Held at the 2nd MLG Headquarters, the 2nd Marine Logistics Group retired its colors last February 27, marking the end of a successful combat deployment to Iraq. The Marines recently returned from 13-months in Al Anbar province of Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the nation’s Global War on Terrorism.

Just like in Iraq, the unit supplied combat logistical assistance to all units operating in Al Anbar, helping stabilize the once treacherous region. The logistics group’s support consisted of supply, motor transport, maintenance of vehicles and equipment, medical and dental care, and services such as disbursing and postal delivery. The casing of the unit’s battle colors not only marks the end of combat operations, but it also marks the re-uniting of an organization. Throughout the 13-month deployment, many Marines and sailors remained behind to ensure that all normal operations in the U.S. continued.

“While we’ve been gone, the Marines and sailors back here at Camp Lejeune have been working hard, not only supporting 2nd MLG as we were deployed, but doing all the other things that II Marine Expeditionary Force required of them,” Brig. Gen. James A. Kessler explained. “Just because we were gone doesn’t mean that those requirements were in any way diminished.”
Marines who just got back from Iraq will now join their fellow comrades at Camp Lejeune and start to shift their focus away from the past and toward the future by implementing lessons learned and preparing for future operations.

Sgt. Maj. Carlton R. Green, 2nd MLG sergeant major, pointed out that it is very important to remain vigilant for operations around the world.

“Looking to the future should be our focus. We can learn from our past, but the road ahead is the future. Now is not the time to sit back and boast on our accomplishment, instead, we must focus on how we will be successful in the future.” Green adds.