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    15th MEU finishes sustainment training in Djibouti

    Western Pacific Deployment 12-2

    Photo By Master Sgt. John Lee | U.S. Marines with the Close Air Support (CAS) teams, ANGLICO Co., 15th Marine...... read more read more

    By Cpl. John Robbart III

    DJIBOUTI – After an extended period at-sea, the Marine Corps’ forward-deployed, sea-based Marine Air Ground Task Force reinforced its capabilities during sustainment training, Feb. 8-15.

    The objective of the training was to conduct air and ground live-fire and simulated training to refresh the skills of the Marines in the event they need to execute a real world contingency. They also refined standing operating procedures and maintained unique skill sets.

    “Training in Djibouti allowed us to refine our tactics, techniques and procedures in an unfamiliar environment and allowed Marines the opportunity to experience another part of the world,” said Sgt.Maj. John W. Scott, sergeant major, 15th MEU. “Our success depends greatly upon the amount of repetitions we have during relevant training exercises such as this one,” added Scott.

    The 15th MEU is broken up into four elements: the Command Element, which commands and controls the major subordinate elements; the ground combat element, Battalion Landing Team 3/5; the logistics combat element, Combat Logistics Battalion 15 and the aviation combat element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (Rein.).

    Battalion Landing Team 3/5 used the opportunity to train more than 250 of its Marines by conducting infantry-specific training such as patrolling, immediate action drills, squad attacks, gun drills, mounted operations and a raid. The unit’s snipers practiced urban hides, concealment and observation. Finally, their Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel Platoon prepared themselves to execute their role in recovering downed aircraft and personnel by conducting military operations in urban terrain.

    Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (Rein.) used the opportunity to complete more than 400 flight hours in support of the sustainment training. This involved moving more than 600 Marines and sailors and nearly 100,000 pounds in cargo ashore. Additionally, their Marine Air Control Group Detachment set up a forward arming and refueling point with an air traffic control station and a command operations center.

    Combat Logistics Battalion 15 provided combat service support to BLT 3/5 and the Joint Task Force Enabler at Arta Beach and the Marine Air Control Group at Chebelley Airfield. The Transportation Detachment conducted multiple convoy and beach operations in support of the offload and backload. The unit’s helicopter support team operated in support of the ACE, and the Military Police section practiced providing convoy security. The Engineer Detachment conducted lightweight water purification system operations on the beach, which consisted of purifying ocean water and providing fresh water to the forces ashore, while the Maintenance Detachment conducted vehicle maintenance.

    The 15th MEU is deployed as part of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 02.08.2013
    Date Posted: 02.28.2013 11:56
    Story ID: 102700
    Location: DJ

    Web Views: 329
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN