About this Unit
Combat Service Support Group 3 (CSSG-3) was a logistics unit of the United States Marine Corps based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. Originally activated to provide comprehensive combat service support to III Marine Expeditionary Force units, CSSG-3 played a vital role in supplying, maintaining, and transporting equipment and personnel throughout the Pacific theater. The unit supported numerous training exercises, humanitarian missions, and operational deployments, ensuring the operational readiness of Marine forces in the region. In 2006, CSSG-3 was redesignated as Combat Logistics Battalion 3 (CLB-3), continuing its legacy of logistical excellence under a new name.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Activation: CSSG-3 (Combat Service Support Group 3) was originally activated to provide comprehensive logistical support to Marine Forces Pacific, especially those stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), Kaneohe Bay.
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Evolution of the Unit: CSSG-3 has undergone several redesignations over the years, reflecting evolving Marine Corps logistics doctrine. It has been known as FSSG (-) Detachment Hawaii, 3rd Force Service Support Group, and later as CLB-3 (Combat Logistics Battalion 3).
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Hawaiian Strategic Importance: Stationed at MCBH Kaneohe Bay, CSSG-3 played a key role in supporting forward-deployed Marine forces throughout the Pacific, taking advantage of Hawaii’s central location for rapid response and support.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: CSSG-3 deployed personnel and detachments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing vital logistics, supply, and maintenance support to combat units in theater.
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Disaster Relief Missions: The unit has participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, including aid missions to Pacific nations affected by typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
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Training Exercises: CSSG-3 regularly supported major multinational exercises such as RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific) and Cobra Gold, ensuring Marines and allied forces remained ready for combined operations.
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Support Capabilities: The battalion was renowned for its wide-ranging support capabilities, including transportation, engineering, supply distribution, maintenance, medical support, and field services.
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Unit Mascot and Morale: CSSG-3 developed a strong unit identity, often featuring a Hawaiian warrior motif in its insignia and fostering morale through local traditions and events unique to its island location.
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Environmental Stewardship: Stationed at Kaneohe Bay, CSSG-3 participated in base and community environmental initiatives, balancing military operations with the protection of Hawaii’s unique ecosystem and cultural sites.
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Transition to CLB-3: In 2008, CSSG-3 was redesignated as Combat Logistics Battalion 3 (CLB-3), continuing its tradition of support but with an updated structure to better align with modern Marine Corps logistics requirements.
