3rd Combat Engineer Battalion

In autumn 2007, Alpha Company of 3rd CEB was formed in Twentynine Palms, California. The following year, most of the company was deployed to Iraq under Regimental Combat Team 5, while its 2nd Platoon went to Afghanistan with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, operating in the Helmand and Farah Provinces.

By November 2008, Bravo Company was established with three line platoons and a specialized company for the new Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV). In 2010, Alpha Company and an element from the First Tank Battalion were dispatched to Helmand Province for Route Clearance duties, supporting the 3rd Battalion 7th Marines and covering areas including Marjeh, Musa Qala, and the Battle of Sangin.

Bravo Company deployed to Helmand in August 2011, backing 3rd Battalion 7th Marines and 2nd Battalion 4th Marines. Both Alpha and Bravo Companies had subsequent deployments in 2013, offering support and route clearance across various battalions and regions in Afghanistan.

Over the course of their reunion, the Marines and Sailors of 3rd CEB reunited, reconnected, and renewed the bonds they share from their time together in combat. They cut firewood for Camp Rotary's summer camp attendees and enjoyed meals prepared by Great Falls volunteers. The bond they forged during their service was evident, not just in shared stories, but also in friendly competitions like the axe throwing tournament hosted by Broke Axe Throwing. They hiked through the nearby Sluice Boxes State Park.

An impactful highlight was the speech by Retired Sergeant Major Matt Fortune, who was their First Sergeant, underscoring the enduring bonds of military service. As evenings set in, they gathered around campfires, immersed in stories and memories.