About this Unit
Combat Service Support Detachment 21 (CSSD-21) is a United States Marine Corps logistics unit with a distinguished record of providing multifaceted support to Marine Air-Ground Task Forces. Formed to deliver supply, maintenance, transportation, and medical services, CSSD-21 has supported operations and exercises both in the United States and abroad. Notably, the unit played a crucial role in supporting Marine Expeditionary Units during deployments, ensuring sustained combat effectiveness in austere environments. CSSD-21’s adaptability and commitment have made it a vital component in Marine Corps expeditionary logistics and support operations.
Historical Facts
• Combat Service Support Detachment 21 (CSSD-21) is a logistics unit of the United States Marine Corps, primarily tasked with providing combat service support to Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) and other operational forces.
• Gulf War Deployment: CSSD-21 played a critical role during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, supporting the 2nd Marine Division with supply, maintenance, transportation, and health services in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
• Humanitarian Mission: In the 1990s, CSSD-21 participated in several humanitarian relief operations, including disaster response in the Caribbean and Central America, demonstrating the Marine Corps’ global reach.
• Origins: CSSD-21 was originally formed as a provisional unit, adapting its size and composition based on mission requirements, showcasing the flexibility of Marine logistics support.
• Support to MEU(SOC): The unit often supports Marine Expeditionary Units (Special Operations Capable), providing the vital logistical backbone for rapid-response missions worldwide.
• Iraq War Contributions: CSSD-21 detachments deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, ensuring front-line Marines received food, ammunition, fuel, and medical care under combat conditions.
• Innovative Logistics: CSSD-21 is known for implementing innovative supply chain solutions, such as mobile maintenance teams and forward supply points, to keep pace with fast-moving combat units.
• Joint Operations: The detachment regularly trains and operates alongside Army, Navy, and Allied forces, strengthening interoperability in both combat and humanitarian environments.
• Unit Motto: While not officially published, CSSD-21 Marines are renowned for their “Can Do!” attitude, embodying the Marine Corps ethos of adaptability and resilience.
• Legacy: CSSD-21 alumni have gone on to hold key leadership roles throughout the Marine Corps, with many veterans recalling their time in the unit as formative and pivotal in their military careers.
