"The Fighting 13th"

Prestigious Copernicus Award awarded to 13th MEU Assistant CommO

2012-01-28T12:39:00.006+04:00

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - During the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s seven-month deployment last year, the Command Element Communications Section worked relentlessly to ensure the constant flow of information between three ships hundreds of nautical miles apart.

This hard work did not go unnoticed. On January 24, 2012 the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) and U.S. Naval Institute recognized Capt. Gregory A. Lizak, assistant communications officer, Command Element, 13th MEU, I Marine Expeditionary Force, with the 2011 Copernicus Award. The award recognizes him for his outstanding leadership, highly advanced technical expertise, and visionary approach to communications employment that significantly enhanced the combat effectiveness of the 13th MEU and Marine Corps-wide communications initiatives. “I feel surprised,” said Lizak, who hails from Belmont, Calif. “It’s a big deal in our community to win this award. There’s tough competition and a lot of important people in our field.”

He accepted the award at the San Diego Convention Center, among his peers in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The award honors service members from those three services for accomplishments in specific and demonstrable contribution to the advancement of command and control, computing and communications, intelligence and information systems and information warfare. The contributions demonstrate exceptional initiative, leadership and insight within the nominee's area of expertise.

Maj. Noah Komnick, communications officer, 13th MEU, and prior Copernicus award recipient, submitted the nomination for Lizak.

“Probably one of the biggest reasons [I submitted his name] is the work he did with the San Antonio Class of ships,” said Komnick. “The 13th MEU did things with that class of ship that set the precedent for other San Antonio (LPD-17) Class ships that they wouldn’t normally or as easily get, in regards to new technologies being installed. We were the first ones to install [the new technology] on the USS Green Bay (LPD-20). Other MEU’s that now go out in LPD-17 Class ships can reference all the paperwork and pull up the engineering drawings and all the top site studies that’s been done. All the data and communication infrastructure installed greatly helped during our deployment.”

“Bigger picture wise, it helps other MEU’s because they’re not going to have much of a challenge to get the same things installed on their LPD ships because they’ll be able to reference the fact that Navy already approved it for the Green Bay,” concluded Komnick.

Lizak also led the integration of Adaptive Networking Wideband Waveform (ANW2) with current Marine Air-Ground Task Force infrastructure, pioneering the first deployment of ANW2 with MEU operations in U.S. Central Command. Lastly, he led the operational testing and successful operational employment of two new narrowband communication technologies never before employed by a deployed MEU.

“He’s very detailed in what he does,” said Sgt. Cristobal D. Osoria, transmissions chief with the Communications Section, Command Element, 13th MEU, I MEF. “He knows how everything should be but he has a very keen understanding to the dynamics and the fluidity of how we operate on a MEU, on ship and shore. He understands the expeditionary nature of our work. He’s also very knowledgeable of the gear we use and he employs us to the best of our abilities and ensures we get the job done.”

His drive for consistent and reliable communication derives from his experiences on previous deployments. In Iraq 2006 through 2007, as a young first lieutenant, Lizak was faced with the realities of combat and the need to adapt as a leader and communications officer.

“They push you a little harder there,” he said with a serious tone. “With the infantry Marines, even if you’re not an infantry guy, you have to think like one. Because you are so intertwined with what they are doing and seeing them go on patrol in different places and having to support them. Knowing that they live or die based on communications my Marines set up, it had a profound impact on me compared to other things I have done in my career.”

The AFCEA established the award in 1997. The name for the award came from the Copernicus Architecture used as the blueprint for the future C4I structure of the Navy. Recipients are selected based on their sustained superior performance in a C4I/IT-related job. The selections are made each year by Navy judges who review applications from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, including civilians. AFCEA and the U.S. Naval Institute present the awards at their annual Western Conference held in San Diego each winter.

Lizak has been selected for promotion to the rank of major and will move to a new duty station this year. Through Lizak’s work and dedication, the 13th MEU and other MEU’s throughout the Corps can better operate and communicate as they support and defend the United States as expeditionary warriors at sea.

“I’ve never had a communications officer like him,” finished Osoria. “He takes care of us and that’s not much more than we can ask of him.

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Warrior Kids Series finale brings families together

2011-12-21T21:19:00.005+04:00

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON - Lt. Col. Ryan L. Coughlin, operations officer, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, hands out a certificate to his son, during the Warrior Kids Series graduation at the Marine Corps Family Team Building Center aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Dec. 14. The three-session series provided children, ages six though 12, a way to learn how to understand their parent’s deployment and feelings associated with their separation. “It was a really helpful thing for the children to go to,” said Nancy Coughlin, wife of Coughlin. “This series helped the kids to understand the feelings they went through during my husband’s recent deployment. I highly recommend it.” The 13th MEU deployed in February 2011 with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and supported multiple theater security cooperation exercises while providing maritime security in 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON - Lt. Col. Ryan L. Coughlin, operations officer, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, shows attendees a binder featuring artwork his children sent him on deployment, during the Warrior Kids Series graduation at the Marine Corps Family Team Building Center aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Dec. 14. The three-session series provided children, ages six though 12, a way to learn how to understand their parent’s deployment and feelings associated with their separation. “It was a really helpful thing for the children to go to,” said Nancy Coughlin, wife of Coughlin. “This series helped the kids to understand the feelings they went through during my husband’s recent deployment. I highly recommend it.” The 13th MEU deployed in February 2011 with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and supported multiple theater security cooperation exercises while providing maritime security in 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON – Children whose parents recently deployed with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and other I Marine Expeditionary Force commands proudly hold their certificates during the Warrior Kids Series graduation at the Marine Corps Family Team Building Center aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Dec. 14. The three-session series provided children, ages six though 12, a way to learn how to understand their parent’s deployment and feelings associated with their separation. “It was a really helpful thing for the children to go to,” said Nancy Coughlin, wife of Lt. Col. Ryan L. Coughlin, operations officer, 13th MEU, I MEF. “This series helped the kids to understand the feelings they went through during my husband’s recent deployment. I highly recommend it.” The 13th MEU deployed in February 2011 with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and supported multiple theater security cooperation exercises while providing maritime security in 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON - (Left) Maj. Timothy L. Kelly, staff judge advocate, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, enjoys a moment with his daughter, during the Warrior Kids Series graduation at the Marine Corps Family Team Building Center aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Dec. 14. The three-session series provided children, ages six though 12, a way to learn how to understand their parent’s deployment and feelings associated with their separation. “It was a really helpful thing for the children to go to,” said Nancy Coughlin, wife of Lt. Col. Ryan L. Coughlin, operations officer, 13th MEU, I MEF. “This series helped the kids to understand the feelings they went through during my husband’s recent deployment. I highly recommend it.” The 13th MEU deployed in February 2011 with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and supported multiple theater security cooperation exercises while providing maritime security in 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

13th MEU remembers Anaheim’s Warriors

2011-11-18T12:45:00.007+04:00

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ANAHEIM, Calif. – Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Color Guard present the Colors as Ronnie Guyer (Center), a Vietnam veteran, and numerous others render honors to the Flag during the Anaheim Veterans Day Ceremony at the Anaheim Veterans Monument, Nov. 10, 2011. The City of Anaheim formally adopted the 13th MEU in 2007 and has since shown support and solidarity with the Marines, Sailors and their families. “The ceremony was a good way to remind Anaheim of the responsibilities of adopting a unit,” said David G. Custodio, a Marine Vietnam veteran and Anaheim native. “It also served as a reminder of the sacrifices, generations of Anaheim residents have made.” The 13th MEU provided the Color Guard and escorts for the Marine Corps Birthday Cake during ceremony, while Col. Christopher D. Taylor, commanding officer, 13th MEU spoke on behalf of the Unit. “Our freedom today is a direct reflection of what you have sacrificed for us,” said Taylor. He also read the names of five service members from Anaheim who have been killed since 2006, as a reminder of the sacrifices its residents have made. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

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ANAHEIM, Calif. – Col. Christopher D. Taylor, commanding officer, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks to attendees about the sacrifices Anaheim veterans have made in numerous wars in the past and present, during a Veterans Day Ceremony at the Anaheim Veterans Monument, Nov. 10, 2011. “Our freedom today is a direct reflection of what you have sacrificed for us,” said Taylor. He also read the names of five service members from Anaheim who’ve been killed since 2006. The City of Anaheim formally adopted the 13th MEU in 2007 and has since shown support and solidarity with the Marines, Sailors and their families. “The ceremony was a good way to remind Anaheim of the responsibilities of adopting a unit,” said David G. Custodio, a Marine Vietnam veteran and Anaheim native. “It also served as a reminder of the sacrifices, generations of Anaheim residents have made.” The 13th MEU provided the Color Guard and escorts for the Marine Corps Birthday Cake during the ceremony, while Taylor, spoke on behalf of the Unit. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

