6th Communications Battalion

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name= 6th Communications Battalion


caption= 6th Comm's insignia
dates= *May 15, 1957 - present
country= United States
allegiance=
branch= USMC
type= Logistics
role=
size=
command_structure= 4th Marine Logistics Group Marine Forces Reserve
current_commander= LtCol Egenolf
garrison= Floyd Bennett Field
ceremonial_chief=
colonel_of_the_regiment=
nickname=
patron=
motto=
colors=
march=
mascot=
battles= Operation Desert Storm Operation Iraqi Freedom
notable_commanders=
anniversaries=

6th Communications Battalion (6th Comm) is a communications battalion in the United States Marine Corps. It is part of 4th Marine Logistics Group (4th MLG) and the Marine Forces Reserve. The unit is headquartered out of Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, New York and out of the Armed Forces Reserve Center, Amityville, New York. The unit specializes in communications and is trained to provide radio, data, wire/switching, and satellite services to support Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEFs). 6th Communications Battalion also serves the surrounding New York community by running the Toys for Tots program in the New York City and Long Island area, attending parades and memorial services, and providing support for various other community activities that may arise.

Mission

The mission of 6th Comm is to::"Provide communication support to Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (MHG) or to a designated Joint Task Force (JTF) command element when directed. Additionally, to provide Ground Mobile Forces Satellite support to 4th Marine Logistic Group in the conduct of its Marine Logistics Command (MLC) mission, as directed."

History

Early years

6th Communications Battalion was activated on May 15, 1957 at Fort Schuyler, Bronx, New York, as the 1st Communication Support Battalion and were redesignated on July 1, 1962 as the 6th Communication Battalion. The battalion was called to active duty in March 1970 for service in the U.S. postal strike of 1970.

1990s to present

The battalion participated in support of Operation Desert Storm in Southwest Asia from December 1990 to April 1991. They relocated during July 1997 to Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, New York. The entire battalion was mobilized in 2003 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom from March to June 2003. After returning to New York, the unit was demobilized in September 2003. Elements of the battalion again mobilized and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from June 2004 to the present day.

Unit awards

A unit citation or commendation is an award bestowed upon an organization for the action cited. Members of the unit who participated in said actions are allowed to wear on their uniforms the awarded unit citation. 6th Comm has been presented with the following awards:

ee also

* List of United States Marine Corps battalions
* Organization of the United States Marine Corps

External links

* [http://www.mfr.usmc.mil/4thmlg/6thCommBn/index.htm 6th Comm's Official Website]