Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s aviation and ground combat elements are conducting training to enhance the MEU’s ability to strike its enemies with rapid, precise and lethal force during the Heliborne Raid Course at Fire Base Gloria here June 26-29.
Marines from Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, supported by personnel and aircraft from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (Reinforced) from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, are providing the MEU with a one-two punch capability during the week-long course designed to train elements of the MEU to execute a ship-to-shore helicopter assault.
The “Helo Raid” course is administered by Special Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force from here, and is designed to give both combat elements an opportunity to work together as a team during the MEU’s intense pre-deployment training program. The training is also geared toward earning the MEU the coveted "Special Operations Capable" certification from SOTG and preparing the MEU for their upcoming deployment to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf regions later this year.
For more information on the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit visit their website athttp://www.usmc.mil/11thmeu.