CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan -- Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) stood in formation eagerly awaiting the official end of their tour in Afghanistan, April 17.
CLB-1 relinquished responsibility to CLB-5, 1st MLG (Fwd) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan.
The ceremony is a Marine Corps tradition that formally symbolizes the continuity of command authority. As CLB-5 prepared to take over, CLB-1 worked alongside them, offering their experience to the incoming group.
During their deployment, CLB-1 conducted 270 combat logistics patrols in southern Helmand Province. They provided direct support to infantry units primarily at Forward Operating Bases Payne, Geronimo and Hanson. The Marines and sailors provided food, water and gear via combat logistics patrols to the aforementioned FOBs as well as to units in other isolated areas.
CLB-1 travelled nearly 400,000 miles during their resupply and retrograde operations.
The incoming commander spoke to CLB-1 about their achievements throughout their time in Afghanistan.
“You have set the bar extremely high,” said Lt. Col. Robert Meade, commanding officer, CLB-5. “We will strive to reach that level.”
As CLB-1 transferred authority, the Commanding General of 1st MLG (Fwd), Brig. Gen. John Broadmeadow, expressed appreciation for the efforts of the unit.
“All of you from CLB-1 have done superbly and have gone beyond my expectations,” said Brig. Gen. Broadmeadow. “Marines and sailors, thank you very much for everything you’ve done.”
Brig. Gen. Broadmeadow also spoke of the changes that will come for the incoming unit.
“You have a challenging deployment ahead of you as we reshape this battlespace,” said Brig. Gen. Broadmeadow. “CLB-5 as you step into this job, I have every confidence that you are ready.”
During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Michael Stehle, commanding officer, CLB-1, also expressed his gratitude for the efforts of his Marines.
“I couldn’t be more proud of you in everything that you accomplished out here,” said Stehle. “You have earned a phenomenal reputation for yourselves because of your daily actions, your daily drive and your aggressive support to the mission. Job well done and mission accomplished.”