thedrifter
02-10-09, 09:04 AM
Second MLG Takes Over Once Again
February 09, 2009
Marine Corps News|by GySgt. Katesha R. Washington
CAMP AL TAQADDUM, Iraq — Marines with the 2nd Marine Logistics Group officially took the reins from the 1st Marine Logistics Group during a transfer of authority ceremony aboard Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq.
Brig. Gen. Robert R. Ruark, commanding general, 1st MLG, transferred authority of Camp Al Taqaddum to Brig. Gen. Juan G. Ayala, the commanding general of 2nd MLG. Along with the transfer of Camp Al Taqaddum came the responsibility to head up logistical support to the units of Multi National Force-West scattered throughout Al Anbar province.
The transfer of authority, which coincides with the relief of the Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based I Marine Expeditionary Force by the II MEF out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., comes at a time when U.S. forces are taking a step back in providing security functions throughout Iraq. Ayala, who has served in Operation Iraqi Freedom four times, three tours specifically in Al Anbar province, said he is undoubtedly convinced that the Iraqi government can keep the country secure because a fundamental question has been answered.
“Can they [Iraqi government] provide security to their people? The answer is yes,” he said. “They have gained book knowledge and empirical knowledge, but they have also gained the confidence to keep the country secure. The recent elections were proof that they are ready.”
The commanding general for the 1st Iraqi Army Division, Maj. Gen. Tariq Al Azawi, attended the ceremony and said he is grateful for the continued support, training and assistance the MLG units have provided his people.
“We really appreciate everything the MLG has done for us. They have helped us do everything – medical training, maintenance support, humanitarian assistance; we are so grateful.”
As Ayala and his Marines begin their yearlong deployment, he looks forward to preserving the solid relationship that he and Al Azawi maintained between the Marines and the local Iraqi citizens in order to accomplish their goal of providing support to the Iraqi government.
Although the El Paso, Texas native has a different mission than when he was deployed to the area in 2005, Ayala reminds his Marines that they may not be kicking down doors, but their mission is a very important one – to finish the job that every other MLG unit began and built upon during the past six years.
“I’m very proud of the Marines and how we have prepared for this deployment, but we must now carry the ball into the end zone and complete the mission with honor,” he said.
Ellie
February 09, 2009
Marine Corps News|by GySgt. Katesha R. Washington
CAMP AL TAQADDUM, Iraq — Marines with the 2nd Marine Logistics Group officially took the reins from the 1st Marine Logistics Group during a transfer of authority ceremony aboard Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq.
Brig. Gen. Robert R. Ruark, commanding general, 1st MLG, transferred authority of Camp Al Taqaddum to Brig. Gen. Juan G. Ayala, the commanding general of 2nd MLG. Along with the transfer of Camp Al Taqaddum came the responsibility to head up logistical support to the units of Multi National Force-West scattered throughout Al Anbar province.
The transfer of authority, which coincides with the relief of the Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based I Marine Expeditionary Force by the II MEF out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., comes at a time when U.S. forces are taking a step back in providing security functions throughout Iraq. Ayala, who has served in Operation Iraqi Freedom four times, three tours specifically in Al Anbar province, said he is undoubtedly convinced that the Iraqi government can keep the country secure because a fundamental question has been answered.
“Can they [Iraqi government] provide security to their people? The answer is yes,” he said. “They have gained book knowledge and empirical knowledge, but they have also gained the confidence to keep the country secure. The recent elections were proof that they are ready.”
The commanding general for the 1st Iraqi Army Division, Maj. Gen. Tariq Al Azawi, attended the ceremony and said he is grateful for the continued support, training and assistance the MLG units have provided his people.
“We really appreciate everything the MLG has done for us. They have helped us do everything – medical training, maintenance support, humanitarian assistance; we are so grateful.”
As Ayala and his Marines begin their yearlong deployment, he looks forward to preserving the solid relationship that he and Al Azawi maintained between the Marines and the local Iraqi citizens in order to accomplish their goal of providing support to the Iraqi government.
Although the El Paso, Texas native has a different mission than when he was deployed to the area in 2005, Ayala reminds his Marines that they may not be kicking down doors, but their mission is a very important one – to finish the job that every other MLG unit began and built upon during the past six years.
“I’m very proud of the Marines and how we have prepared for this deployment, but we must now carry the ball into the end zone and complete the mission with honor,” he said.
Ellie