1st ANGLICO hosts mess night for 148 (Meiktila) Commando Forward

Photo By Sgt. Megan Sindelar | Lt. Col. Mike D. Grice, commanding officer, 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, and Lt. Col. Richard M. Smith, commanding officer, 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery, are all smiles as they see their military members have a great time at the mess night held at the South Mesa Staff Non-commissioned Officers Club, Sept. 28, as a conclusion to Exercise Burmese Chase '09 where 1st ANGLICO and 148 (Meiktila) Commando Forward Observation Battery spent two weeks training in Camp Pendleton.  

UNITED STATES

09.25.2009

Story by Cpl. Megan Sindelar 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

United States Marines with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and British 148 (Meiktila) Commando Forward Observation Battery, 29 Commando Regiment, celebrated the conclusion of Exercise Burmese Chase '09 with a traditional mess night at the South Mesa Staff Noncommissioned Officer's Club, Sept. 25.

Exercise Burmese Chase '09 was conducted at Camp Pendleton, Sept. 4-19, for the units to not only learn from the each other, but to strengthen the relationship and bonds.

Most Marines who attended this exercise worked side-by-side with their English counterparts in Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. This exercise trained the service members and was a reunion for some.

First ANGLICO bounced back after the two-week training to host a field mess night for their guests whom are not very familiar with Marine Corps traditions, said Broomfield, Colo. native, Lt. Col. Mike D. Grice, commanding officer, 1st ANGLICO.

The formal military ceremony, otherwise knows as a mess night, is held for a group of military members within a unit. This night includes dinner, drinking, and various other rituals to promote camaraderie.

"We fully accept the bonds that you form through training and socializing," said Lt. Col. Richard M. Smith, commanding officer, 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery.

The mess night gave both units a chance to have a good time, to build and strengthen the camaraderie and esprit de corps, and gave them an opportunity to relax and socialize after completing Exercise Burmese Chase '09.

"We get along fabulously and famously," chuckled Grice.

• Date Taken: 09.25.2009
• Date Posted: 10.08.2009 17:59
• Story ID: 39857
• Location: US