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History of the 6th Engineer Support Battalion Page
The 6th Engineer Support Battalion (6th ESB) has a rich history marked by activations, deactivations, redesignations, and significant deployments in major conflicts.
World War II Era (1944-1946)
Activation: The battalion was initially activated on November 1, 1944, at Guadalcanal as the 6th Engineer Battalion, 6th Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force.
World War II Campaigns: During World War II, the battalion played a crucial role in the Battle of Okinawa. Following the war, elements of the battalion participated in the Occupation of Japan from August to November 1945.
Redeployment and Deactivation: In October 1945, the battalion was redeployed to Qingdao, China, before being deactivated on March 26, 1946.
Reserve Era and Modern Deployments (1957-Present)
Reactivation and Early Redesignations: The battalion was reactivated on November 1, 1957, at Swan Island, Portland, Oregon, as the 3rd Engineer Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. It underwent several redesignations:
July 1, 1962: Redesignated as the 5th Engineer Battalion, Force Troops, Fleet Marine Force, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
February 1, 1967: Redesignated as the 10th Engineer Battalion.
October 2, 1971: Redesignated as the 6th Engineer Battalion.
May 31, 1976: Redesignated as the 6th Engineer Support Battalion (6th ESB), falling under the 4th Force Service Support Group (which was later redesignated as the 4th Marine Logistics Group in 2006).
Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1991): Elements of the 6th ESB participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Southwest Asia from January to April 1991.
Global War on Terrorism (2003-Present): The battalion has been heavily involved in the Global War on Terrorism.
Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003): The 6th ESB was mobilized in January 2003 to Camp Pendleton, California, and then deployed to Kuwait in February 2003. They participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom from March to June 2003. During this period, the 6th ESB was vital for fueling coalition forces and providing purified water supplies. Notably, they constructed the longest fuel line in Marine Corps history during Iraq's worst sandstorm in 20 years. For their "extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy" during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Marines of the 6th ESB were awarded the Navy Presidential Unit Citation.
Continued Support in Iraq (2004-2009): Elements of the battalion continued to mobilize and participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom from March 2004 to May 2009. Engineer Support Company (re-designated as Combat Service Support Company 113 or CSSC-113) and Bridge Company A were particularly active. Bridge Company A notably repaired a critical highway bridge at Checkpoint 34A in less than 32 hours while under enemy fire, a task projected to take seven days. Four Marines from the battalion were killed in action during this tour.
Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan, 2011-2012): From July 2011 to February 2012 (OEF 11–2), over 100 Marines from the 6th ESB and individual augments deployed as Engineer Company attached to Combat Logistics Battalion 6 to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. They conducted extensive construction projects and road repairs for infantry and special operations units.
Ongoing Training and Support: The 6th ESB continues to conduct training exercises, such as Exercise Red Dagger, where they partner with British army engineers to exchange tactics and build relationships.
Honors Awarded
The 6th Engineer Support Battalion has been recognized for its service with numerous honors, including:
Presidential Unit Citation Streamer with one Bronze Star:
World War II: Okinawa - 1945
Iraq: 2003
Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer with one Bronze Star:
1987-1989
Southwest Asia: 1990-1991
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Streamer with one Bronze Star
World War II Victory Streamer
China Service Streamer
National Defense Service Streamer with one Bronze Star
Southwest Asia Service Streamer with two Bronze Stars
Iraq Campaign Streamer with one Bronze Star
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Streamer
Global War on Terrorism Service Streamer
Throughout Calendar Year 2025, 2nd Quarter, Corporal Vandiver has distinguished himself from his
peers with unwavering professionalism, Military Occupational Specialty proficiency and mentorship of
both Selected Marine Corps Reserve and Inspector-Instructor Marines.
Corporal Vandiver consistently performs at a level beyond his rank. As the Heavy Equipment Maintenance NCOIC, Corporal Vandiver has ensured a continued high state of readiness in Engineer Equipment at the site. Through his efforts, calibration readiness increased to 100 percent this quarter. He consistently sets the example during drill weekends, leading Marines of all ranks through corrective and preventative maintenance and providing guidance and support to Reserve and Active-duty Marines alike.
During this quarter, Corporal Vandiver had a major impact on the entire host installation. Due to funding shortfalls and an increase in tenant units, NSA Mid-South needed assistance with the transportation, movement, and receipt of ammunition storage containers located onboard an adjacent Coast Guard Post. Offering his expertise and time, Corporal Vandiver facilitated the movement of three containers, which saved over $350,000 ion contracting and purchase fees. He was also able to expedite the process and eliminate major delays. Through his efforts, Naval Support Activity Midsouth now has a secondary supply point and can store demolitions used for military working dog training.
While Corporal Vandiver’s commitment to the mission and vast accomplishments go beyond this
quarter, he has once again shown why he is an integral part of the staff. For his efforts in support of Antiterrorism and Force Protections maneuvers and planning, he was recognized by the Commanding Officer
of NSA Mid-South and presented an impact award. He was also selected as the 6th Engineer Support
Battalion’s nomination for the Marine Corps Engineer Association’s Engineer Equipment NonCommissioned Officer of the Year.
LCpl Wakeem's initiative and drive have had a positive impact across the Marines in his platoon. LCpl Wakeem demonstrated his MOS proficiency embarking and displacing nine Expeditionary Fuels Dispensing System sites consisting of more than 130 components, each over the course of more than 50 hours. He ensured each site, once completed, was walked through and took special care to impart his knowledge on the Marines accompanying him increasing the overall ability of the company to complete its mission. LCpl Wakeem has also aggressively sought out additional opportunities to expand his fuels knowledge spending over 30 hours employing Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) systems running numerous drills with more than 35 Marines.
LCpl Wakeem has also volunteered for multiple Marine Corps Funeral Honors. Although he lives multiple states away, he has participated in ten Funeral Honor Details and two-color guards for Memorial Day parades traveling more than 250 miles over the course of 60 hours.
Through his dependability, dedication to excellence, and MOS proficiency LCpl Wakeem has set the example for others to emulate. He routinely displays the traits of the type of leader Bulk Fuel Company B needs to continue being successful in its mission.
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