Combat Logistics Battalion 1’s blog

AR-RAMADI, Iraq (August 9, 2008) –Marines with Combat Logistics Company 111 designed and built a Southwest Asia hut mover, saving the Marine Corps thousands of dollars with each hut moved.

Staff Sgt. James L. Aultman, operations chief, CLC-111, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, took the initiative to design a SWA hut mover made up of two support beams that connect to a 17 ft. spreader bar. The design supports the weight of a 10,000 pound hut when it’s being lifted by a 25 ton crane. “I came up with the design and the welders did the rest,” said Aultman.

“The SWA hut mover saves the Marine Corps money by moving the old ones instead of rebuilding them,” said Sgt. Nathan N. Nitch, heavy equipment non-commissioned officer in charge, CLC-111.

Each SWA hut costs more than $10,000 to build. “It takes 30 Marines to build three SWA huts a day,” said Aultman. The lifter and a working party of five Marines can move one in 30 minutes.

After the support beams are in place, the SWA huts are lifted so Marines can knock out the legs. When the foundation is removed, the huts are loaded on a truck to be relocated for their next use.

The Marine Corps and Army use the SWA huts for offices, living quarters and briefing rooms. “After the huts are moved, all they need is someone to splice the electrical hookup, then they are good to go,” said Cpl. Chris R. Yohe, heavy equipment operator, CLC-111.

Many of the SWA huts are being relocated in preparation to turn the southern part of Camp Ramadi to the Iraqi Army.

“There are 35 more SWA huts that are scheduled to be moved before Combat Logistics Battalion 5 comes to replace us,” said Chief Warrant Officer-2 Robert D. Nielsen, executive officer, CLC-111. “We will give the SWA hut mover to them so they can utilize it.”

“Why waste money rebuilding SWA huts when we have serviceable ones,” said Nielsen. “The Marine Corps has already saved more than $100,000 by using good property instead of being wasteful.”

Since the creation of Aultman’s SWA hut mover, the Marine Corps has saved money and man hours by using the simple design and a handful of motivated Marines.

 “The ingenuity of the younger guys makes it possible,” said Nielsen. “They never say no and make stuff happen.”

AR-RAMADI, Iraq (August 6, 2008) – Combat Logistics Company 111, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, works hard repairing vehicles, so others can continue on with their mission.

“My job here is to keep the gear on the road,” said Lance Cpl. Larry R. Hepner, a mechanic with CLC-111. “What I do makes it possible for the grunts to keep on doing their job.”

Hepner fixes logistics vehicle systems, 7-ton trucks and humvees. In the last month, he’s been repairing roughly two humvees per day. “I can bust them out like it’s cool,” said Hepner, 21, from Moline, Ill.

The CLC-111 mechanics shop provides mechanical services for eight different Marine Corps and Army units. They repair an average of 18 engines a month. The shop also provides maintenance to utility and heavy equipment vehicles.

“I work on heavy equipment,” said Cpl. Justin R. Root, who is a HE mechanic with CLC-111. “Before any equipment leaves the shop, I inspect it to make sure the problem it came in with is fixed.”

CLC-111 repairs the equipment that is vital to completing the mission in and around Camp Ramadi. The barriers are located all around base to protect the people who work there.

“All the barriers here are put up by the 25-ton cranes and (Tractor, Rubber tired, Articulate steering, Multi-purpose vehicle),” said Root, 21. “The barriers are here to protect us from indirect fire shrapnel.”

With all the military vehicles needing preventive maintenance, there are a lot of dangerous materials that need to be disposed of.

“I properly dispose of all hazardous materials for every unit that uses this shop,” said Lance Cpl. Deivi Rivera, a hazardous material representative with CLC-111. Rivera has disposed of more than 200 batteries, 300 oil filters and 2,300 gallons of hazardous materials in the last five months.

“The Marines here are keeping everyone else up and running,” said Gunnery Sgt. Eric S. Carlsson, the maintenance chief with CLC-111. “They are always ready for more work.”

FALLUJAH, Iraq (July 7, 2008) – When Marines are busy with the mission at hand, visits to the exchanges take a back seat to mission accomplishment.

To alleviate this, the mobile exchange brings the goods to them, so no matter where they are they can get the goods they desire.

The mobile exchange is a trailer stocked from top-to-bottom with just about anything a Marine may need. Anything from hygiene products, magazines, movies, tools, knives, snacks and drinks can be found in the convenient mobile exchange.

