Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif. -- Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion – 15, stationed on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, visited Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., for guidance in rail operations, Aug., 15.
CLB-15 needed an efficient and cost effective method to ship equipment to the Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., for a humanitarian and disaster relief simulation exercise.
Chad Hildebrandt, rail operations director on MCLB Barstow, has been traveling to various Marine Corps installations to educate personnel about the training and logistical capabilities the rail head in Barstow has to offer.
Hildebrandt was in Camp Pendleton a week before their exercise, he explained. When CLB-15 discovered they could use the rail head as not only a training opportunity for future missions, but as means to send their vehicles out and save some money, they jumped onboard.
“By shipping their vehicles via rail, (CLB-15) had a 40 percent cost savings as opposed to what they would have spent driving the vehicles,” Hildebrandt added.
Corporal Steven Flack, logistics and support specialist with CLB-15, added it was a great experience for their unit to have.
“Using rail operations to ship our vehicles to Bridgeport is extremely beneficial,” said Flack. We don’t get many opportunities to train with rail operations … the experience is great for everyone.”
The Woodland Hills, Calif., native, further explained that not only did using rail car save money, it saved wear and tear put on the vehicles and time in the case of a breakdown if they were to have been driven there.
Corporal Flavio Barraza, motor transportation, agreed the training was beneficial for the unit.
“The training was great,” said Barraza. “The instructors were clear, concise and to the point. We learned how to tie everything down properly, safely and timely to ensure mission accomplishment.”
Barraza, who has never worked with rail cars before, added that it was a good experience and hopes it’s utilized for future missions and training exercises.
“Overall, the training went well,” said Hildebrandt. “We were able to support their mission and give them hands-on training at the same time. Instead of doing it for them, (Marines with CLB-15) we instructed and supervised them so they can do it safely in the future.”
For a short class, the Marines caught on quickly; Hildebrandt is looking forward to their return for the full eight-day rail operations course, he concluded.