22nd MEU returns home

CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

01.31.2012

Courtesy Story

22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Media are invited to come out and cover the return of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit later this week and over the weekend as they arrive back at their home bases and stations in North Carolina.

The 22nd MEU received the order to deploy months ahead of time on March 24, and was underway on March 29. Approximately 2,300 Marines and sailors deployed aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group spent more than 10 months afloat. This deployment is one of the longest on record for a deployed Marine Corps unit, as Marine Corps units typically deploy for six to seven months.

Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU supported operations in the U.S. European, African and Central commands' area of responsibility, from March 2011 to February 2012. Highlights include support to operations in Libya, training in Djibouti, as well as conducting bilateral training with Spanish and Romanian Marines.

For more information on the 22 MEU's accomplishments during this deployment, please contact Capt. Binford Strickland at 910-546 -4421 or [e-mail].

Arrival schedule:
On Thursday morning, Feb.2, Marines flying the AV-8B "Harrier" aircraft with a detachment from Marine Attack Squadron 231 are scheduled to return to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point N.C., and will provide a flyover for those attending the homecoming.
(RSVP by 1 p.m. EST, Feb. 1 with Lt. Greathouse, [e-mail])

On Friday morning, Feb. 3, at Onslow beach, aboard Camp Lejeune, there will be amphibious landing operations with hovercraft and landing craft transporting Marines, sailors and equipment. On Friday afternoon, approximately 310 Marines and sailors with Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 are scheduled to return to MCAS New River, N.C., and will provide a flyover and landing presentation for those attending the homecoming.
(RSVP by 4 p.m. EST, Feb. 2 with Lt. Dalton, [e-mail])

On Saturday afternoon, Feb. 4, approximately 270 Marines and sailors with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and approximately 30 Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 22 are scheduled to return to Camp Lejeune.
(RSVP by 4 p.m. EST, Feb. 3 with Capt. Strickland, [e-mail])

On Sunday morning, Feb 5, at the Morehead City Port, the three senior leaders of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group will be available for interview: Col. Eric Steidl, Commanding Officer, 22nd MEU; Capt. Steve Yoder, Commodore, Amphibious Squadron 6; and Capt. Erik Ross, Commanding Officer, USS Bataan.

On Sunday afternoon, approximately 630 Marines and sailors with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, approximately 130 Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, and 200 Marines and sailors with the command element are scheduled to return to Camp Lejeune.
(RSVP by 4 p.m. EST, Feb. 4 with Capt. Strickland, [e-mail])

The 22nd MEU is a Marine Air Ground Task Force with 2300 Marines and sailors and comprised of Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; and the Command Element.

Contact the 22nd MEU Public Affairs Officer Capt Binford Strickland for more information: Work: 910-451-0428 Cell: 910-546-4421

Some Background Information on Marine Expeditionary Units

Since World War II, in nearly every crisis, the United States Marine Corps has deployed projection forces, with the ability to move ashore with sufficient sustainability for prolonged operations. These forces have been organized into Marine Air Ground Task Forces a combination of air, ground, and support assets. MAGTFs are established for specific missions, or in anticipation of a wide range of possible missions.

Combining air, ground, and logistic assets maximizes the combat power of each of the war fighting elements. MAGTFs have long provided the United States with a broad spectrum of response options when U.S. and allied interests have been threatened and in non-combat situations which require instant response to crisis. Selective, timely and credible commitment of air-ground units have, on many occasions, helped bring stability to a region and sent signals worldwide to aggressors that the United States is willing to defend its interests, and is able to do so with a significantly powerful force on extremely short notice.

The Marine Expeditionary Unit is the smallest of the MAGTFs and is comprised of about 2,200 Marines and Sailors. The MEU's major elements are the Command Element, the Ground Combat Element, the Aviation Combat Element, and the Logistics Combat Element.

The CE is comprised of the commanding officer and supporting staff - about 200 Marines and Sailors. It provides the overall command and control essential for effective planning and execution of operations and synchronizes the actions of each element within the MEU. Skill sets falling under the command element include administration, intelligence, operations, logistics and embarkation, communications, legal and public affairs.

The GCE, about 1,200 strong, is built around an infantry battalion and provides the overland combat power for the MEU. Assets inherent within the standard infantry battalion include medium and heavy machine guns, mortars, combined anti-armor teams and scout snipers. While assigned to the MEU, the unit, designated a Battalion Landing Team, is reinforced with light armored reconnaissance vehicles, tanks, artillery, combat engineers and assault amphibian vehicles.

The ACE is a composite squadron that provides the MEU medium to heavy lift capability, assault support and close air support. Its assets include MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, CH-53E Super Stallion heavy lift helicopters, AH-1 Super Cobra helicopter gunships, UH-1 Huey utility helicopters and AV-8B Harrier jump jets. With a force strength of approximately 500, the ACE includes air traffic control, aircraft maintenance/support and aviation logistics/supply capabilities.

The LCE, about 250 Marines and Sailors strong, provides combat support such as supply; maintenance; transportation; explosive ordnance disposal; military police; water production and distribution; engineering; medical and dental services; fuel storage and distribution; and other services to the deployed MEU. The LCE gives the MEU the ability to support itself for 15 days in austere expeditionary environments.

• Date Taken: 01.31.2012
• Date Posted: 01.31.2012 17:50
• Story ID: 83092
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US