There are four locations in al-Anbar Province that send out mobile exchanges to the Marines in the more remote areas. The exchange has its own security element, so they can operate independently and reach more Marines.

Staff Sgt. Ric A. Anikanov, Western Exchange Services Team Leader, Headquarters and Service Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, is in charge of one of the many trailers. He makes sure Marines have the opportunity to get what they need despite risks that come with being outside the wire.

He is assisted by his driver who strives to keep them out of harm’s way.

“My job as the driver is to place him where he is as safe as possible,” said Sgt. Eliezer Perez, a 22-year-old mobile exchange driver and line noncommissioned officer, Motor Transport Company, CLB-1.

Perez, from Vineland, N.J., stressed the importance of making sure everybody can get in and out of the exchange trailer while staying in a safe environment.

“(Having a mobile exchange come to us) is easier with all the work we’re doing out here,” said Sgt. Edward J. Mitchell, a 35-year-old squad leader with 1st squad, 3rd platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1. “To get the Marines up (to Fallujah) to get what they need would be a logistical nightmare.”

Mitchell said his Marines also purchase snacks and microwavable food to add variety to their diets.

“It’s just a break from the monotony of the same food,” Mitchell said.

“A lot of these guys get energy drinks because of the hours they work, some of them need it,” said Staff Sgt. Alan E. Nichols, 27, from Toomsboro, Ga., platoon sergeant for 1st platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1.

Many Marines also purchased movies and speakers so they can enjoy some entertainment during their down-time, Nichols said.

Marines in Combat Outpost Blackhawk asked for blankets, a rarity for Iraq, and Anikanov was happy to oblige making things a little easier for the service members at the COP.

Nichols added that when they bring a disbursing Marine with the exchange trucks, it makes things a lot more convenient. That way, Marines can have access to their funds and deal with their allotments.

“I’m here for one purpose and that’s for every Marine to get through this truck,” Anikanov said.

FALLUJAH, Iraq (July 8, 2008)- Civilian contractors who work with Maintenance Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group were awarded Certificates of Appreciation here, July 8.

The eight civilians were recognized for their support while working alongside Maintenance Marines to recover military assets outside friendly lines.

“We’re just here to support the Marines … no matter what the conditions are,” said Don V. Tremain, a 45-year-old recovery mechanic from Grand Rapids, Mich.

The civilian contractors explained that although working in Iraq is difficult and the conditions usually extreme, they are proud to be doing their part alongside service members.

 “I am proud to say that I work with the Marines,” said Chris Farmer, a recovery mechanic.  “Every time we go out with the Marines, they are great and we appreciate their recognition,” said the 42-year old from Paris, Texas.

Dod P. Ireland, 54, from Lolo, Mont., who is a former Marine, said it was an honor to be working with his fellow Marines again.

Although most contractors are separated from their families who miss them, they remain dedicated to the Marines to help them complete their missions.

 They take risks everyday and that’s why it’s important to recognize their hard work, according to Lt. Col. David Nathanson, commanding officer, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, who handed the recovery mechanics their awards and also congratulated them for their work.

“They epitomize what patriotism is in my mind,” added Nathanson.

FALLUJAH, Iraq (July 4, 2008) – Marines and Sailors with Headquarters and Service Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, commemorated Independence Day by competing in a five-mile run here.

The 14 service members started the run early in the morning to beat the day’s quickly rising heat.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Delfino Vega, a 38-year-old, leading petty officer, Battalion Aid Station, H&S Co., CLB-1 and 1st Sgt. David P Leach, 39, company first sergeant, H&S Co., CLB-1, were the fastest runners. They tied for first place with a time of 35 minutes and 38 seconds.

 “I think the most challenging part was just keeping my pace and staying hydrated,” said Lance Cpl. Ilisapeti M. Feleti, 25, from San Francisco, field wireman, H&S Co., CLB-1.

Staying mentally and physically fit while on deployment is important for the well-being of the Marines and Sailors and overall effectiveness of the whole unit, said Leach, from Hatfield, Penn.

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After the event, the participants cooled down and stretched, then received a certificate of completion for showing their support.

“I would have loved to have been back home enjoying fireworks with my family,” said Vega, from Sunnyvale, Calif. “But we’re here doing our part to help rebuild Iraq and I’m happy to be doing that.”

