MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- “Combat Logistics Battalion 8 is not going away,” said Lt. Col. Chris Hrudka, the former commanding officer of CLB-8, during the unit’s deactivation in 2013. “A unit that has made such a significant mark on Marine Corps history in such a short period of time will not be forgotten.”
Approximately two years later, Hrudka’s remarks rang true as the unit’s new commanding officer, Lt. Col. Shawn Grzybowski, and 1st Sgt. Aaron Boone unfurled the colors of CLB-8, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, Oct. 1, during a reactivation ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Grzybowski said the reactivation of the unit enables 2nd MLG to provide direct support to all three infantry regiments in 2nd Marine Division, and allows them to function outside their organic capabilities in the areas of transportation, field-level maintenance and general engineering.
The unit has been tasked with two missions: provide direct support for 8th Marine Regiment and assume the role as the logistics command element for Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Africa in 2017.
“Our goal is to develop Marines of all ranks for future assignments of greater scope and responsibility,” said Grzybowski.
The unit deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, many times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as to Afghanistan with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
During the early years of OIF, detachments within the unit provided direct support to ground troops and coalition efforts in the area.
In 2011, they worked with the newly-formed Logistics Kandak (a battalion-sized unit), 215th Corps, Afghan National Army, to provide additional security on an approximately 1,000-mile route and to provide training in logistical operations and vehicle maintenance.
“CLB-8 is going on the shelf, behind the glass so to speak, with a sign that says ‘break glass in case of war and the need for professional combat support,’” said Grzybowski, quoting his predecessor, Hrudka. “’One day, when our Commandant calls and the CLB-8 colors are unfurled again, a new generation of Marines and sailors will take up the banner and follow the colors into harm’s way.’ Today is that day.”