1st MLG tests ship-to-ship connectors

ANNIVERSARY 1st MLG celebrates 67 years of service

VIETNAM Q&A with Sgt. Nguyen

AFGHANISTAN CLB-7 turret gunners keep Marines safe

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July4. CLB-7 turret gunners keep Marines safe8. 1st MLG’s 67th anniversary10. Marines refresh ground, combat leadership skills14. CLB-15 conducts pre-deployment training18. 1st MLG tests ship-to-ship connectors22. 7th ESB holds change of command

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On the Cover

Brig. Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese, Com-manding General, 1st Marine Logistics Group, attaches a battle streamer, representing a unit award, to 1st MLG’s battle colors during an anni-versary ceremony held in honor of the unit’s 67 years of dedicated service aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 15, 2014.

Features 24. Marine serves 32 years in Marine Corps 28. Sgt. Nguyen speaks on his life in a refugee camp

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COMMANDING GENERALBrig. Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese

SERGEANT MAJORSgt. Maj. Richard D. Thresher

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER1st Lt. Savannah Moyer

1st Lt. Thomas Gray

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CHIEFStaff Sgt. Lynn Kinney

COMBAT CORRESPONDENTSSgt. Sarah FioccoSgt. Laura Gauna

Cpl. Keenan ZelazoskiLance Cpl. Shaltiel Dominguez

CONTACT US: 760-763-7795

1MLG_Public_Affairs@usmc.mil

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TURRET GUNNERS

CLB-7 turret gunners keep Marines safe

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TURRET GUNNERSStory and photos by: Sgt. Frances Johnson

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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – While most aboard Camp Leatherneck were eating breakfast as the early morning sun began burning the earth in a golden heat wave, turret gunners of Combat Logistics Battalion 7 were already mounting .50 caliber and M240B machine guns inside the turrets of their vehicles, preparing for one of the battalion’s last missions, July 14, 2014.

The gunners and the rest of the Marines from CLB-7 were at work for a few hours ensuring that they, as well as all of their gear, were

ready for another trip outside the wire to Patrol Base Boldak. “They’re the eyes and ears,” said 1st Lt. Andrew Gerdes, platoon commander of

1st Platoon with CLB-7. “They’re the muscle, making sure that everybody is safe. If anything happens, they can talk to their [vehicle commanders] and the VCs can talk to myself or my staff sergeant, so we can make decisions.”

“Being a gunner, it’s the best part of the convoy,” said Lance Cpl. Timothy Murphy, turret gunner and a 21-year-old native of Auburn, New York. “Everyone gets nervous, but the training we did before we came out here helped a lot.”

As the trucks and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles’ dust kicks up, nerves can be as sharp as the concertina wire surrounding the base. The turret gunners tighten the harness on their emotions to stay alert for their mission.

“Right before we’re about to depart friendly lines, I feel like there’s a different mindset that comes, and I’m closer to the people that I’ve worked with over a year now,” said Cpl. Alex Roberts, a turret gunner and weapons noncommissioned officer. “My gunners, to me, are my little brothers, and I just want them to be safe out there. We just have this special bond.”

“I’m always on the lookout for anything suspicious and report it up,” said Cpl. Jose Orozco, a turret gunner with CLB-7. “If we hear or see anything, we report it up immediately to the vehicle commanders.

“It feels good; we’re guardian angels for the whole convoy. We definitely have

a big responsibility,” said Orozco, of Lincoln, California. “Every time we go out, I still feel like something’s going to happen, but after time I feel more experienced, so it kind of makes it easier as we’ve gone on. It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

“Sometimes, I don’t want to say it like this, but it’s an adrenaline rush,” said Roberts, of Dunnellon, Florida. “Just that moment you’re up in the turret, you put your gear on, you make sure your weapon is good, it’s just like – you can see everything. It’s one of the most motivating things I’ve done in my whole life – even before I was a Marine. Knowing that you’re responsible for every person in the truck, everybody inside the convoy, knowing that you’re going to protect them no matter what, you’re here for them. It’s a lot to take in, but at the same time, I really love it. I love everything about weapons and just being a gunner.”

Through fair and unfavorable weather, the turret gunners are able to experience their deployment from a different point of view and observe life around them as they feel every bump, dip and curve in the Afghan roads that seem to feel more like the path less traveled.

“I’m glad I could experience all of this,” said Roberts. “It’s really a new way to see everything. We get to see not just the people, but a different culture and the way they act and just how they live.”

As the Marines of CLB-7 and CLB-1 completed their mission aboard Patrol Base Boldak, the gunners once again took the honor of gearing up to watch over their fellow brothers and sisters for the trip back to Camp Leatherneck.

“They’ve done phenomenal,” said Gerdes, a native of Huntingtown, Maryland. “They’re extremely proficient with their escalation of force procedures. They have prevented multiple situations from escalating and are just really proficient with the weapons systems as well. They can definitely handle their own behind both the .50 cal and M240. I feel safe with my gunners, and I wouldn’t want any other people up there.”

Turret gunners with Combat Logistics Battalion 7 motivate each other aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, July 14, 2014, prior to conducting a combat logistics patrol.

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After a combat logistics patrol, Cpl. Jose Orozco, left, and Lance Cpl. Timo-thy Murphy, turret gunners with Combat Logistics Battalion 7, place their M240B machine guns on the ground for final accountability aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, July 14, 2014. Orozco, Murphy and their fellow tur-ret gunners with CLB-7 act as the eyes and ears while being the guardian angels of each combat logistics patrol conducted during their deployment.

After a combat logistics patrol, Lance Cpl. Timothy Murphy, a turret gunner with Combat Logistics Battalion 7, places his M240B machine gun on the ground for final accountabil-ity aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, July 14, 2014. Mur-phy, a native of Auburn, N.Y., and his fellow turret gunners with CLB-7 act as the eyes and ears while being the guardian angels.

Turret gunners with Combat Logistics Battalion 7 prepare their vehicles be-fore a combat logistics patrol aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, July 14, 2014. The turret gunners with CLB-7 act as the eyes and ears while being the guardian angels of each combat logistics patrol conducted during their de-ployment. As the Marines of CLB-7 and CLB-1 completed their mission aboard PB Boldak, the gunners once again took the honor of gearing up to watch over their fellow brothers and sisters for the trip back to Camp Leatherneck.

Marines and sailors with 1st Marine Logistics Group salute Brig. Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese, Commanding General, 1st MLG, during a ceremony held in honor of the unit’s 67th anniversary aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 15, 2014.

1st Marine Logistics Group’s battle colors are presented to Brig. Gen. Vin-cent A. Coglianese, Commanding General, 1st MLG, and Sgt. Maj. Richard D. Thresher, the Group Sergeant Major.

CONTINUING ExCELLENCE1ST MLG CELEBRATES 67 YEARS OF SERVICE

Marines and sailors of 1st Marine Logistics Group celebrated their unit’s 67 years of dedicated service during a battle colors ceremony aboard Camp Pend-leton, Calif., July 16, 2014.

For more than half a century, the MLG has pro-vided troops on the ground with the logistical support

needed to complete their missions. The ceremony allowed Marines and sailors to pay homage to

the MLG’s illustrious history of providing combat logistics support all over the globe. Its past came to life as veterans and active duty Marines of 1st MLG presented battle streamers, representing unit awards, to the group’s Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese.

“These ceremonies are really important. It’s important that you watched as we attached the battle streamers [handed off by] the veterans and the alumni of this organization,” said Coglianese. “We stand on their shoulders. It’s important that we as Marines always remember our heritage and where we come from.”

The Group has deployed to Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan – where MLG Marines are still providing their logis-tical services.

“As I speak to you today, Combat Logistics Battalion 1 is flying into Afghanistan, and they’re about to relieve CLB-7, who has done a magnificent job,” said Coglianese. “I saw them off the other day,

and they just couldn’t wait to go. They know they’re part of Marine Corps history, as they will probably be the last CLB in Afghanistan.”

The CLBs are not the only MLG units currently deployed in sup-port of Operation Enduring Freedom. Earlier this year, a group of Marines, mostly pulled from 1st MLG, deployed to retrograde and systematically remove gear from the forward operating bases throughout Afghanistan as part of R4OG, the Redeployment and Retrograde in support of Reset and Reconstitute Operations Group.

“We have the R4OG, who was put together pretty quickly from everybody in this group. They went over there, and they’re doing a phenomenal job in the retrograde,” said Coglianese. “They’re knock-ing it out of the park. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Looking to the future, Coglianese said MLG will continue to pro-vide excellent support as the logistics combat element.

“The world’s a mess” said Coglianese. “It’s not ‘if’ we get called, it’s when. And when we do, 1st MLG will be ready.”

Story by: Sgt. Sarah Fiocco

Photo by: Sgt. Sarah Fiocco Photo by: Sgt. Sarak Fiocco

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Photo by: Cpl. Keenan Zelazoski

Tip of the spear:

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – “Con-tact!” shouted Staff Sgt. Harold E. Linsley as the Marines advanced through the firing line in a steady com-bat glide, engaging their targets with pinpoint accuracy. The rounds perfo-rated the cardboard targets in the torso and soon after, experienced instructors

assessed each Marine’s perfor-mance. The 22 Marines with 1st Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Ma-rine Logistics Group, conducted the combat marksmanship train-ing as part of the Combat Lead-ership Course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 9 – 20, 2014.

Throughout the course, Linsley, an Infantry Unit Lead-er and Chief Instructor with Combat Skills Training School, Headquarters Regiment, 1st MLG, and his team, brought valu-able experience from Afghanistan and Iraq to train the 1st Maintenance Bn. Marines on how to operate different weapons systems and ground combat skills.