FALLUJAH, Iraq (July 4, 2008) – Civilian contractors who support Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group were awarded Certificates of Appreciation here on Independence Day.

The nine contractors were handed their awards by CLB-1’s Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. David Nathanson, who thanked them for their service and support to all the Marines they work with.

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The contractors show their patriotism by choosing to work here along with Marines, supporting them on a daily basis, he added.

“There is not a day I don’t see your assets go outside, facing the same risks as my Marines,” Nathanson said.

The contractors were glad to receive the recognition and will continue to work alongside the Marines as long as it’s necessary, explained Bryan M. Walsh, from Melbourne, Fla., who is a convoy commander.

Walsh added that most contractors he works with have been in Iraq for two to four years working with Marines and they enjoy doing so.

 “I would like all of us to remember that we are part of something bigger,” said Jeffery Lang Wilson VIII, 38, from Houston, a combat logistics specialist. “We are brothers and sisters, part of mother America and right now she needs us.”

Many of the contractors who were awarded had been in the service themselves or had relatives who had also served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“I was active duty for five years,” said Jason Rosenburg, a heavy truck driver from Troy, W. Va. “This, to me, is another way to support (the troops).”

Rosenburg, who was a Soldier, explained how working in Iraq is very rewarding to him, but hard for his family who rarely sees him.

In the meantime, he and the other contractors he works with have become “one big, happy family.”

Rosenburg added working in Iraq is also difficult because of the conditions of some roads.

“Most roads are decent, but there are hard bypasses where the roads are just plain dirt,” explained Rosenburg. The harsh conditions they put up with are worth it to serve the Marines and accomplish the mission, he added.

The contractors were grateful for their Certificate of Appreciation, and said that they will continue to work with Marines deployed as long as it’s necessary.  

“It’s just a privilege to be working out here with all of you,” Walsh said. “When the last (service member) goes home, I’ll go home.”

FALLUJAH, Iraq (June 29, 2008) – Marines with Security Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group conducted medical evacuation training here, June 29.

The exercise tested the Marines’ response time and their ability to evacuate those who are injured quickly after an incident resulting in casualties

“It was good training. It let us know where the kinks were and what we need to work out,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Daniel L. Matzke, 30, from Alamosa, Colo., hospital corpsman, Security Co., CLB-1.

 The scenario required the Marines to evacuate four “casualties” from the convoy commander’s vehicle. This became a problem because three of the “casualties” were “unconscious” and there weren’t enough vehicles to transport them all to Fallujah Surgical.

The Marines learned that if they faced the same situation in a real event, they could use other means of medical evacuation.

“If we have more casualties than vehicles, we need to use alternate casualty evacuation,” Matzke said.

Time is crucial when dealing with unconscious patients because you don’t know exactly what’s wrong with them, Matzke added.

Cpl. Ruben Macias, vehicle commander, Security Co., CLB-1, explained the importance of the training that focused on caring for the injured as quickly as possible.

“Even though this was a training session, the Marines took it seriously,” added Macias, a 26-year-old from Brownsville, Texas.

FALLUJAH, Iraq (June 26, 2008) – The cool breeze from an air conditioning unit was the first sign of the new skills learned by the Iraqi Policemen during the Generator and Electrical Maintainer’s Course here.

This course, facilitated by Maintenance Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, was the first given to IPs who graduated June 26. The two previous courses trained Iraqi Army Soldiers.

The policemen were taught how to properly operate, troubleshoot and provide preventive maintenance for generators, as well as learn basic engineer wiring, said Staff Sgt. Kevin L. Hopp, a generator mechanic and course instructor with Maint. Co., CLB-1.

As the Iraqis take over their country, courses like this ensure that they will have it running properly. It also provides them valuable skills in the fields of electricity and mechanical workings.

During the week, the ten IPs worked in teams of five, switching from working with generators and air conditioning units, to electrical breakers and circuits. The IP’s also installed an air conditioning unit in the classroom, making it a better learning environment.

Wissum Faheed, a 27-year-old policeman from Fallujah, explained that most Iraqis have generators in their homes. In the Maintainer’s Course, they have an opportunity to learn about a different model and expand their knowledge of basic mechanics.

“Their mechanical skills are excellent. We concentrate on the electrical part,” added Hopp, a 29-year-old, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, about the IP’s skills when working with generators.

