Marines TV

Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit endure a circuit while under the effects of Oleoresin Capsicum spray as part of a non-lethal weapons courseaboard USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), Dec. 30, 2017 . The course teaches Marines how to properly implement the weapon systems and provide them with the confidence and knowledge to push through the effects of the non-lethal weapons. The 15th MEU and America Amphibious Ready Group are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance regional partnerships and serve as a ready-response capability for any type of contingency. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. F. Cordoba)

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, Iraq (Dec. 18, 2017) – U.S. Marines were deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force- Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. CJTF - OIR is the global Coalition to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Marines deployed in support of CJTF-OIR advice and assist Iraqi Security Forces as they liberate the country from ISIS. (U.S. Marine Corps videp by Cpl. Frank Cordoba)

The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Marines prepares themselves mentally to be shot with a HEMI/X-29E Taser and O.C. Spray during a three-day Non-Lethal Weapons Course aboard USS America (LHA 6), Dec. 17-21, 2017. The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and American Amphibious Ready Group are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance regional partnerships and serve as a ready-response capability for any type of contingency.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS – The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team uses the Percussion Actuated Neutralizer to defuss an ordnance detonator device during ordnance disposal training aboard USS America (LHA 6), Dec. 16, 2017. The 15th MEU and America Amphibious Ready Group are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps broll by Cpl. Timothy Valero)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 7, 2017) - U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 3 and USS America give a motivating message to the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy for this year's Army-Navy football game aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). The 15th MEU and America Amphibious Ready Group are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, and to preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Hannah Perkins)

ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 23, 2017) Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer visited Sailors and Marines of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the America Amphibious Ready Group aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) Thanksgiving Day. America is the flagship for the America Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps video Sgt. Hannah Perkins)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS - U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and America Amphibious Ready Group wish family and friends a happy Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, 2017. The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and America ARG are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and to preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Hannah Perkins/Released)

U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and Air Force assets display U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and forward-deployed capabilities during the 2017 Dubai Airshow.

A Marine bulk fuel specialist, supporting Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, enables U.S. and coalition forces to further the fight against ISIS in Iraq. CJTF - OIR is the global Coalition to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Marines deployed in support of CJTF-OIR advice and assist Iraqi Security Forces as they liberate Al Qaim district from ISIS. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. F. Cordoba)

Cpl. Smalling, a law enforcement Marine with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Command Element, shares a little bit about himself and his deployment. Smalling, the 15th MEU and America Amphibious Ready Group are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, and to preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.