“Every Marine is tasked with being a provisional rifleman across the board, regardless of their job specialization or rank,” said Linsley, a native of Mt. Vernon, Ohio. “To me, that means that every Marine needs to be able to pick up a rifle and func-tion in a provisional rifle platoon to close with and destroy the enemy.”

The Marines honed their combat marksmanship skills with their M4A1 carbines and M16A4 service rifles, as well as the M240B light machine gun. Furthermore, the students partici-pating in the course were taught to be trainers themselves and to provide instruction to other Marines under their command as part of the “Train the Trainer”concept.

“We focus on leadership,” said Linsley. “We train them so that when they go back to their parent commands, they’re able to provide quality training and instruction to their younger Ma-rines as well.”

The students came from different backgrounds and a wide spectrum of job specialties. This meant the instructors needed to ensure that quality training standards were kept constant for each Marine, despite the different pace of learning for each in-

dividual. “We invest a lot of time

in planning and coordinating the course to ensure that our instructors provide the best training possible,” said Capt. Jorge Alvareznunez, Officer-In-Charge with CST, HQ Reg., 1st MLG, and of Lake Elsinore, Calif. “The biggest thing is that we challenge all the students both physically and mentally. We have to ensure that they’re grasping everything and that we

are able to build them up.”Aside from learning how to operate weapons systems, the

students also refreshed basic infantry skills such as land naviga-tion, patrolling, setting up a defense and night operations. They received not only classroom instruction on the subjects, but also conducted practical application exercises, on which each stu-dent was evaluated by the instructors.

“This is our last training day and they’re letting small-unit leaders like us corporals take charge today,” said Cpl. Cesar Montesrodriguez, an Automotive Maintenance Technician with 1st Maintenance Bn., CLR-15, 1st MLG.

Montesrodriguez, a native of Los Angeles, is one of the Marines who will return to his unit with a few Marines under his charge. The new, junior Marines that make up the majority of the Marine Corps look to noncommissioned officers like him for guidance.

Marines refresh ground combat, leadership skills

Story and photos by: Lance Cpl. Shaltiel Dominguez

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“I feel that the course is important because it makes us well-rounded Ma-rines,” said Montesrodriguez. “You have your own job specialization, and you also learn to be proficient at combat skills. It’s a lot of valuable knowledge and skills.”

Despite not being typically in a ground combat role, the Marines of 1st Maintenance Bn., CLR-15, 1st MLG, are ensuring that they are combat ready all the time, and the instructors of CST, HQ Reg., 1st MLG are there to make sure

they succeed.“You never know when you’re go-

ing to get tasked out somewhere requir-ing you to be proficient at combat skills,” said Montesrodriguez. “If and when the time comes, you have to be ready.”

Marines with 1st Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, and Combat

Skills Training School, Headquarters Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group, assess

shot groups after a combat marksmanship drill as part of the Combat Leadership

Course conducted aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 20, 2014.

Marines with 1st Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, conduct a combat marksmanship drill as part of the Combat Leadership Course conducted aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 20, 2014. The course allowed Marines to operate different weapons systems and reinforced ground combat skills.

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ACT OF APPRECIATIONCLB-1 Marines enjoy breakfast prepared by church volunteersPhotos by: Lance Cpl. Shaltiel Dominguez

Volunteers with the Lake Forest branch, Saddleback Church, chat during downtime while providing breakfast to Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 25, 2014.

Lieutenant Col. Joon H. Um, commanding officer, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, chats with his Marines during a breakfast event prepared by volunteers from the Lake Forest branch, Saddleback Church, aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 25, 2014.

1st MLG participates in Motor T. Conference

Story and photos by: Lance Cpl. Shaltiel Dominguez

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – For Cpl. Kandice Barney, a Training Noncommissioned Officer with Support Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, attending the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Motor Transportation Conference for the very first time provided her a wealth of knowledge, which she can use to help her Marines progress in their careers.

“Right now, I’m learning about what the motor transportation community considers important,” said Barney, of Oakley, Utah. “Combat readiness is number one in the Marine Corps, and as long as I know what they’re expecting from my Marines, then I can provide them with training that will allow them to accomplish the mission.”

Alongside Barney, 45 Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, General Service Motor Transportation Company, 1st Maintenance Battalion, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, and other units with the 1st Marine Logistics Group participated in the motor transportation conference hosted by Marines with I MEF aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 10, 2014.

“The conference intends to bring together all the staff NCOs, operations officers and maintainers together to learn about new vehicles, equipment, training and procedures and how all that pertains to I

MEF and 1st MLG,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Ronald Talamantes, Motor Transport Operations Chief, 1st MLG. “We’ve become so logistically laden in the last 10-15 years, especially when it comes to motor transportation equipment. It’s important for all motor transport Marines to understand this stuff.”

During the conference, Marines were briefed by motor transportation operations staff from I MEF and personnel from the Oshkosh Corporation, a tactical vehicle manufacturer, on the latest applicable technologies and processes.

“Whether it’s an armored Humvee with a new fire suppression system or a Logistics Vehicle System Replacement with new trailers, we need operators and mechanics that understand the equipment and know how to operate it and this forum provides our Staff NCOs with up-to-date information so that they can better prepare their Marines,” said Talamantes, a native of Las Cruces, N.M.

In addition, the conference provided participants with an overview of the logistics and motor transportation side of the Marine Corps, and how the processes apply in a forward environment, where 1st MLG complements I MEF’s expeditionary capabilities.

“It’s a form of networking, bringing all the senior enlisted from 1st MLG and I MEF together, helping them understand each other’s functions and allowing them to build relationships, which enhances the interoperability between the units,” said Talamantes.

The conference was open to Marines at all levels. Some junior NCOs who participated in the conference said the meeting broadened their understanding of the Marine Corps’ logistics and motor transportation capabilities.

“It’s important to keep everyone at all levels well-informed,” said 1st Lt. Dominic Svatos, a Motor Transportation Platoon Commander with 7th ESB. “The more junior NCOs can disseminate the information effectively to their platoons and the information can filter down to the lower levels, keeping them updated.”

Ultimately, the forum created a dynamic environment where participants could communicate with each other freely and discuss current issues, improvements and solutions within the field of motor transport.

“The more information, the better,” said Svatos, a native of Kansas City, Mo. “This gets everyone together and we’re able to bring issues to the table, allowing us to discuss and provide solutions.”

Marines with 1st Marine Logistics Group and 1st Marine Expeditionary Force participate in a motor transportation conference aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 10, 2014. The event provided its participants with an overview of the logistics and motor transportation side of the Marine Corps.

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Story and photos by Lance Cpl. Shaltiel Dominguez

CLB-15conducts

pre-deployment training with

Special Operations Training Group

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W“We need food and water,” chanted the crowd loudly in Tagalog as they grew more and more restless. The few dozen Marines and sailors in the medical aid station did their best to keep the peace while providing treatment to casualties caused by a typhoon that ravaged the area.

These were just a few of the challenges faced by personnel with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, Headquarters Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group, during pre-deployment training with the Special Operations Training Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 16, 2014.

The training simulation, set up by SOTG with the help of role-players, put CLB-15’s Marines and sailors in the middle of a typhoon-ravaged, rural Philippine area where they were tasked with providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief, similar to the situation faced by Marines with the III Marine Expeditionary Force during the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

“Eighty percent of the population of the world resides within a hundred miles of the coast, making the Marine Corps’ role as an amphibious force in readiness important,” said Staff Sgt. Thomas Ferguson, Field E valuator for humanitarian aid and disaster relief course with SOTG, IMEF.

“CLB-15 is deploying with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, where they might be called on to conduct full-on combat operations or provide humanitarian assistance as we are rehearsing here.”

The exercise took place over the course of three days, and provided CLB-15 with a realistic and immersive experience. The fog-of-war, language barriers and logistical issues were just a few of the problems the Marines and sailors faced.

“We have a hundred Filipino role-players here to simulate an actual population,” said Ferguson, a native of Los Gatos, Calif. “It creates a cultural and language barrier that immerses the Marines in a high-tension, realistic scenario.”

The rapidly changing situation forced Marines to improvise and be resourceful. They coordinated with the local government to provide water, food, medical assistance and security to the locals during the fluctuating training environment.

“The language barrier added an entirely different dimension to the mission,” said 1st Lt. Nikolas Gillespie, Survey Team Officer-In-Charge, CLB-15, 1st MLG. “Some of our Marines speak the language so that helps and it gives the Marines a chance to prove themselves and show how much they can contribute to the fight.”

Furthermore, the training provided the Marines with a chance to work together as a team in a high-stress environment, building unit cohesion between CLB-15’s Marines and sailors and increasing the interoperability of the unit.

“The training has been very beneficial for me and my Marines,” said Gillespie, a native of Limestone, Tenn. “They’ve had to overcome challenges which they haven’t encountered in garrison and we’ve learned a lot working with civilians and a different host nation. Teamwork was the most important thing in overcoming a lot of the situations we encountered today.”

Some of the Marines and sailors who participated in the exercise already have firsthand experience operating in an overseas humanitarian aid and disaster relief mission, and provided the junior members with their knowledge and experience.

“For some of my Marines, this was the first time they’ve encountered such a chaotic situation,” said Cpl. Michael Beck, an electrician with CLB-15, 1st MLG, who has conducted missions in the Philippines before. “In the end, we just applied the combat-ready mindset we always do, prioritized our objectives and took control of the situation. It was a good learning experience for everyone involved.”

Ruby Santos, right, a role-player, meets 1st Lt. Nikolas Gillespie, left, Survey Team Officer-In-Charge with CLB-15, HQ Reg.

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PFC Brandon Cleave, left, a Motor Vehicle Operator with CLB- 15, HQ Reg., builds rapport with Robert Alvarez Rey Casa, a role-player playing the role of a local government security official.

Corporal Michael Beck, an electrician with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, provides water for a crowd of role-players during a humanitarian aid exercise.

SHIP-TO-SHIP 1st MLG tests

connectorsPhoto by Lance Cpl. Shaltiel Dominguez

SHIP-TO-SHIP 1st MLG tests

connectorsTHE CONVOY 19

MLPU SNS MILLINOCKET, LONG BEACH AND CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines

with Headquarters Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group, participated in the testing of an emerging seabasing capability, using the Joint High Speed

Vessel and the Mobile Landing Platform, aboard the US Naval Ship Millinocket off the coast of Long Beach, Calif., June 24, and off of Landing Craft Air Cushions, July 9, 2014.

The Mobile Landing Platform is a new type of Maritime Pre-Positioning Force ship that facilitates the transfer of military equipment and personnel from large ships to ship-to-shore connectors. Seabasing is a naval capability that provides commanders the ability to organize and employ forces and equipment from ship-to-shore, entirely at sea. The MLP used in this testing was the USNS Montford Point.

The concept of seabasing has been around for more than 30 years, but the testing of MLP specific capabilities dates back to 2003 and is slated to be used

during Rim of the Pacific 2014, the world’s largest multi-national maritime exercise. “The current version of the MLP was developed primarily to provide a surface

interface between other Maritime Prepositioned Forces-Future squadron ships, ship-to-shore connectors and the Sea Base,” said Maj. Chad Grimmett, United States Marine Corps Liason to Program Executive Office Ships, Pacific and Theater Sealift PMS 385 and 470. “USNS Montford Point, employed during RIMPAC 14, began construction in 2011, was delivered to MSC in 2013 and is expected to be operational in early 2015.”

During last month’s MLP exercise, the majority of Marines who participated in the testing were motor transport operators, tasked with driving Humvees and 7-tons from the USNS Millinocket onto the USNS Montford Point, and embarkation specialists who had the vital responsibility of guiding the drivers across the bridge.

More recently, the embarkation specialists guided amphibious assault vehicles off of Landing Craft Air Cushion onto the ship.

“This [capability] allows us to bypass either neutral or unfriendly ports, so we don’t need a deep-water port to come into an area where a crisis or conflict is erupting,” said Capt. Nicholas Borns, operations officer, Headquarters Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group. “This allows us to do what the nation sends us to without [taking several] extra steps of getting to a port and securing it.”

Practicing both techniques allowed the Marines to explore the MLP’s full range of capabilities.

“By doing this, more personnel were involved at all levels which helped to socialize this concept and test the vessel’s capabilities,” said Borns. “Last month, Headquarters Regiment and 1st MLG tested the transfer of equipment between vessels, showing that the raised vehicle deck can accept vehicles from the JHSV’s stern ramp. It did not test moving equipment down to the LCAC Mission Bays, which

1st MLG tests the emerging seabasing capability aboard the USNS Milinocket

Story and photos by: Sgt. Sarah Fiocco

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The concept of seabasing has been around for more than 30 years but the testing of MLP-specific capabilities dates back to 2003 and is slated to be used during Rim of the Pacific 2014, the world’s largest multi-

national maritime exercise.

were used extensively this month to embark and launch AAVs.” At the end of the exercise, the seabasing concept was validated, something

Borns has waited almost 10 years to see.“It allowed operational forces to move personnel and equipment on and off the

vessel using LCACs and Division’s equipment,” said Borns. “Receiving equipment, staging, embarkation, and launching AAVs are all within the testing requirement for the vessel.”

The MLP can hold enough JP-5 fuel to sustain Landing Craft Air Cushion operations over many days, an important characteristic when it comes to fulfilling

A Landing Craft Air Cushion with Assault Craft Unit 5, carries two Amphibious Assault Vehicles across the ocean to the USNS Montford Point, a Mobile Landing Platform, during the testing of a seabasing capability, July 9, 2014.

maritime mission requirements. “During a crisis response, local infrastructure may be unable to support the

mooring of large Maritime Pre-Positioning Force ships,” said Grimmett. “Additionally, the instability triggered by the crisis might present a security concern that could expose personnel and equipment to potential shore-based threats. MLP can provide a ‘pier in the ocean,’ from which MPF shipping can safely and efficiently offload mission essential equipment, greatly increasing the Marine Corps’ responsiveness during crisis response.”

With the success of this testing, the USNS Montford Point will be used for a full-scale test in October. Unlike the recent testing, which validated only the first steps in a reconstitution at sea, the testing in October will cover the complete concept of moving gear from a large ship to the MLP, from the MLP to a small landing craft and then straight to shore.

Lance Cpl. Shayne St. Cyr, motor transport operator, HQ Reg., 1st MLG, ground-guides an amphibious assault vehicle with 3rd Assault Amphibian

Battalion, 1st Mar. Div.,

COCNew commanding officer takes 7th ESB helm“You’re the backbone of what we do, and I’m proud of every one of you,” said Lt. Col. John Martinko during a change of command ceremony to his family, which in-cludes not only his wife and three children, but also his Marines. “Each and every one of you made me a better person and leader. For that, I’ll always be grateful.”

Martinko, outgoing commanding officer of 7th Engi-neer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, relin-quished command of the unit to incoming commanding officer, Lt. Col. Eric Penford, during a change of com-mand ceremony aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 1, 2014.

Martinko’s poignant speech was preceded by a cer-emony, conducted by a formation of Marines with Head-quarters and Support Company, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, Alpha Company, Bravo Company, Engineering Support Company and Bridge Company, complemented by the 1st Marine Division Band.

At the height of the ceremony, Martinko handed the unit’s colors to Penford, symbolizing the transition of

command of 7th ESB. Martinko will pursue further stud-ies at the National War College, Ft. Lesley McNair, Wash., which prepares officers for higher command positions in the future.

Brig. Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese, 1st MLG Com-manding General, addressed everyone in attendance, rec-ognizing the Marines in formation for their outstanding presentation and both commanding officers for their hard work. He lightheartedly mentioned that if he had a chance to become an enlisted Marine, he would choose to be a combat engineer.

Penrod, a former engineer occupational field sponsor with Headquarters Marine Corps, Arlington, Va., said he is eager to assume his new duties and responsibilities as the commanding officer of 7th ESB.

“I’m honored and humbled in being chosen to lead a unit of this size and with such a diverse set of capabili-ties,” said Penrod, of Windber, Penn. “I’m very excited to take command of such an excellent unit, and hopefully we can improve on what’s already excellent.”

Story and photos by: Lance Cpl. Shaltiel Dominguez

THE CONVOY 27Lt. Col. Martinko, right, outgoing Commanding Officer, 7th ESB, 1st MLG, relinquishes the unit’s battle colors to Lt. Col. Penford, left.

Brig. Gen. Coglianese, right, 1st MLG Commanding General, speaks with Lt. Col. Martinko, left, outgoing commanding officer, 7th ESB.

Brigadier Gen. Coglianese, 1st MLG Commanding General, and Lt. Col. Martinko, outgoing commanding officer, 7th ESB, 1st MLG, bow their heads alongside their families as part of the chaplain’s invocation during a change of command ceremony.

32 OF SERVICE

YEARS

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Story and photos by: Sgt. Laura Gauna

Photos of Col. James Maxwell, a New York State Trooper and Marine, line a wall in honor of Maxwell’s career during his retirement ceremony in New York City, June 26, 2014.

Brigadier Gen. Vincent Coglianese, 1st Marine Logistics Group Commanding General, congratulates Col. James Maxwell at his retire-ment ceremony in New York City, June 26, 2014.

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NEW YORK – Looking at the faces of the men he’s served with in combat, at home and abroad, Col. James J. Maxwell, a New York State Trooper and Marine, says goodbye to the Marine Corps for the last time.

“I thought for a while how I would sum up my career in the Marine Corps,” said Maxwell, a native of Mahopac, N.Y., pointing to a picture in the room. “There is a picture here where I am flying in the arms of a bunch of Marines. I didn’t warn anyone I was going to jump, but I knew they would catch me. I always looked

at my career as standing on the shoulders of Marines. If you are riding on the shoulders of your Marines, you never have to worry about falling.”

On June 26, 2014, Maxwell retired after devotedly serving 32 years in both the active duty and the Marine Corps Reserves.

Brigadier Gen. Vincent Coglianese, 1st Marine Logistics Group Commanding General, and a longtime friend of Maxwell, officiated the retirement ceremony to honor his service.

“As I stand here tonight, I think [about] what that moment, what that time in Col. Maxwell’s career was that he was called to serve, and I’ve come to find out that there is no specific time,” said Brig. Gen. Coglianese. “It is the culmination of a whole career. It’s all the lives you have touched while serving. It’s the hundreds of thousands of Marines that Col. Maxwell has served with or has influenced. Jim, on behalf of the whole Marine Corps and everybody you served with and all the lives you have protected, I want to thank you on behalf of the Commandant for your successful career.”

On May 12, 1984, Maxwell was commissioned as a second lieutenant. Following graduation from the Infantry Officer Course, Maxwell was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, as a rifle platoon commander. He deployed with the 13th Marine Amphibious Unit in 1986, and later attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 1988, as an operations liaison officer, and heavy weapons platoon commander.

Completing his active duty term in 1989 as the Executive Officer for Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Maxwell transferred to the selected Marine Corps Reserve as a rifle platoon commander with 25th Marine Regiment.

It was at this point that he donned his uniform as a New York State Trooper.

“After completing my active service, I realized that my skillset was best set for law enforcement. I took every test imaginable and that first job was called for from was the New York State Police Department. I’ve never looked back,” he said.

Maxwell was activated in 1990 and deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

“Our war in the desert was like that in Vietnam,” he recalled. “We

“Terrorism changed the paradigm of interagency cooperation with law enforcement because it became about the common mission... The threat is real and personal. ” - Col. Maxwell

Marine retires after 32 years of service and continues to fight terrorism as a State Trooper

were fighting in what was called a ‘waffle forest,’ which was very much like rice patties. There were a lot of berms, foliage and hilltop areas. We were basically fighting an elusive enemy.”

Maxwell returned to the reserves in 1991, and in 1995 he was assigned as the Intelligence Officer and Scout Sniper Platoon Commander of 2nd Bn., 25th Marine Reg.

During this time, he participated in Joint Combined Exercise Battle Griffin-99. Later, from April 2000 to May 2001, he assumed the duties of battalion executive officer.

Tragedy struck the nation on September 11, 2001. When the World Trade Center towers were attacked, the U.S. Central Command responded by creating a Joint Interagency Coordination Group. Maxwell was then assigned to Special Operations Component Command, CENTCOM, as the Chief of Joint Fires for the planning and execution phases of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and returned to the newly designated Joint Interagency Coordination Group as Chief of Operations.

The JICG is a full-time, multifunctional advisory element of the combatant commander’s staff that facilitates information sharing

throughout the interagency community. The JICG bridges the gap between civilian and military operational coordination across the spectrum of crisis prevention, conflict intervention, transition and post-conflict reconstruction.

“I think terrorism changed the paradigm of interagency cooperation with law enforcement because it became about the common mission,”

said Maxwell. “Everyone needs to cooperate because the threat is real and personal. These people want to kill you, so it changes the urgency and level of cooperation. Living in New York, where the wounds of 9/11 are still very raw, this is key. At the end of the day, everyone is threatened so everyone has to work together to counter this threat. It takes a network to defeat a network.”

As the war waged on, Maxwell was activated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002 and assigned as an Operations and Intelligence Officer to the Joint Interagency Task Force, U.S. Central Command. During this period, Maxwell deployed to Afghanistan, in support of interagency counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics operations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

His experience in this field transitioned well into his line of work with the New York State Troopers, where he was assigned to an anti-terrorism unit.

In July 2010, Maxwell transferred to Marine Forces Command, where he most recently served as an Individual Mobilization Augmentation, G-3/5/7.

“I look at the end of my 32 years in the Marine Corps and realize it’s been my life. It’s going to be real hard to let go; I probably never will.”

Oceanside, Calif.

A&Q

With Sgt. Thanhtam NguyenStory and photos by: Sgt. Sarah Fiocco

VOICES OF THE GROUP Voices of the Group is a monthly interview that features 1st MLG Marines and sailors

With Sgt. Thanhtam NguyenTHE CONVOY 29

SSgt. Thanhtam Nguyen, micro miniature repair technician, Reparable Management Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, originally from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, moved to Lancaster, Pa., at a young age. As an eight-year-old boy, Nguyen witnessed gruesome acts that were a result of the Vietnam War. Nevertheless, Nguyen used his past experience to fuel his desire to support his Marines. The stress-free work environment he provides coupled with his sense of humor allows his Marines to feel like they can go to him for anything.

Q: What can you remember about Vietnam?

A: “I can remember everything. I was born in a refugee camp over there. It was the after-effect of the Vietnam War. My mom got me out of there. We got put on a waiting list to emigrate over to America, and we were on that list for four years.”

Q: What was the atmosphere like in the camp?

A: “My first memory was this lady getting blown up by a grenade, because she tried to run away. The refugee camp is like the ‘safe zone.’ No [violence] happens in there. It was on the boarder of Vietnam and Malaysia – and that’s where you’re safe. If you try to leave, you’re fair game. This woman freaked out and tried to run away. I remember playing – I was probably two or three years old – and I looked up. This lady hopped the chain-linked fence and ran. I heard someone yell ‘grenade!’ My mom grabbed me, and I looked up and saw her get blown up.”

Q: That’s a harsh thing to see as a child. Was there anything positive about spending the first few years of your life there?

A: “We got food twice a day and it was similar to the instant noodle packs, which, ironically, I can’t stop eating now. It was a pretty tight-knit

community. Everybody took care of everybody – especially the kids. Everyone would give up their food for the children even when they didn’t have a lot. Even though the war had ended for America, it still kept going for Vietnam.”

Q: How long did you stay in the camp?

A: “I stayed there for the first four years of my life, and then we stayed with my grandparents for another four years until our immigration was granted.”

Q: Why did you and your mom decide to come to America of all places?

A: “We thought we would have a better life. She decided to take me here to make a better life for the both of us. The education system is better here, there’s clean water … I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity we had to come to the States. I would probably be in a gang or something if we still lived in Vietnam. I’m thankful every day that we were able to come to America where I can actually voice my opinions without fear of getting shot. Over there, if you speak out against your leaders, you’re probably going to get killed. It’s freedom. It’s pretty awesome to be able to say what you want to say and be rewarded for hard work.”

