGWS, which mounts a .50 cal (12.7 mm) M2HB machine gun and a Mk-19 40 mm grenade launcher. The battalion is also equipped with the Amphibious Combat Vehicle or ACV, a rather new variant to the USMC’s amphibious armament which will replace the AAV in years to come. The AAV ACV are the only armored vehicles in the U.S. inventory that are fully capable of operations both on land and in the ocean. The battalion is part of the 1st Marine Division and the I Marine Expeditionary Force. The unit is based in Camp Pendleton, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">7th Engineer Support Battalion</span> Military unit

The 7th Engineer Support Battalion is an engineering support unit of the United States Marine Corps and is headquartered at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The unit falls under the command of 1st Marine Logistics Group and the I Marine Expeditionary Force.

1st Medical Battalion is a unit of the United States Marine Corps operated by the United States Navy that provides expeditionary Health Service Support to Marine Corps forces forward deployed to operations or humanitarian missions. The unit is based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and falls under the command of 1st Marine Logistics Group.

The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit is one of seven Marine Expeditionary Units currently in existence in the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air Ground Task Force with a strength of about 2,200 personnel. The MEU consists of a command element, a reinforced infantry battalion, a composite helicopter squadron and a logistics combat element. The 11th MEU is currently based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California with headquarters in Camp Del Mar.

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is one of seven Marine Expeditionary Units currently in existence in the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air Ground Task Force with a strength of about 2,200 personnel. The MEU consists of a command element, a reinforced infantry battalion, a composite aviation squadron and a combat logistics battalion. The 13th MEU is currently based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">15th Marine Expeditionary Unit</span> Military unit

The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit is one of seven such units currently in existence in the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) with a strength of about 2,200 personnel. The MEU consists of a command element, a reinforced infantry battalion, a composite helicopter squadron and a combat logistics battalion. The 15th MEU is currently based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is one of seven Marine Expeditionary Units in existence in the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air Ground Task Force with a strength of about 2,200 Marines and sailors. The 31st MEU consists of a company-sized command element, a battalion landing team (BLT),, a medium tiltrotor squadron (reinforced),, and a combat logistics battalion. The 31st MEU is based at Camp Hansen, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan. The 31st MEU is the only permanently forward-deployed MEU, and provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military, humanitarian, and diplomatic operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

Combat Logistics Battalion 2 (CLB-2) is a logistics unit of the United States Marine Corps (USMC), which provides direct combat service support to Regimental Combat Team 2 (RCT-2). CLB-2 was formed after its second deployment to Iraq in 2005 as a part of the reorganization of the 2nd Force Service Support Group. The battalion falls under Combat Logistics Regiment 2 and the 2nd Marine Logistics Group and is headquartered at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in the USA.

Combat Logistics Battalion 24 (CLB-24) is a logistics battalion of the United States Marine Corps. They are part of Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. The unit is based out of the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and is in direct support of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Combat Logistics Battalion 22 (CLB-22) is a logistics battalion of the United States Marine Corps. They are part of Combat Logistics Regiment 2 and the 2nd Marine Logistics Group. The unit is based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and is in direct support of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Combat Logistics Battalion 11 (CLB-11) is a logistics battalion of the United States Marine Corps. When not deployed they are part of Headquarters Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group. The unit is based out of the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California and when deployed provides combat logistical support to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Combat Logistics Battalion 13 (CLB-13) is a logistics battalion of the United States Marine Corps. In garrison, it falls under the command of Combat Logistics Regiment 17 and the 1st Marine Logistics Group; however, when deployed, it forms the logistics combat element of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The battalion is based out of the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

Combat Logistics Battalion 31 (CLB-31) is a logistics battalion of the United States Marine Corps. CLB-31 is the Logistics Combat Element (LCE) of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the only continuously forward-deployed MEU in the Marine Corps.

References

Notes: This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps .

Web

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.

v t e 1st Marine Logistics Group
Combat Logistics Regiment 1	1st Transportation Support Battalion Combat Logistics Battalion 1 Combat Logistics Battalion 5 Combat Logistics Battalion 7
Combat Logistics Regiment 17	Combat Logistics Battalion 11 Combat Logistics Battalion 13 Combat Logistics Battalion 15
Other Battalions	7th Engineer Support Battalion 1st Dental Battalion 1st Supply Battalion 1st Maintenance Battalion 1st Medical Battalion Combat Logistics Company 11 Combat Logistics Company 16