The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Battalion Landing Team started their portion of Alligator Dagger 17, a two-week combat rehearsal in Djibouti, to increase proficiency and readiness in the 5th Fleet area of operation, by reintroducing basic marksmanship skills and weapons familiarization. “This basic sustainment training keeps the Marines’ edges sharp so we maintain that constant force of readiness,” said Staff Sgt. Rogan Nichols, the platoon sergeant for third platoon, Company A. “This is why we are known as the force in readiness, and it’s what our MEU is prepared for.” The BLT culminated the training by conducting squad supported live-fire, fire-and-movement attacks, which incorporated company organic assets as wells scout snipers exercising the combat orders process. The BLT successfully completed all training expectations and reinforced the strength of their teams from the bottom up making the BLT as a whole fundamentally more effective and responsive. “This training helped the Marines get to the next tier of confidence in their weapons systems, intimately learning about their day and night optics and how to use both in low-light and other harsh situations, as well as built a familiarity with rest of their gear issued for deployment,” Nichols added. The Battalion Landing Team worked in extreme conditions to prepare themselves as well as the rest of the 15th MEU for seamless and quick response to crises situations even in the most unforgiving terrain and climate. “This exercise acclimated us to operating in 5th Fleet’s environment,” said 1st Lt. Patrick Neichter, the platoon commander of 2nd platoon, Company B. “Alligator Dagger was necessary so we are prepared to respond to any type of crises situation while the 15th MEU is operating in the 5th Fleet area of operation.” From heat acclamation and building and using terrain models to conduct live-fire squad attacks, the BLT built their confidence of the key leaders as well as the small unit leaders perfecting readiness, the Marines’ leadership skills and the overall abilities of the 15th MEU.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS – Section chiefs with Battery C., Battalion Landing Team, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit explain in their own words why artillery is known as the king of battle. The battery Marines are participating in the Fire Support Coordination Exercise conducting fire missions in response to Joint Tactical Air Controllers call for fire against notional enemy positions during Alligator Dagger, Sept. 8, 2017. Alligator Dagger is an opportunity for the Blue-Green team to demonstrate they are a strong, flexible force ready to execute crisis response missions within the CENTCOM area of responsibility. The MEU-ARG’s flexibility to conduct aggregated or disaggregated operations makes it uniquely suited to consistently respond to mission sets TF 51/5 may task at particularly decisive points for combat operations or humanitarian missions setting them apart from their forward deployed counterparts.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. F Cordoba)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Sept. 8, 2017) Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force conduct a visit, board, search and seizure mission aboard USS Lewis B. Puller (T-ESB 3) during exercise Alligator Dagger 2017. VBSSs are conducted to capture and control a suspected enemy vessel in order to combat terrorism, piracy and smuggling operations on the sea. Available expeditionary Navy/Marine Corps forces stand ready aboard ships to assure allies, deter potential adversaries and provide persistent U.S. presence. Alligator Dagger provides opportunity to enhance capabilities in critical mission sets inherent to the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps team. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Capt. Maida Zheng/Released)"

PACIFIC OCEAN -- U.S. Marines with C. Battery, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Battalion Landing Team conduct a deck shoot aboard USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), Aug. 7, 2017. The 15th MEU and America Amphibious Ready Group are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance regional partnerships and serve as a ready-response capability for any type of contingency. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. F. Cordoba)

PACIFIC OCEAN -- The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and America Amphibious Ready Group practiced launching and recovering aircraft using visual cues only. This training ensures the blue-green team has the ability to conduct flight operations without the aid of radio, navigational, and Air Traffic Control Support. The 15th MEU and America ARG are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance regional partnerships and serve as a ready-response capability for any type of contingency. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Hannah Perkins)

The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and America Amphibious Ready Group completed its first training exercise of the Western Pacific Deployment. The training conducted in Hawai‘i allowed the Marines and Sailors to sustain skills developed during a comprehensive six-month pre-deployment training cycle. The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and America Amphibious Ready Group are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance regional partnerships and serve as a ready-response capability for any type of contingency.

The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and America Amphibious Ready Group deployed Friday, July 8, 2017 for the Western Pacific deployment in support of fleet and combatant commanders. The Blue-Green Team serves as the Nation's crisis response and contingency team.

The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and America Amphibious Ready Group completed the Certification Exercise, their third and final at-sea training period prior to deployment. The 15th MEU and America ARG are tried, test and proven capable to support any mission that may come their way during deployment.

15th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment is the strong, flexible, consistent and responsive force tested and proven capable to support any mission that may arise during deployment.

On this day in 1918, Marines with the 5th Marine Regiment, fought alongside U.S. Army, British and French forces against the German Spring Offensive at the Battle of Belleau Wood. Allied forces continued through enemy lines despite the sizeable forces they faced. The results of this battle helped shaped the Marine Corps into the fighting force we have today. Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment continue the legacy of the Marine Corps with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corp Video by Cpl. Justin Huffty)

On this day in 1918, Marines with the 5th Marine Regiment, fought alongside U.S. Army, British and French forces against the German Spring Offensive at the Battle of Belleau Wood. Allied forces continued through enemy lines despite the sizeable forces they faced. The results of this battle helped shaped the Marine Corps into the fighting force we have today. Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment continue the legacy of the Marine Corps with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corp Video by Cpl. Justin Huffty)

Combat Logistics Battalion 15 is the life-blood of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit capable of moving massive mission-essential equipment from ship to shore, providing drinking water from the Pacific Ocean, and continuous resupply for units conducting missions. As the Logistics Combat Element for the 15th MEU, CLB-15 provides constant support for any mission, anywhere.