Q: What made you want to join the Marine Corps?

A: “My grandpa; he fought the south with the Marines. That’s why we were in a refugee camp, because when the south lost, anybody that fought with the south, got were either killed or pushed into the refugee camps. My grandpa fought alongside the Marine Corps when they were over there. He translated for them. In the four years that I lived with him, he really inspired me to look toward the Marine Corps.”

Q: What did he say about the Marine Corps?

A: “He said that they were a bunch of men running around who he didn’t understand half the time, but that they were crazy as hell and he loved it. He told me they brought him food, and clothes with their own pay checks. He said it was the time of his life, even though it ended in a pretty bad way. He said he made some of the best friends he ever had while he was with the Marines.”

Q: How did it end badly?

A: “The whole company of Marines he was with died. They were slaughtered, but he made it out. He always said that he loved every moment he spent with the Marines.”

Q: I hear you can drill fairly well,

and exceeded everyone’s expectations during a drill competition. Can you tell me a little about that?

A: “One day, out of nowhere, someone from the company comes down and says that there’s a drill competition coming up and that they need someone to do it. There was a different sergeant who was supposed to do it, but he got put on a list to go to Hawaii, so I stepped up and said I’d do it. They asked me ‘Do you even know how to drill?’ I told them no; I was a drill waiver in boot camp. I actually sat in the squad bay when they did final drill. We had a total of six practices with the whole platoon. They did great. I had to practice by myself basically all day. I finally got the moves down with the help from the whole platoon. They all helped me out. I ended up messing up quite a few moves, but apparently I displayed confidence and I was the loudest. I ended up winning it and went from there.”

Q: So far in your four and half years, what have you learned and what do you hope to teach your junior Marines?

A: “It’s all about attitude. To me, it’s the biggest thing in the Marine

Corps. There’s a saying I learned when I was in Vietnam: ‘If you’ve earned something, it’s because of you. If you lose something, it’s also because of you.’ It boils down to whatever happens in your life, it’s all on you. It’s your attitude that makes it happen. If I had gone out there and lost that drill competition, it would have been because of me, not because people didn’t teach me or I didn’t have enough time – it would have been because I didn’t do enough for it. I won it because I went to find people to help me. I stayed up late flipping that sword. I won because of me. If you have the right attitude, you will succeed.”

Q: You also picked up meritorious corporal. How did that go?

A: “It was actually a pretty bad time for me. The first board that I went on, I did well up until the part where I told them that I didn’t want to be a corporal. That set me back. My leaders pulled me aside and taught me that it wasn’t just about me picking up meritorious corporal. They explained to me that a lot of Marines stuck their necks out for me because they thought I was ready for the responsibility and that by me

telling them ‘no,’ that was like a slap in the face. I learned from that. I went back up on another board after doing a Marine of the Year board, and I picked it up the second time and never looked back.”

Q: Why did you tell the board ‘no’ on your first board?

A: “I didn’t think I had enough experience. I had literally just gotten to the fleet, and three months in, they put me on a board. I got nervous. I didn’t think I was ready to lead Marines. I was wrong and my leaders saw that I was ready. It was very humbling that my leaders saw my potential in me before I even saw it myself.”

Q: How have your past experiences affected how you lead your Marines?

A: “My leadership style isn’t focused on yelling and acting hard. I’ve learned that Marines are still regular people and they have their own issues and their own problems. You can get a lot more out of a Marine by speaking to them as an adult than just chewing him out immediately. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a time for yelling, but just talking to a Marine can be just as effective if not more.”

Now :

The Country Store has moved:It is now located inside the Mainside Marine Corps Exchange. build-ing 1106.

Aug 2:

Naval Hospital offers school and sports physicals:Physicals will be available for those enrolled at any of the Naval Hospital’s primary care clinics from 8 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. at the Family Medicine Clinic. Physicals by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call (760) 725-4357.

Aug 14:

Professional Resume Review:Transitioning service members can meet with Human Resource proffesionals from top companies for a resume review at the Bowling Center, building 1339, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.To register, visit http://www.eventbrite.com/e/hr-corner-profes-sional-resume-review-tickets-12290285575.

Now until Aug 14:

Enter to win a 3-day carnival cruise on the ITT/Latitude face-book pageSimply like the facebook page and comment your favorite cruise memory or dream cruise for a chance to win. Visit the travel expo Aug 15 to hear who won. Visit, http://www.facebook.com/ittcp for your chance to win.

AROUND THE GROUP

PARTING SHOTBy Sgt. Laura Gauna

Brigadier Gen. Vincent Coglianese, 1st Marine Logistics Group Commanding Gen-eral, looks at the faces of those lost during the 9/11 attacks in New York City, June 25, 2014. Brigadier Gen. Coglianese traveled to New York to officiate Col. James Maxwell’s retirement ceremony. Maxwell, a New York State trooper and Marine, served 32 years in the Marine Corps. During his career, he served in Op-eration Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom.