JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
On an installation as large as Joint Base Charleston, S.C., some personnel might not be aware of the vast capabilities that exist here, to include the mission set of the 4th Medical Logistics Company, a unit within the United States Marine Corps 4th Medical Battalion. The battalion is staffed by U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy personnel who provide medical support to Marine forces world-wide.
Though smaller in size compared to other JB Charleston mission partners, the 4th MEDLOG here is integral to supporting and sustaining the warfighter around the world.
“Here in MEDLOG we provide materiel support to exercises such as African Lion and other functions to ensure Marines in the field have the right equipment to support themselves in combat environments,” said Hospitalman 2nd Class Oyekade Dada, 4th MEDLOG operations chief.
Working at a Marine Corps Reserves Center provides challenges to the 4th MEDLOG they overcome by training in a joint environment. Every Sailor and Marine can do multiple jobs.
“Working on a Joint Base has given me the opportunity to interact with other branches here,” said Dada. “The MEDLOG is unique because we don’t have large facilities other MEDLOGS enjoy. Because we have fewer Sailors and Marines to support the same size workloads as other MEDLOGS, we have to do a little bit more multitasking.”
The team handles both operations and procurement while working in the warehouse and coordinating transportation needs.
"Every day we are making sure Sailors and Marines are ready to go,” said Dada.
No two days are the same at the MEDLOG, with various orders from different units needing supplies and equipment to support Marine and Navy missions.
“Normal day-to-day varies,” said Hospitalman 1st Class Shawn Burnette, 4th MEDLOG senior enlisted leader. “From receiving requests and calibrating equipment to procuring materiel and checking the availability of supplies, we ensure everything is ready to be shipped out.”
The Marine Forces Reserve mission can hinge on the success of the 4th MEDLOG.
"Our job is important because we provide class eight equipment to the entire Marine Expeditionary Force for Marine Forces Reserve," said Burnette. "Without MEDLOG, they wouldn't be able to complete their mission."