Staff Sgt. Jorge Gomez, Maintenance Management Office, Company H., Combat Logistics Battalion 7, takes his final steps on the Combat Center's Del Valle field before stepping onto the bus to depart for his deployment to Afghanistan Jan. 10, 2014.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Charles Santamaria

CLB-7 deploys to Afghanistan in support of OEF

9 Jan 2014 | Lance Cpl. Charles J. Santamaria Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 7 said their goodbyes to loved ones before departing Del Valle Field for their deployment to Afghanistan Jan. 9, 2014. Families waved as CLB-7 conducted a final weapons count before boarding the buses and heading off.

CLB-7 is deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Deployments not only affect service members, but also the family members who they leave behind.

“This is the first deployment I’m going through and although I am a little nervous, I have full faith in the Marines my husband is deploying with,” said Natalie Monroe, wife of 1st Lt. Seth Monroe, platoon commander, Transportation Services, CLB- 7.

The Marines with CLB-7 have full faith that their training has prepared them well for their deployment, according to Natalie.

“We’re ready for the challenges,” said Capt. Michael Tatosain, company commander, Transportation Services, CLB-7. “A lot of these Marines have been together for two years in this unit and that gives me confidence that they have the experience and tools to be successful together. With two [Integrated Training Exercises] and many other training events completed, I’m excited to see what we can accomplish.”

Being involved with the process leading up to a deployment is an important step for some family members.

“It’s important to stay involved in every step of the process leading up to him leaving, so I can be his support and have peace of mind knowing that he will be taken care of by fellow Marines,” Natalie said.

During its deployment, CLB-7 will begin the process of closing down forward operating bases in Afghanistan.

“The fruits of our efforts and training will show in how we perform,” Tatosain said. “We’re excited and ready to get started to help out with the effort.”

CLB-7 is scheduled to be deployed for seven months, supporting the military drawdown in Afghanistan while their families patiently await their safe return.