2nd TSB deactivates, tears off red patches

[USMCRET6391]

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (May 18, 2006) -- A ceremony was held here May 18, to officially recognize the deactivation of 2nd Transportation Battalion.

“The purpose of the deactivation was to redirect 2nd TSB’s assets to all the other battalions within (2nd) MLG,” said Col. William M. Faulkner, commanding officer of 2nd TSB. “In the end our objective is to build better battalions to be more effective for deployment.”

When Marines deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, each battalion within 2nd MLG had to pull Marines and Sailors from 2nd TSB and redirect them. The battalion is merely cutting that corner with the deactivation.

“Before the reorganization of 2nd MLG, it was as if each battalion was a one-trick pony,” Faulkner explained.

The deactivation is more than shuffling the cards of the command. To coincide with the reorganization of 2nd MLG, 2nd TSB Marines will be dispersed to other battalions within the command to more effectively support current and future warfighting requirements.

The new organization will improve unit cohesion, enhance deploy ability, increase lethality and enable a more rapid transition to combat operations, according to Faulkner.

“It is going to be hard to go show up work the next day without having the red patch on my cammies,” Faulkner said with a grin. “But I think this is a great idea as long as we are able to carry it to the finish lines.”

Within the reorganization of 2nd MLG, Col. John M. Burt, the previous 2nd Supply Battalion commander, will take charge of CLR-25. CLR-2 will be headed up by the previous 2nd Transportation Support Battalion Commanding Officer, Col. Robert Destafney. Lieutenant Col. Tyson Geisendorf will command CLB-2, while CLB-6 will be headed by Lt. Col. Patrick Kelleher, the previous operations officer for 2nd MLG. Finally, CLB-8 will be commanded by Lt. Col. Francis Carroll.

“The question every Marine should be asking themselves is,” Faulkner continued, “when the dust settles, how can we improve? I encourage commanders to not hesitate. Don’t let the dust settle. Take advantage of what has been given to us.”