Marines launch a RQ-21A Blackjack from the flight deck of the USS San Diego (LPD-22) during PHIBRON-MEU Integration, April 12, 2017. The Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced) attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit launched and recovered the RQ-21A Blackjack after conducting a surveillance and reconnaissance mission. PMINT is the 15th MEU's first at-sea training period and an opportunity for the Marines to work closely with their Navy counterparts as they complete mission essential tasks.

Marines with Force Detachment Bravo Company 1st Reconnaissance Battalion attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, clear urban terrain at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 11, 2017. The Marines of the 15th MEU undergo a series of advanced training exercises to ensure all elements of the 15th MEU are prepared to confront any obstacles they may face in their upcoming deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Mike Hernandez)

Marines with Bravo Company 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Force Detachment attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, clear urban terrain at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 11, 2017. The Marines of the 15th MEU undergo a series of advanced training exercises to ensure all elements of the 15th MEU are prepared to confront any obstacles they may face in their upcoming deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Mike Hernandez)

Marines process water from the Pacific Ocean to provide clean water for the Marines and Sailors conducting land-based training during PHIBRON-MEU Integration. The Marines of Combat Logistic Battalion 15 attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit honed their skill to provide portable water. PMINT is the 15th MEU's first at-sea training period allowing Marines to work closely with their Navy counterparts to complete mission essential task.

MARINE AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE TRAINING CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit completed its Realistic Urban Training retrograde, March 21, 2017, after a two-week predeployment training evolution apart of its progressive program in preparation for deployment later this year. RUT is a land-based exercise that provides an opportunity to integrate unique skills and develop the 15th MEU’s collective proficiency in challenging and unfamiliar environments. The MEU maintains a high level of readiness to be where needed, when needed, and the units undergo demanding unit-level certification cycles to be proficient in every critical mission area.

MARINE AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE TRAINING CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – Marines with Transportation Support Detachment, Combat Logistics Battalion 15, attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct convoy training to gain proficiency with gunnery, bounding and casualty evacuation procedures for their upcoming deployment later this year during Realistic Urban Training, March 13, 2017. MEUs operate continuously across the globe and provide the president and the unified combatant commanders with a forward-deployed, flexible and responsive sea-based Marine Air Ground Task Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Video by Cpl. Nathaniel S. McAllister)

