Maritime task force supports destructive weather mission rehearsals

Photo By Sgt. Scott Jenkins | U.S. Navy Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Dazanae Jones marshals in a landing craft, air cushion onto the USS Arlington (LPD-24) to be loaded with tactical vehicles and gear during Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) mission rehearsals at Naval Base Norfolk, Virginia, July 22, 2021. Marines and Sailors with the II Marine Expeditionary Force Maritime DSCA Task Force, commanded by Combat Logistics Battalion 22, and Sailors aboard the USS Arlington conducted a destructive weather mission rehearsal loading exercise to prepare and rehearse for a future DSCA mission during the 2021 hurricane season. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Scott Jenkins)  

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

07.23.2021

Story by 1st Lt. Kevin Stapleton  

2nd Marine Logistics Group

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. – U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 2nd Marine Logistics Group (MLG) and II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) supported a destructive weather mission rehearsal in support of Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) requirements at Naval Base Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia, from July 19 to 23, 2021.

The exercise certified the rapid embarkation of Marines and Sailors with the II MEF Maritime DSCA Task Force (MDTF) aboard the Norfolk-based U.S.S. Arlington, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, to validate deployment requirements in preparation for future destructive weather events along the East Coast.

The II MEF MDTF, commanded by Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, is designed to respond to a destructive weather crisis within 96 hours in support of civilian authorities and is comprised of elements from throughout the Marine Corps Installations East region.

“Mission rehearsals, and other exercises similar to what is happening this week in Norfolk, help fine-tune our readiness,” said Lt. Col. Luke A. Sauber, commanding officer of CLB-22, “… and ultimately enable our ability to provide rapid aid to afflicted populations.”

Aside from exercising logistical procedures essential for a DSCA mission, Marines worked alongside Sailors from the U.S.S. Arlington, Expeditionary Strike Group 2, and Navy Expeditionary Combat Command to refine expeditionary naval command and control capabilities.

For more information about the destructive weather mission rehearsal, the II MEF MDTF, or other DSCA mission requirements, please contact 2nd Lt. Stephanie Downing at [phone] or [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 07.23.2021
• Date Posted: 07.23.2021 09:06
• Story ID: 401469
• Location: NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, VA, US