Photo By Lance Cpl. Jeremy Laboy | PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 12, 2018) – Col. Joseph Clearfield, commanding officer of 15th...... read more read more
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NAVAL BASE GUAM (Jan. 12, 2018) – As a team rallies for the fourth quarter in the final minutes of a game, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Commander, Col. Joseph R. Clearfield, visited the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) and met with members of the crew and Marines from the 15th MEU to address them on their final stretch of deployment, Jan. 12, 2018.
In his huddle, Clearfield reminisced about the journey that started a year ago for the men and women of the 15th MEU, back when the pre-deployment workup cycle began, and discussed how far the unit has come.
“What we have accomplished is something to be proud of. We showed what our MEU can do in a contested environment,” said Clearfield. “All the time and hard work put in since we began our workup cycle is why we are a ready global response force.”
During their time in the Mediterranean, USS San Diego and the embarked 15th MEU continuously provided an alert posture for the following mission sets in support of U.S. Africa Command: Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP), Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC), and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).
Furthermore, the steadfast and formidable presence of the SDG and the 15th MEU in the Mediterranean has decisively advanced stability and security objectives across North Africa. The continued state of readiness was crucial and sent a strong message the U.S. is a solid partner in the area of responsibility and has multiple varsity level teams able to bring violent extremists to justice.
Clearfield began his visit by meeting with the officers in the wardroom of San Diego, where he discussed the accomplishments of the Marines and answered any questions they had.
“I really appreciated getting to ask questions and have an open dialogue about what we’ve learned on this deployment,” said 1st Lt. Zachary Krebs, operations officer for the landing force aboard San Diego.
After meeting with the officers, the entire landing force gathered on the San Diego’s flight deck, where Clearfield addressed the Marines and opened the floor for questions.
“Every Marine, every Sailor and every job is what made this MEU successful. We couldn’t do it without every member of the team doing their part,” said Clearfield.
Clearfield then toured the ship, stopping to have lunch with Marines and Sailors and spend time with the Marines embarked on San Diego before heading back to the flagship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, USS America (LHA 6).
“It was definitely uplifting to hear what Colonel Clearfield said. It’s a morale booster to hear all our MEU accomplished, and knowing that we took part in a lot of good stuff,” said Cpl. Alex Beaver, pay agent with the landing force.
San Diego, with the embarked 15th MEU, is currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.
For more information on 15th MEU, visit:
www.facebook.com/15thmarineexpeditionaryunit
www.twitter.com/15thmeuofficial
www.dvidshub.net/unit/15thmarineexpeditionaryunit
For more information on San Diego, visit:
www.public.navy.mil/surfor/LPD22
http://www.facebook.com/LPD22
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| Date Taken: | 01.12.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 01.16.2018 05:34 |
| Story ID: | 262094 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 566 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 15th MEU Commander Visits Marines, Sailors aboard San Diego, by CPT Maria Arnone, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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