“They are learning how to implement wire safety, make repairs on their own and be self-sufficient,” said Sgt. Gregory A. Costa, an electrician and course instructor with Engineer Company, CLB-1. “This is a perfect example of how the battlefield is constantly changing. (We’re) getting to help these guys out and giving them skills they can take home and use.”

Their prowess with the various units will give them background with the machines and a marketable job skill.

Costa explained how teaching the IP’s is easier thanks to the interpreters’ great job in helping the instructors.  Working with the Iraqis has also helped him learn a few Arabic phrases. Practicing the language helps the interaction with his students who are enthusiastic about sharing their culture to show appreciation.

“We feel comfortable about our new experiences and learning new things about the generators and electricity,” Faheed said.

At the end of the week, the policemen were tested on their individual skills by repairing the generator and a circuit board. They were also tested as a group by working together to electrically wire a small room.

“You can take (your new skills) back to your police station and train fellow policemen,” said Capt. Pedro B. Gomez, the 40-year-old commanding officer of Maint. Co., CLB-1, to the graduating class.

FALLUJAH, Iraq (June 25, 2008) – With the combined efforts of Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and American civilian doctors, two Cooperative Medical Engagements provided medical care to more than 870 locals here, June 24 and 25.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, facilitated the CME and Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, provided security and searched locals seeking medical aid.

Air Force Capt. Siddig A. Mirghani, a 30-year-old from Torrence, Calif., a public health officer, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade, who was one of the doctors during the CME, said he saw many patients sick from malnutrition, aches and joint pains.

“For those who had major illnesses, they were referred to the National Iraqi Assistance Center,” Mirghani said.

“We were able to help most people here with only three doctors,” Dr. Suzan Karim, 47, from Detroit, who attended to women and children.

During the CME, Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force’s Iraqi Women’s Engagement program brought along coloring books, crayons and interacted with the women while they waited to be seen by a doctor.

“It was fun interacting with the kids. They could be crying but then their faces would light up when we gave them candy,” said Cpl. Jasmine R. Sohns, a 26-year-old from Kaneohe, Hawaii and a motor transport operator, Motor Transport Company, CLB-1.

Before heading out, patients were provided free medicine and their children received a bag of school supplies.

For Mirghani, it’s important to make all parties focus on their jobs and work with patients to provide a secure environment.

“It went well. We saw a lot of patients and were able to give them (medicine),” Mirghani said. “It was a pleasure working with the Marines. They always provide the best security and the supplies were plentiful.”

FERRIS, Iraq (June 5, 2008) – Five women graduated a female searchers training course June 5, which prepared them to work alongside Iraqi Policemen at entry control points here.

The Sisters of Ferris, trained by Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, with support from Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, will inspect women for weapons, suicide vests, large amounts of cash and contraband at ECPs.

1st Lt. Kathryne B. Schilling, a 27-year-old native of Bethesda, Md., and training officer, CLB-1, explained the women’s training included personnel searching procedures, Iraqi Rule of Law and personal safety classes, as well as how to question for illegal contents.

Interpreters explained the lessons to break the language barrier between the “sisters” and the Marines, and the periods of instruction were followed by practical application.

 “The interpreters do a very good job of explaining things, but we do hands on training that is very helpful,” said Schilling.

They hid contraband on their persons, to test each other’s effectiveness, added Schilling as an example of the practical application.

The women were also taught weapon safety then fired AK-47 rifles and pistols. Afterward they received on-the-job training as the Marines stepped back to watch them apply their knowledge.

 “If it’s the locals doing the searching then they have a better background knowledge of who the locals are, what’s normal and (can) build trust in the community,” said Sgt. Shelly R. Ledyard, 25, from Wauseon, Ohio, who trained the Sisters of Ferris.

A “sister” said she volunteered for the job to provide an income and to help make the city safer.

“It’s a great program because a lot of (women) want to be proactive and help Iraq,” Ledyard said.

The Marines and “sisters” also learned about each other’s culture through the week’s interaction.

One “sister” said the first day of training was the first time she had met Marines. Before, she thought they were scary but working with them showed her otherwise.

“It took a little bit to relax but by the end of the first day everyone was more comfortable toward each other,” said Ledyard.

During the last training day, the women reviewed the lessons taught. They also provided feedback for future “sisters.” Soon afterwards, a graduation ceremony was held and they received diplomas.

“The (Iraqi) people have never had female searchers, but they have to accept it because we must search them,” said a “sister,” of her new job.