Magnificent 7th Welcomes Palm Desert to Combat Center

Photo By Cpl. Thomas Mudd | Chris Bennett, marketing manager, City of Palm Desert, operates a simulated .50-caliber machine gun at the Combat Convoy Simulator during a tour of the Combat Center March 5, 2015. The CCS allowed the representatives to experience how Marines respond to one another while in a simulated environment. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas Mudd/ Released)  

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, UNITED STATES

03.11.2015

Story by Lance Cpl. Thomas Mudd 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - 7th Marine Regiment Marines and Sailors gave members from the Chamber of Commerce for the city of Palm Desert a tour of the Combat Center, March 5, 2015.

Palm Desert officially adopted 7th Marine Regiment on Dec 11, 2014. They support Marines in the regiment by putting together care packages during the unit’s deployments, and sponsoring events like family days throughout the year. The Magnificent 7th invited the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce members to the Combat Center to give them a better understanding of the training Marines participate in and to show their gratitude.

The visit began with a tour of one of the Combat Center’s rifle ranges, which allowed the members to gain a larger appreciation for some of the weapons and associated training Marines experience. This was followed by a tour of the Vehicle Roll-Over Simulator and the Combat Convey Simulator aboard Camp Wilson.

“Advances in technology have provided Marines modern immersive training and simulation systems that develop our tactical and technical proficiency,” said Lt. Col. Jared Spurlock, executive officer, 7th Marine Regiment, “Observing the members learning about these capabilities truly demonstrated the bond and relationship with the local community these types of visits foster.”

“It was eye opening,” said Barbra Deboom, president and chief executive officer, Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce. “The organization it takes to put on the training and seeing what the Marines do here is overwhelming.”

After the tour of the rifle range and Camp Wilson, Chamber of Commerce members visited the 7th Regiment Command Post. They introduced themselves and shook hands with the Marines and Sailors they support through the adoption.

“It is always good to receive support from the communities that you live in,” Spurlock said. “Receiving thanks and gratitude from community leaders means a lot to the [regiment]. We hope to continue building relations with the city of Palm Desert.”

• Date Taken: 03.11.2015
• Date Posted: 03.11.2015 18:28
• Story ID: 156700
• Location: TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US
• Hometown: PALM DESERT, CA, US