CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Combat Logistics Regiment 2 relinquished responsibilities to the 1st Marine Logistics Group Forward during a Transfer of Authority ceremony here, March 24.
"When we came out there was nothing here," said Col. John W. Simmons, commanding officer of CLR-2. "The Marines got up every morning and did what had to be done."
The ceremony included the casing of the CLR-2 colors by the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Simmons and Sgt. Maj. Craig W. Chaplick, which signifies the completion of CLR-2's mission. The 1st MLG colors were then uncased by the commanding general, Brig. Gen Charles L. Hudson and Sgt. Maj. Antonio N. Vizcarrondo Jr.
"I'm very confident that [1st MLG Forward] will continue to build on the success Col. Simmons and his Marines and Sailors have been able to accomplish these past eleven months," said Hudson, from Zirconia, N.C.
Other than building on the success of CLR-2, 1st MLG's mission is to help and assist with the redeployment of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade as they return to Camp Lejeune, and support the 1st Marine Division while they conduct counterinsurgency operations, stated Hudson.
After the casing and uncasing of the units' colors, the commanders gave their remarks to visiting guests and Marines.
"I'm very proud of what theses Marines have done, individually, as a unit and as a team," said Simmons.
After 1st MLG (FWD) officially took control, the Marines were excited for what the future has in store for them.
"It's been amazing so far," said Cpl. Jeremy Garland, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st MLG (FWD). "I look forward to doing big things here," said Garland, 23, from Orange County, Calif.
The 1st MLG (FWD) will provide logistical support to Marines for approximately a year, when they will transfer authority to another unit.