About this Unit
The Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group 15 (MSSG-15) was a logistics unit within the United States Marine Corps, primarily tasked with providing combat service support to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Established to enhance the operational reach and sustainability of the 15th MEU, MSSG-15 participated in numerous deployments, including humanitarian missions and combat operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in the early 2000s. The unit excelled in delivering supply, maintenance, transportation, health services, and other critical support functions during amphibious and expeditionary missions. In 2006, MSSG-15 was redesignated as Combat Logistics Battalion 15 (CLB-15), reflecting broader changes in Marine Corps logistics structure.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Designation: Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group 15 (MSSG-15) was the logistics combat element (LCE) of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), providing vital support for various operations.
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Birth of the Unit: MSSG-15 was activated in the early 1980s as part of the evolving MEU concept, designed to enhance the self-sustainment and rapid deployment capability of Marine Air-Ground Task Forces.
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Desert Storm and Southern Watch: The unit played a crucial logistics role during Operation Desert Storm (1991) and later during Operation Southern Watch in the Persian Gulf.
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Operation Restore Hope: In 1992-1993, MSSG-15 supported humanitarian operations during Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, providing food, medical aid, and security.
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Global War on Terror: Following the September 11 attacks, MSSG-15 deployed to Afghanistan in 2001 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, marking one of the first major ground operations in the region.
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March Up to Baghdad: In 2003, elements of MSSG-15 supported the 15th MEU’s advance into Iraq during the initial stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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Humanitarian Missions: The unit has been involved in disaster relief operations, notably in Indonesia after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, showcasing the MEU's flexibility.
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Redesignation: In 2006, MSSG-15 was redesignated as Combat Logistics Battalion 15 (CLB-15), reflecting the Marine Corps’ shift to modular, scalable logistics units.
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Multinational Exercises: MSSG-15 regularly participated in international exercises such as Cobra Gold (Thailand) and Exercise Team Spirit (Korea), fostering interoperability with allied militaries.
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Symbolism: The unit’s insignia and motto, “With the Marines, For the Marines,” underscore its mission to support Marine warfighters anytime and anywhere, a legacy carried on by CLB-15 today.
