CLB-31 Marines, Sailors sharpen NEO tactics

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN

03.13.2017

Story by Lance Cpl. Breanna Weisenberger 

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit       

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan—Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, currently embarked aboard the USS Ashland (LSD 48), completed Noncombatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) training as a part of Amphibious Integration Training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, March 13, 2017.

CLB-31 is the Logistics Combat Element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is currently embarked aboard the U.S. Navy ships of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group.

During the NEO training, CLB-31 flew from the Ashland to Camp Hansen to establish an evacuation control center to help facilitate the evacuation of mock noncombatants. CLB-31 and the 31st MEU specialize in responding to humanitarian disaster situations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, and NEO is a vital aspect of most Humanitarian Assistance-Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

“Our job is to protect U.S. citizens and other noncombatants overseas at a moment’s notice,” said Sgt. Maj. Christopher S. Gasser, Sgt. Maj. of CLB-31. “The 31st MEU thoroughly trains in a number of unique capabilities through fast-paced training cycles, maintaining unit readiness to provide security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.”

During routine patrols, the 31st MEU conducts training to sharpen its ability to respond to a variety of military and non-military tasks, from HADR to limited combat operations, at a moment’s notice. NEO capabilities are an essential component of the 31st MEU’s readiness.

“The 31st MEU runs through ship-to-shore scenarios for each of its predeployment phases,” said Master Sgt. Anthony W. Ovitt, operations chief for CLB-31. “Integrating with our Navy counterparts helps all CLB-31 Marines and Sailors prepare for any contingency we may face.”

As the premier crisis-response force in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, the 31st MEU trains to respond within hours, not days. It is uniquely suited to and positioned to react at a moment’s notice.

“If we were called upon to do a real mission, we need the Marines to be able to fulfill their assigned missions,” said Gunnery Sgt. Eric R. Snipes, a military policeman with CLB-31. “We are the first in line to be called upon, so we always maintain a high level of readiness.”

• Date Taken: 03.13.2017
• Date Posted: 03.22.2017 21:47
• Story ID: 226864
• Location: CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP