Essex (LHD 2) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 468 text:

Unit History MEU Service Support Group 13 MEU Service Support Group 13 is task-orga- nized, equipped, and assigned by the Commandinj General, 1st Force Service Support Group, from tl assets of the eight battalions organic to the FSSG. Il mission is to provide combat service support, speci cally: supply, maintenance, transportation, deliberai engineer, health services and services to the forw deployed 13th MEU. MSSG-13 was formally activated at Ca Pendleton, Calif., on 1 February, 1985, but its histoi and lineage can be traced, indirectly, through a com- posite of the subordinate battalions of 1st FSSG from World War II through Korea and Vietnam. The prede- cessors of MSSG, Marines and sailors from 1st Land- ing Support Battalion, 1st Supply Battalion, 1st Main- tenance Battalion, 7th Motor Transport Battalion, 1st Dental Battalion, 1 st Medical Battalion and Headquar- ters and Service Battalion fought with distinction through Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Inchon, Chosin Reser- voir, and Vietnam. Although the designation of the Combat Service Support Element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force has changed many times, from Combat Service Group, Force Service Regiment, Force Logistics Command and Force Service Support Group, each Marine and sailor still contributes his own specialized skill to ensure that the personnel and equipment of the combat arms are ready for and sustained throughout - combat and contingency operation. Relatively small in num- ber, with less than 300 Marines and sailors, MSSG-13 stands ready to support the 13th MEU across the spectrum of Combat Service Support requirements Organic capabilities include replenishment of al classes ofsupply, vehicular transportation, and landing support for both amphibious craft and helicopters. Engineer capabilities include Explosive Ordnance Disposal, road improvement, water production and distribution, and bulk fuel storage and distribution. Medical and dental support is resident in the MSSG for both health mai ntenance and battlefield casualty treat- ment and evacuation. Services supported through the MSSG include military police, disbursing and infor- i mation systems management. During an amphibious landing, while the Ma- rines of MSSG-13 are performing these myriad tasks both ashore and afloat, they are always prepared to depart from their specialized mission and assume the role of Marine riflemen should the need arise. While afloat, the Marines and sailors of MSSG- 1 3 are spread- loaded across the ships of the Amphibious Ready Group, proudly serving as an integral part of the Navy Marine Corps team. 1

Page 467 text:

Major Patrick Bailey Executive Officer MEU Service Support Group- 13 Major Patrick Bailey was born on March 28, 1957, in Clarendon, Jamaica. He enlisted in the Marine Corps from New York in March 1974. Upon completing boot camp, he was assigned as a communicator in 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Calif.. In 1976, he was selected to attend the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS), Newport, Rhode Island. He graduated in May 1981 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. Major Bailey attended the Basic School and upon graduation was designated an Infantry Officer. Soon thereafter, he reported to 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, where he served as Infantry and Weapons Platoon Commander, Company Executive Officer and assistant Operations Officer. In 1984, he was transferred to Marine Barracks, Vallejo, Calif, where he performed duties as Guard Officer up to the disestablishment of the Barracks. He then assumed duties as the Officer-in-Charge of the Marine First Sergeant Maldonado Sergeant Major MEU Service Support Group- 13 First Sergeant Maldonado enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June 1973. After serving four years with t he First Marine Division, Camp Pendleton Calif., he was promoted to sergeant meritoriously and transferred to 3rd Marine Air Wing, Yuma, Arizona. Upon completion of a three-year tour. Staff Sergeant Maldonado was assigned to 3rd Force Service Support Group, Okinawa, Japan. After serving a one year unaccompanied tour, he reported to the 4th Marine Division, New Orleans, La., as a financial auditor. Having successfully completed a tour in New Orleans, La., SSgt. Maldonado attended Detachment that remained. Major Bailey was promoted to Captain on 1 April 1986 and was redesignated as Logistics Officer. Upon completing the Logistics Officers Course, he was assigned to 3rd Landing Support Battalion. He served in billets as the Executive Officer Operations Officer, Beach and Port Company, Intelligence Officer and Commanding Officer, Combat Service Support Detachment-39. In January 1988, Major Bailey was ordered to Headquarters Marine Corps where he served as Operations Officer, Headquarters Marine Corps Casualty Section, Officer-in-Charge of Missing Captured Persons and Funeral Director of the Marine Corps. In July 1991, Major Bailey attended Amphibious Warfare School in Quantico, VA. Upon graduation, he was assigned to MEU Service Support Group- 13 where he served as Operations Officer from 2 September 1992 - 31 March 1994. On 1 April 1994, Major Bailey assumed his present duties as the Executive Officer of MEU Service Support Group- 13. His personal decorations include Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Major Bailey is married to the former Rosalind Trimble. They and completed Drill Instructor School in October 1985. After a successful tour of duty. Gunnery Sergeant Maldonado was assigned to the financial management office at Parris Island, South Carolina, for a period of one year, which he was transferred to the 1st Marine Air Wing Okinawa, Japan. Upon returning to CONUS GySgt. Maldonado was assignee as the lead instructor at Financial Management School, MCSSS, Camp Lejeune NC. Upon completing instructoi duty he was assigned to the 1st FSSG, Camp Pendleton CA as the controller chief. After selection to IstSgt. he was assigned to the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, Bridge Company. He deployed to Somalia and upon returning in 1993 IstSgt. Maldonado was reassigned to Bulk Fuel Company, 7th Engineer Support battalion. Upon Completion of his tour at 7th Engineer Support Battalion IstSgt. Maldonado was assigned as the SgtMaj. of MSSG-13, have 3 children, Patrick E II, Rosalind Renee, and H. Phillip Scott. 13th MEU, Camp Pendleton CA. His personal awards include Navy Commendation. Certificate of Commendation, (6th award) Good Conduct. He is married to the former Susan Ostrosky of Detroit, MI. They have three children Jaime, Bernardia, and Roberta.

Page 469 text:

MSSG-13 HIGHLIGHTS July 1994 - Conducted amphibious landing and rear area security tactics training. August 1994 - Underwent a FSMAO visit to improve supply and maintenance procedures. Continued predeployment preparations with NBC, rear area security, swim qualifications, rifle range, and crew serve weapons training. Received a mission capable grade by MCCRES evaluators. Most of MSSG-13 was aboard ARC ships in support of FLEET-EX September 1994- Completed the SOCEX and the MEU was awarded Special Operations Capable certification. October 25, 1994 - Deployed for WEST PAC 95-1. Most of MSSG-13 was embarked aboard the USS OGDEN, with small detachments aboard the USS ESSEX and the USS FORT FISHER. November 12-13, 1994 - Provided a Landig Force Support Party for BLT 3 1 training on Okinawa. November 26 -December 3, 1994 - Supported BLT 3 1 training in Singapore. December 14-22, 1994 Supported the MEU CE, BLT 3 1, and HMM-161 training ashore during Exercise EAGER MACE 95-1 conducted in the Republic of Kuwait. More than 10,441 miles were driven, 300,000 pounds of cargo delivered, 2,750 passengers carried, 1,200 gallons of water issued, and 6,300 gallons of fuel were pumped during exercises. December 25,1994 - Participated in a Vessel Board Search and Seizure of the Iranian ship Ajmer for violation of UN sanctions. December 28,1994 - Conducted MEU-wide maintenance stand-down in the United Arab Emirates. January 10-18, 1995 - Participated in Exercise NAUTICAL MANTIS 95-1 with Saudia Arabia. The MSSG played an extensive role in host nation bilateral training, while providing responsive sea based logistics to the BLT ashore. January 21-23, 1995 - Back in the United Arab Emirates to participate in Exercise IRON MAGIC 95-1. ARG MEU medical assets were put to the test with a Mass Casualty drill. EOD teams cleared training and bivouac areas of duds. February 1-27,1995 - Conducted on-board unit training in preparation for Operation UNITED SHIELD. This included Military Police training in the use of Less-Than-Lethal weapons and tactics. The rest of the Marines reviewed basic infantry skills, rules of engagement, detainee handling, and even learned some basic Somali phrases. February 8,1995 - Arrived off the coast of Mogadishu, Somalia. February 28- March 3,1995 - Conducted operation UNITED SHIELD, the MAGTF ' s mission to support the UN withdrawl from civil war torn Mogadishu as well as the MSSG ' s specific mission to provide combat service and support for all forces ashore were both completely successful. Not a single Marine or Sailor was killed or seriously wounded despite the many dangers encountered. March 17-25, - Spent a week of well deserved liberty in Perth, Australia. March 25-April 1 5 - Prepared for May FSMAO, conducted a unit wide Battle Skills Test, held ship-board safety classes, attended Return and Reunion Classes through visiting Navy Family Service Center counselors. April 15, 1995 - Arrived in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. April 18-24, 1995 - Tiger Cruise is highlighted by tiger familiarization fire and machine gun night demonstration shoot off the fan tail. April 25,1995 - Completion of WEST PAC 1-95. 465