Navy Lt. Cmdr. James Myers, chaplain for the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit slated to deploy later this year, shares his personal thoughts on the most important aspect of his job after 36 years of service to God, Corps and country. Story and video by Lance Cpl. Jacob Pruitt MARINE AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE TRAINING CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – Service members pledge their lives to the service of others; while some serve their country for a few years proudly and then move on as civilians, some devote their entire lives, others pay in blood and go home physically or emotionally wounded, while some give their lives. Chaplains are service members who work to take care of those who are called to serve, it’s their job to reinforce the spiritual mettle of those who spend long months away from home and deal with the daily stress that comes with holding a spot with the world’s crisis response force. Lt. Cmdr. James Myers, a Pennsville, N. J., native, devoted his life to the service of God, Corps and his country, and has always worked toward supporting and taking care of others. Throughout his 36 years of service, Myers never stopped being a leader to his congregation or to the Marines under his guidance. He’s currently serving as the chaplain of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and continues to lead and teach those around him. “When I was a cadet at the Citadel, I got to see the different branches of service,” said Myers. “My father was in the Navy and my uncle was a pilot, but I didn’t know which branch of service I wanted to be a part of until I met with all the different branches.” Myers could have followed the example set by his father and joined the Navy, or let his love of aviation move him toward the Air force, but unexpectedly Myers felt compelled to join the United States Marine Corps. “I noticed something different about the Marines,” said Myers. “Marines are a different breed, and I was really impressed with the way the officers and staff non-commissioned officers cared for those under them; actually taking the time to understand them, getting to know them personally, and with that, building the bond that separated them from the others.” Myers set his mind on being a pilot after deciding on joining the Marines. Myers graduated and became a Marine aviator after getting the opportunity to go to flight school. “I loved every minute of my time being a pilot,” said Myers. “Sometimes it was hard to believe I was being paid to do the things I was doing.” During his time as a pilot from 1981 until 1987, Myers was passionate about taking care of Marines. After leaving the Marine Corps, he remained passionate about taking care of others and felt called to serve in a different manner. This time from behind a pulpit, he worked as a pastor for 12 years influencing and bettering the lives of those around him. “In 2008, my wife introduced me to a Navy article about the need for chaplains,” said Myers. “I prayed about it, and thought it through and ended up calling the recruiter. He said there was a place for a guy like me. So in 2008, I came back into the service with the Chaplain Corps.” Myers got a chance to see the world and experience a whole new side of the military while working on multiple deployment rotations. “I always loved getting to be a part of something like this,” said Myers. “The MEU is as good a snapshot of the military as you can ask for. It allows Marines and Sailors to see almost all of our core components working together in unison, and it can be a real learning and growing experience for all those involved. I couldn’t be happier being a part of it.” Myers always goes above and beyond his call of service. With men and women like him watching over the Marines and Sailors with the 15th MEU, our service members will not only be physically and mentally ready for the upcoming deployment, but spiritually ready and resilient to take on any and all challenges they may face.

The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Aviation Combat Element conducted a live-fire pistol range in order to enhance their survival, evasion, resistance, and escape tactics and techniques during Realistic Urban Training, March 10, 2017. Expert marksmanship is a critical skill while on the move in a perilous situation. This training is designed to enhance their quick-reaction skills in the event they find themselves stranded in hostile territory and are identified by the enemy or unfriendly locals. Marines train to be decisive and to respond quickly with sound judgement, because the worst decision a Marine can make in the midst of a crisis is no decision at all. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Dusty B. Kilcrease)

MARINE AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE TRAINING CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit corpsman explain how they help maintain the offensive by keeping Marines in the fight during Realistic Urban Training, March 7, 2017.

The Battalion Landing Team and the Aviation Combat Element of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct a Fire Support Exercise during Realistic Urban Training, March 6, 2017. Conducting both day and night live-fire exercises, incorporating 81 millimeter mortars, 155 millimeter artillery, combinations of rotary wing and fixed wing close air support the MEU is better prepared to deliver responsive, accurate and deadly fires to any enemy they may face while deployed later this year.

MARINE CORPS AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE TRAINING CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit carefully attach a Humvee to a CH-53E Super Stallion for a Helicopter Support Team mission, March 6, 2017. A Helicopter Support Team ensures an oversized external load, like a Humvee, is secure and properly attached before pilots of a CH-53E Super Stallion transport it to the destination landing zone. The 15th MEU’s rapid ability to mobilize personnel and equipment makes the amphibious force uniquely postured to respond in a moment’s notice. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Hannah Perkins)

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Battalion Landing Team execute a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel training mission aboard Camp Pendleton, March 1, 2017. TRAP training teaches the BLT to successfully conduct a rescue mission for downed pilots and the crew. The training is a small part of the evolutions the BLT will conduct in order to get ready to deploy with the 15th MEU later this year. Our rapid ability to mobilize people and equipment makes the amphibious force uniquely postured to respond to natural disasters. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Frank Cordoba)

U.S. Marines participate in the confidence chamber on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 22 2017. Marines go to the gas chamber bi-annually to build confidence in their gear. The forces of the 15th MEU maintain a high level of readiness to be where needed, when needed. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Dusty Kilcrease / Released)

