3rd Marine Logistics Group

3d Marine Logistics Group
3d Marine Logistics Group Insignia
Active	1 May 1958 – Present
Country	United States
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch	United States Marine Corps
Type	Logistics
Role	Multi-Function Combat Service Support
Part of	III Marine Expeditionary Force
Garrison/HQ	Camp Smedley Butler, Okinawa, Japan
Motto(s)	Sustaining the Pacific
Engagements	Vietnam War Operation Desert Storm Operation Enduring Freedom
Commanders
Current commander	Brigadier General Tracy W. King
Notable commanders	BGen Carrol A. Mutter (1992 - 1994)

The 3d Marine Logistics Group (3d MLG) is the logistics combat element (LCE) for III Marine Expeditionary Force currently headquartered on Camp Kinser, Marine Corps Base Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan. 3d MLG provides combat service support (CSS) to III MEF units above the organic capability. CSS is the essential capabilities, functions, activities, and tasks necessary to sustain all elements of operating forces in theater at all levels of war. Combat service support includes, but is not limited, to supply, maintenance, transportation, general engineering, health services, and other services required by aviation and ground combat forces to permit those units to accomplish their missions.

As a multi-function Combat Service Support Group, enable III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) by providing CSS, conducting intermediate level supply, field level maintenance, material distribution, equipment fielding, and procurement management to support deployed Marine air-ground task forces (MAGTFs) in order to enhance and preserve the expeditionary nature and combat power of III MEF.

3d MLG was originally activated on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan as the 3d Force Service Regiment on 1 May 1958 under the 3d Marine Division (MARDIV). During November 1961, the Regiment was relocated to Camp Sukiran, Okinawa, Japan. In August 1965, 3d FSR was officially detached from 3d MARDIV and placed under operational control of Commanding General, Fleet Marine Forces, Pacific. From 1965 through 1966, elements of 3d FSR were deployed to support the war in Vietnam. Throughout most of 1965, a Force Logistic Support Group in Da Nang, which was subordinate to 3d FSR provided logistical support for approximately 38,000 Marines of the 3d Marine Division and 1st Marine Air Wing. Because of the deterioration of equipment in South Vietnam, the Commanding General Fleet Marine Forces Pacific was granted authority to conduct fifth echelon maintenance and rebuild equipment in the western Pacific. From 1966 to 1970, 3d FSR was granted funds and provided guidance to conduct fifth echelon maintenance within its capabilities and contract out the remainder instead of returning equipment to the United States which proved to be one of the great logistical decisions of Vietnam. On 29 December 1966, Camp Sukiran, where 3d FSR was located, was re-dedicated as Camp Foster.