WITH THE 2D MARINE DIVISION IN DESERT SHIELD AND DESERT STORM 71 Department of Defense Photo (USN) 91 09899 On the way back are Marines of Healquaflers Battalion, traveling from Kuwait City to Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia. By the middle of March, the division began to prepare for its own withdrawal to Saudi Arabia. On 14 March, the 2d Tank Battalion moved south to Al Mishab, and would be followed by other units over the next several days as the division returned to Al Jubayl. In the midst of this movement, the Tiger Brigade returned to the operational control of ArCent on 23 March. On 30 March, the division main CP displaced, to be followed the next day by Headquarters Battalion.~ But not all of the division was returning. The Headquarters, 8th Marines, was to remain in Kuwait to provide a "presence" of U.S. forces in the area and to provide a forward defense for Kuwait in its sector. In this way the continued security of Kuwait could be ensured as it began to rebuild. A small regiment was formed using the regimental headquarters, the 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, and the 3d Battalion, 23d Marines. These battalions were supported by the 3d Battalion, 10th Marines, and other combat support and combat service support units as necessary. Even Hornet and Harrier aircraft were designated in support of this force. At first, the 8th Marines reported directly to CG, I MEF for operations, but after the latter's departure, the regiment came under the operational control of Major General Norman E. Ehlert, Commander, Marine Forces Southwest Asia.~ At Al Jubayl, the main activity was the preparation of equipment for shipment back to Camp Lejeune or for reembarkation with the MPS shipping. The work was long and often tedious, but spirits were buoyed by the knowledge that the day for returning to the United States would soon arrive. A special detachment from the Southwest Asia Training Group, led by Lieutenant Colonel John R. Michaud, was present to assist with the demobilization of the division's Reservists. Discharge forms were signed, discharge physical conducted, and pre- separation briefings given about the benefits and entitlements due on separation from active duty.First Page | Prev Page | Next Page | Src Image |