U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct explosive ordnance disposal training on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 22, 2017. This training allows Marines the opportunity to practice in a safe controlled environment. (U.S. Marine video by Cpl. Hannah Perkins/Released)

Story by 2nd Lt. Maria C. Arnone, 15th MEU Deputy Public Affairs Officer CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines and Sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit complete the first major field exercise of their pre-deployment training period as a composite force aboard Camp Pendleton, Feb. 6-10 in preparation for their upcoming WESTPAC 17-2 deployment. The Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise set the foundation for the remainder of the pre-deployment training by giving the air, ground, logistics and command elements an opportunity to come together for five days to practice scenario-based missions to conduct raids, sustainment operations and other mission-essential training. “It worked the way it does for most Southern California MEUs; it was wet, cold and muddy,” said Col. Joseph R Clearfield, 15th MEU commanding officer. “But it was a great turn for us with the whole MEU together. It was a chance to build the team more as we went through our high-profile, most-likely mission sets and executed together as a team.” Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced) practiced gathering aerial reconnaissance with the RQ-21, which will execute its first west coast deployment, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines Combined Anti-Armor Team and Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon conducted multiple day and night raids, the Maritime Raid Force exercised interoperability with their support elements and conducted an assault, and the Combat Logistics Element’s tactical water purification system decontaminated water from the Pacific Ocean in order to keep the entire participating force hydrated. All of these different iterations were enabled by the Command Element, which effected command and control through the entire exercise by executing the rapid response planning process. Throughout the week, the staff planned missions and exercises based off of simulated scenarios, and incorporated the different assets of each element into their plan while adhering to a strict timeline to simulate short-fuse timelines real-world crises would necessitate. “MEUEX allowed the 15th MEU to integrate specialties throughout the MAGTF in a complex operating environment,” said 2nd Lt. Lieutenant Payton Roberts, officer in charge of the 15th MEU’s Law Enforcement Detachment. “The unit exercised planning, operating, and command and control for raids conducted by the Maritime Raid Force and BLT while integrating with highly technical and specialized fields such Counterintelligence, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and Law Enforcement detachments.” The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit is comprised of some of the most historic units U.S. history – 1st Battalion, 5th Marines serving as the Ground Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced) serving as the Aviation Combat Element, and Combat Logistics Battalion 15 serving as the Logistics Combat Element. Together they are the nation’s crisis contingency force, consistently ready to respond to across the range of military operations.

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California – Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit took part in an intensive combat-centric training course Jan. 9-27 that taught them the skills necessary to support the MEU’s Maritime Raid Force here at Camp Pendleton. The MRF is the Marine Corps’ elite clandestine force enabling precision raids, amphibious reconnaissance and a myriad of other mission sets. The Close Quarters Tactics Enablers course trains Marines to support the MRF in these mission sets. “This type of training is paramount to the operational capabilities of the MEU’s MRF,” said Staff Sgt. Presten Gabaldon, the 15th MEU’s operations training chief and MRF liaison. “In close-quarters combat operations, one must have the ability and knowledge to make life and death decisions – when to shoot and when not to shoot – and it’s essential to not only the 15th MEU but to the Marine Corps as a whole.” Enablers who participated in this training are subject matter experts who enhance and support the MRF mission by providing support such as law enforcement Marines handling military working dogs with the ability to find explosive ordnances, radio operators, and combat camera Marines who document the mission in the heat of battle. During the CQTE course the Marines went through a variety of close-quarters combat-oriented training exercises, to include blindfolded weapons malfunction drills, urban patrolling, advanced marksmanship, and weapons manipulations in low-light visibility. The skills taught at the course will help the 15th MEU effectively support the employment of the MRF in expeditionary operations while forward deployed. “The 15th MEU’s goal in this training exercise is to ensure our Marines are confident, combat effective and prepared for any situation,” said Gabaldon, “Every day of training brings us one step closer to reaching that goal.”