MSSG 13

• 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). • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Humanitarian Assistance: After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, elements of MSSG-13 were involved in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations across Southeast Asia. • 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. • 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. • 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.