From Sea to Shore

Photo By Cpl. Angel Alvarado | U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jason W. Heintschel, a landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 2d Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force describes the significance of exercise LOADEX (Load Exercise) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, May 18, 2022. LOADEX is a joint force exercise that allows Marines and Sailors to maintain proficiency, combat readiness, and mission capabilities when utilizing Landing Craft, Air Cushion amphibious vehicles. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Angel Alvarado)  

JOINT EXPEDITIONARY BASE–LITTLE CREEK, VA, UNITED STATES

05.27.2022

Story by Lance Cpl. Angel Alvarado 

Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command

JOINT-EXPEDITIONARY BASE LITTLE CREEK-FORT STORY, Va.— U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 24 (CLB-24), 2d Marine Logistics Group (2dMLG), II Marine Expeditionary Unit (II MEF) and U.S. Navy sailors with Beach Master Unit 2, U.S. 2nd Fleet, Fleet Forces Command recently participated in a LOADEX (Load Exercise) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, May 18, 2022. This exercise consisted of training operations designed to give the Marines hands-on experience with on and off-loading equipment and supplies from a Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC).

Cpl. Jason W. Heintschel, a landing support specialist with CLB-24, 2dMLG, II MEF explained, “LOADEX is essential because it allows the new Marines who have entered the unit get familiar with LCACs as well as apply classroom lessons to a tangible experience.”

The Marine Corps is a rapid-response expeditionary force in a continuous state of readiness, ready to deploy rapidly by both air and sea. In order to be always ready, the organization conducts operations such as LOADEX for risk management, movement fluidity, and most importantly to strengthen relations with their maritime counterparts, the U.S. Navy.

Heintschel stated, “Without the Navy’s amphibious vehicles we wouldn't be able to do any beach operations or maneuver as quickly. LCACs allow us to transfer a lot faster because if not then we would have to port, which hinders a timely execution.”

Utilizing LCACs allow Marines to load and unload equipment from cargo to Tractor, Rubber-Tired, Articulated Steering, Multi-purpose (TRAM) vehicles in a rapid manner due to the amphibious vehicles capabilities maneuver ashore. During LOADEX U.S. Navy sailors trained to perfect their proficiency in maneuvering an LCAC, whereas U.S. Marines developed their ability to maneuver heavy equipment on and off the watercraft. These tools are key for development as they contribute to future maritime deployment operations and mission readiness of both the individual Marine and the unit.

“This is a very good training environment because it allows me to teach my Marines and show them that ship to shore operations takes a lot of teamwork,” Heintschel continued, “It is a vital stepping stone because it allows them to retain the knowledge and later on instruct others.”

• Date Taken: 05.27.2022
• Date Posted: 06.02.2022 09:44
• Story ID: 421754
• Location: JOINT EXPEDITIONARY BASE–LITTLE CREEK, VA, US