Reconnaissance Marines test new boat engines

Photo By Cpl. Robert Medina | Marines with Reconnaissance and Surveillance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, successfully start their new, experimental Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft engines during training operations, May 4. Marines also conducted maneuver training, high-speed cast and recovery drills and landings on the stern gate of amphibious assault ship USS Boxer. The 13th MEU and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group are currently on a deployment in support of regional Maritime Security Operations. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment and complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment to transport personnel and weapons or serve as a venue for attack.  

ABOARD USS BOXER, AT SEA

05.06.2009

Story by Cpl. Robert Medina 

13th Marine Expeditionary Unit   

USS BOXER, Indian Ocean — Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft operations were conducted today by Marines with Reconnaissance and Surveillance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard USS Boxer to test the reliability of new boat engines.

The goal of the day was to fully submerge new test engines and get them to start.

"We have new multi-fuel experimental engines from Marine Corps Systems Command," said Staff Sgt. Scott R. Young, platoon sergeant with Recon. "We were having problems with dropping them in the water and getting them to start."

The Marines successfully launched the vessels into the water by means of a helo-cast, pushing their boats out of the back of a CH-46E helicopter and jumping in after them.

Young, from San Diego, said the platoon was anxious for the opportunity to test their new engines and are always ready to get off ship for any training they can get.

In addition to testing the engines, the Marines also practiced high-speed cast and recovery from small craft, confined space maneuvering, linking up and breaking away, as well as landing drills on the back of the landing gate of the Boxer.

These skills are just a few of which Recon Marines are capable of performing.

"The reconnaissance battalions have a long mission essential task list; it encompasses operations from amphibious to ground to airborne missions," said Capt. David Van Dam, officer in charge of Recon platoon.

In order to uphold levels of proficiency in their unique skill sets, continuous training evolutions in the water and on land are vital to success.

"Being on the ship for an extended period of time makes it really difficult for us to train to the standards that are expected of us," said Van Dam. "So anytime we have an opportunity to train, we jump on it."

• Date Taken: 05.06.2009
• Date Posted: 05.06.2009 06:37
• Story ID: 33248
• Location: ABOARD USS BOXER, AT SEA