US Marines, Sailors work with Sri Lanka Navy, Marine Corps for second time on deployment

Photo By Sgt. Zachery Laning | TRINCOMALEE, Sri Lanka (Nov. 24, 2016) Sgt. Anthony Sandusky, a squad leader with Alpha Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 4th Marines, 11th Marines Expeditionary Unit, high-fives a Sri Lankan Marine as he runs by during physical training as part of a Theater Security Cooperation engagement at Sri Lanka Naval Base, Trincomalee, Nov. 24, 2016. Though the main focus during this engagement was bilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness, physical training was conducted daily to build cohesion, maintain top physical performance, and allow both sides to teach and learn new stamina and body strengthening techniques. This is the Sri Lankan Marines’ first engagement with another Marine Corps as their Corps was stood up within the past four months. Working with foreign militaries provides U.S. Marines and Sailors valuable training with warriors from another culture, and builds camaraderie between partner nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachery Laning/Released)  

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA

03.27.2017

Story by Maj. Craig Thomas 

11th Marine Expeditionary Unit   

This is the second military-to-military exchange with Sri Lanka for the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 11th MEU during their multi-month deployment to both the Indo-Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. USS Somerset (LPD 25) and embarked Marines of the 11th MEU participated in a TSC with Sri Lanka Marines and Sailors at Trincomalee Naval Base in November 2016.

This iteration of ongoing U.S.-Sri Lanka military exchanges focuses on the infantry and logistical skills necessary to implement humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The training will culminate with a full scale, bilateral humanitarian assistance mission exercise.

“This is a great opportunity to continue our partnership with the Sri Lankan Marine Corps. This exchange is a unique experience for our young non-commissioned officers to impart our history, traditions, and training to the world’s newest Marine Corps,” said Lt. Col. Patrick Reynolds, commanding officer, Combat Logistics Battalion 11, 11th MEU, and commander of troops embarked aboard USS Comstock. “The training will focus on the fundamentals of security operations and considerations for planning and executing humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations.”

U.S. Marines will also work to provide increased familiarization of Marine Corps tactics and equipment to advance Sri Lanka Marine Corps’ knowledge and expertise. Topics of exchange include basic offensive and defensive tactics; combat lifesaving skills; tactical convoy operations; humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training; and amphibious assault vehicle familiarization.

The Comstock crew will host their Sri Lankan Navy counterparts for shipboard tours and familiarization of naval damage control procedures. Additionally, Sailors and Marines will have an opportunity to conduct an outreach project at an orphanage and experience the culture of Sri Lanka. Finally, sporting activities and a concluding BBQ reception will round out the activities, allowing forces from both nations to build bonds in parallel with training.

“The U.S. Navy has a good relationship with the Sri Lanka Navy and specifically with the Makin Island ARG-11th MEU team,” said Cmdr. Bradley Coletti, commanding officer, USS Comstock. “Our counterparts aboard USS Somerset recently conducted a meaningful exchange with the Sri Lankan Navy, which was a great success for both of our militaries and countries. We hope to build upon that success and do what we can to exchange best naval practices for regional security and humanitarian assistance, and to ensure a bright future for further bilateral engagements like this.”

Approximately 325 Marines and Sailors from the Makin Island ARG/11th MEU and 175 Marines and Sailors from the Sri Lankan Navy and Marine Corps are expected to participate in the TSC. The U.S. units involved are Company B, Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 4th Marines; Combat Logistics Detachment 113, Combat Logistics Battalion 11; and USS Comstock.

The Sailors and Marines of Comstock and 11th MEU will also have the opportunity to experience the sites and history of Sri Lanka as part of the visit.

USS Comstock, assigned to the Makin Island ARG, and embarked 11th MEU are on scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet and 5th Fleet area of responsibilities.

ARG/MEUs provide senior U.S. military leadership and coalition partners with a flexible force, which can rapidly respond to contingencies and crises within a region. With ships, aircraft, troops, and logistical equipment, the ARG/MEU is a self-contained and self-sustained task force capable of conducting a variety of missions from combat operations to providing humanitarian assistance.

Follow the Makin Island ARG and 11th MEU at:
www.facebook.com/USSMakinIsland
www.twitter.com/USSMakinIsland
www.facebook.com/11thmeu
www.twitter.com/11thmeu
www.dvidshub.net/unit/11MEU

For additional information on the 11th MEU contact Maj. Craig Thomas, 11th MEU Public Affairs Officer, at [e-mail], or Lt. David Gardner, Commander, Amphibious Squadron Five Public Affairs Officer, at [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 03.27.2017
• Date Posted: 03.28.2017 00:01
• Story ID: 228258
• Location: COLOMBO, LK