MEU exercise lays foundation for working together
Story Date
3/6/2009
By
Byline
Gunnery Sgt. Scott Dunn
,
Unit
11th MEU
Dateline
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.
Page Content
Aviation, ground and logistics elements worked in concert here March 2-6 to complete the first of several exercises planned for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which deploys later this year.
The exercise established the foundation of a cohesive war-fighting unit of 2,200 Marines and sailors, said Col. Gregg Olson, 11th MEU commanding officer.
“We have experienced leaders who know what it takes to prepare for war,” he said.
In addition to executing surface and helicopter-borne raids, the unit conducted a variety of missions including humanitarian assistance, personnel recovery and tactical refueling.
The three major subordinate elements, which officially joined the MEU in January, are Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines; Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (Reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion 11.
“Each element brings specific expertise,” said Lt. Col. James R. Hensien, CLB-11 commanding officer. “There isn’t one unit with expertise in all areas. We have a requirement to teach each other.”
Simulating a forward-deployed environment, as if projected inland, the latest exercise put the planning skills into action by incorporating all players down to the platoon level. As the MEU hones its capabilities as an air-ground task force and begins training from the sea with Navy counterparts, a progressive training schedule will integrate a more amphibious focus.
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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.-Cpl. Justin Davis peers over the barrel of a MK-19 40mm grenade launcher during a practice raid here March 4. Davis and other infantry Marines from 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, conducted training missions March 2-6 as part of 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit exercise, which focuses on Marine Air Ground Task Force planning and execution., Sgt. Scott M. Biscuiti, 3/4/2009 11:27 PM
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.-Marines with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, make a brief security halt before taking part in a practice raid here March 4. The Marines later assaulted a house and took custody of the personnel inside. The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and its subordinate elements conducted numerous training missions March 2-6 as part of MEU exercise, that focused on Marine Air Ground Task Force planning and execution., Sgt. Scott M. Biscuiti, 3/5/2009 12:35 AM
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.-A chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear specialist with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit collects a sample of an unknown substance during a practice raid here March 4. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, conducted the raid during a 5-day exercise that focused on Marine Air Ground Task Force planning and execution. , Sgt. Scott M. Biscuiti, 3/5/2009 3:48 AM
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.-Lance Cpl. Juan Martinez, an infantryman with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, scans his immediate area during a practice raid here March 4. The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted numerous training missions March 2-6 as part of an exercise that focused on Marine Air Ground Task Force planning and execution., Sgt. Scott M. Biscuiti, 3/4/2009 11:13 PM
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