31st Marine Expeditionary Unit demonstrates and improves tactics

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Edward Guttierrez III | A landing craft air cushion (LCAC), piloted by sailors assigned to Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, makes its approach into the well deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) while conducting an amphibious landing training exercise in support of exercise Talisman Saber 2013. Bonhomme Richard is the flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group and, with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is currently participating in exercise Talisman Saber 2013, a biennial exercise that enhances multilateral collaboration between U.S. and Australian forces for future combined operations, humanitarian assistance and natural disaster response. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Edward Guttierrez III/RELEASED)  

SHOALWATER BAY TRAINING AREA, QLD, AUSTRALIA

07.23.2013

Story by Lance Cpl. Anne Henry 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

SHOALWATER BAY, Australia - As the sun rose, U.S. Marines gathered their gear and supplies and prepared to disembark U.S. Navy Landing Craft Utilities into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area July 20 during exercise Talisman Saber 13.

The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) participated in an amphibious assault in collaboration with U.S. forces and the Australian Defence Force.

“Talisman Saber as a whole demonstrates to the world how great the partnership between Australia and the U.S. is,” said Maj. George J. Flynn, the operations officer for Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU.

Talisman Saber is a collaborative effort between Australia and the U.S. enhancing regional stability, security, and disaster relief capabilities. With so many moving pieces involved in the exercise, it was critical for the success of the mission that everything moved in concert throughout the amphibious landing.

“Upon hitting the beach we started setting up our command spot by getting communications set up in order to have command and control of the area,” said Cpl. Nathaniel A. Chrowl, a range non-commissioned officer with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU. “We must be able to track our units at all times in order to not endanger any of our Marines with blue on blue (friendly fire).”

The moment they hit the beach, the Marines were thrown into a realistic combat-like environment, overcoming obstacles ranging from simulated minefields to ambushes.

“One of the main obstacles we have had to overcome here is who is friendly and who is foe, as it’s not always clear who the simulated enemy is,” said Staff Sgt. Michael W. Burkhart, an amphibious assault vehicle platoon leader with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU. “Because there are so many moving parts it’s somewhat confusing, just as it would be in a combat environment. It’s good for us to see what role we play not only in the amphibious portion of Talisman Saber but the exercise as a whole.”
Because tactics used by the Australian 3rd Brigade, the simulated enemy, are similar to those the Marines use, they received the opportunity to see the strengths and weaknesses of their own tactics face-to-face.

“There has been a lot of good coordination between the Australians and Americans on this exercise,” said Flynn. “We are getting a thinking enemy that is working against us with very similar tactics. It is a way for us to look in the mirror and analyze how we fight.”

Talisman Saber is not only dedicated to enhancing security, stability and disaster relief capabilities, it also allows those participating to build on relationships and train in a bilateral environment.

“This entire exercise has a great intent,” said Burkhart. “Our working relationship with Australia goes far back in history and it is great to continue working hand-in-hand with them.”

• Date Taken: 07.23.2013
• Date Posted: 08.03.2013 05:48
• Story ID: 111295
• Location: SHOALWATER BAY TRAINING AREA, QLD, AU