Called up, local Marines to head to California

VIENNA -- The Marine Corps' Landing Support Equipment Company, housed at the Air Force Reserve Station, has been notified that 40 of its members will be mobilized to active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Marines will form Detachment A, about half of the total complement of the Landing Support Equipment Company, when they report for activation Thursday.
The detachment consists of operators and mechanics for heavy equipment and motor transport vehicles, embarkation specialists and supply administrators, Staff Sgt. Matthew Lynch, public affairs officer, said Tuesday.
The detachment is scheduled to arrive in Southern California on Monday to augment and reinforce active Marine units in that area. The group could be sent overseas at a later date, depending on the situation, Lynch said.
The local Marines will be on active duty for at least a year and could be extended for an additional year under the partial mobilizations authorized by President Bush.
The last time the Landing Support Equipment Company was activated was during Operation Desert Shield/Storm, when they served overseas. They were activated for about three months, Lynch said.
The majority of Detachment A, commanded by Capt. Robert Wyssbrod, are from Ohio, but there are also members from West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Lynch said the 40 Marines are ready to do their job. "Hopefully, they will get back safely."