About this Unit
Marine Service Support Group 13 (MSSG-13) was a logistics unit within the United States Marine Corps, assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Activated in the early 1980s, MSSG-13 provided essential combat service support—including supply, maintenance, transportation, and medical services—during both training exercises and real-world deployments. The unit supported numerous operations, including humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping missions, and combat deployments in regions such as the Middle East and the Western Pacific. In 2006, as part of a Corps-wide reorganization, MSSG-13 was redesignated as Combat Logistics Battalion 13 (CLB-13), continuing its vital support role for the 13th MEU.
Historical Facts
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Origins: Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group 13 (MSSG-13) was established as part of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) logistics element, providing essential combat service support to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
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Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm: MSSG-13 deployed with the 13th MEU during the Gulf War in 1990-1991, supporting amphibious operations and logistics in Southwest Asia.
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Somalia Humanitarian Mission: In the early 1990s, MSSG-13 participated in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, delivering humanitarian aid and logistical support during famine and civil unrest.
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Flexible Structure: MSSG-13 was a task-organized unit, able to rapidly adjust its composition and capabilities based on mission requirements, including supply, maintenance, medical, and transportation elements.
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Amphibious Operations: The unit was specially trained and equipped for amphibious landings, making it a critical enabler for the 13th MEU’s rapid response capabilities from sea to shore.
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OEF and OIF Deployments: MSSG-13 supported operations in both Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq), providing logistical support for combat and humanitarian missions.
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Humanitarian Assistance: After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, elements of MSSG-13 were involved in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations across Southeast Asia.
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Unit Redesignation: In the late 2000s, as part of the Marine Corps logistics modernization, MSSG-13 was redesignated as Combat Logistics Battalion 13 (CLB-13), continuing its support role for the 13th MEU.
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Distinctive Insignia: MSSG-13’s unit insignia featured the traditional Marine Corps globe and anchor, along with symbols representing its logistics mission and the 13th MEU partnership.
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Training and Innovation: MSSG-13 regularly participated in exercises such as RIMPAC and Cobra Gold, pioneering new logistics tactics and technologies to support expeditionary warfare and joint operations.
