An officer and Marine with 3rd Marine Logistics Group were awarded as the top motor transportation officer and operator for 2022, Feb. 14, 2023.

Lance Cpl. Austin Clark, a native of Dallas, Texas, and 1st Lt. Alex Crape, a native of Ferndale, Washington, received awards as motor transport operator and officer of the year, respectively.

Clark, a motor vehicle operator with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, worked as the heavy fleet line non-commissioned officer and was in charge of countless heavy fleet operations moving equipment vital to operations throughout the Indo-Pacific. He was presented the Motor Transport Operator of the Year award for his outstanding performance and achievements while serving with 9th ESB.

“Receiving this award means a lot to me. I’ve been trusted with a lot of responsibility, and it feels good to be recognized for my hard work,” said Clark. “This award motivates me to continue to push myself and work hard.”

1st Lt. Crape, the executive officer for Company A, 3rd Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, oversaw daily operations within the motor pool as the Company XO, served as a combat logistics officer in charge of Combat Logistics Detachment 393 while supporting 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines during Artillery Relocation Training Program 21.3 in Hokkaido, Japan, developed his own comprehensive exercise to cover a large scope of logistics and ground transportation skills, assisted in the planning of follow on ARTPs, and was the representative for 3rd Transportation Battalion for the Initial Planning Conference for Cobra Gold 23.

“It was an absolute honor and a privilege to be named Motor Transport Officer of the Year. This award instantly made me reflect on the incredible year I had while stationed in Okinawa and made me very thankful for the mentors and Marines I was blessed to serve with,” said Crape, “I consider myself very lucky to have gotten the opportunity to work within the motor transport community for as long as I did; it has been the highlight of my Marine Corps career thus far.”

3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.