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ANAHEIM, Calif. – Col. Christopher D. Taylor, commanding officer, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks to attendees about the sacrifices Anaheim veterans have made in numerous wars in the past and present, during a Veterans Day Ceremony at the Anaheim Veterans Monument, Nov. 10, 2011. “Our freedom today is a direct reflection of what you have sacrificed for us,” said Taylor. He also read the names of five service members from Anaheim who’ve been killed since 2006. The City of Anaheim formally adopted the 13th MEU in 2007 and has since shown support and solidarity with the Marines, Sailors and their families. “The ceremony was a good way to remind Anaheim of the responsibilities of adopting a unit,” said David G. Custodio, a Marine Vietnam veteran and Anaheim native. “It also served as a reminder of the sacrifices, generations of Anaheim residents have made.” The 13th MEU provided the Color Guard and escorts for the Marine Corps Birthday Cake during the ceremony, while Taylor, spoke on behalf of the Unit. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

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ANAHEIM, Calif. – Lance Cpl. Obie Dubose, an administrative clerk with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, presents a wreath to Tom Tait, mayor of Anaheim and members of the City Council, during the Anaheim Veterans Day Ceremony at the Anaheim Veterans Monument, Nov. 10, 2011. The City of Anaheim formally adopted the 13th MEU in 2007 and has since shown support and solidarity with the Marines, Sailors and their families. “The ceremony was a good way to remind Anaheim of the responsibilities of adopting a unit,” said David G. Custodio, a Marine Vietnam veteran and Anaheim native. “It also served as a reminder of the sacrifices, generations of Anaheim residents have made.” The 13th MEU provided the Color Guard and escorts for the Marine Corps Birthday Cake during the ceremony, while Col. Christopher D. Taylor, commanding officer, 13th MEU spoke on behalf of the Unit. “Our freedom today is a direct reflection of what you have sacrificed for us,” said Taylor. He also read the names of five service members from Anaheim who’ve been killed since 2006, as a reminder of the sacrifices its residents have made. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

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ANAHEIM, Calif. – Marines and a sailor with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit escort a Marine Corps Birthday Cake as part the Anaheim Veterans Day Ceremony at the Anaheim Veterans Monument, Nov. 10, 2011. The ceremony also honored the 236th Birthday of the Marine Corps with the reading of General John A. Lejeune’s Birthday Message and cutting of a traditional Birthday Cake. The City of Anaheim formally adopted the 13th MEU in 2007 and has since shown support and solidarity with the Marines, Sailors and their families. “The ceremony was a good way to remind Anaheim of the responsibilities of adopting a unit,” said David G. Custodio, a Marine Vietnam veteran and Anaheim native. “It also served as a reminder of the sacrifices, generations of Anaheim residents have made.” The 13th MEU provided the Color Guard and escorts for the Marine Corps Birthday Cake during the ceremony, while Col. Christopher D. Taylor, commanding officer, 13th MEU spoke on behalf of the Unit. “Our freedom today is a direct reflection of what you have sacrificed for us,” said Taylor. He also read the names of five service members from Anaheim who’ve been killed since 2006, as a reminder of the sacrifices its residents have made. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

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ANAHEIM, Calif. – Tom Tait, the mayor of Anaheim returns a piece of traditional Marine Corps Birthday Cake to Col. Christopher D. Taylor, the commanding officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary during the Anaheim Veterans Day Ceremony at the Anaheim Veterans Monument, Nov. 10, 2011. The ceremony also honored the 236th Birthday of the Marine Corps with the reading of General John A. Lejeune’s Birthday Message and cutting of a traditional Birthday Cake. The City of Anaheim formally adopted the 13th MEU in 2007 and has since shown support and solidarity with the Marines, Sailors and their families. “The ceremony was a good way to remind Anaheim of the responsibilities of adopting a unit,” said David G. Custodio, a Marine Vietnam veteran and Anaheim native. “It also served as a reminder of the sacrifices, generations of Anaheim residents have made.” The 13th MEU provided the Color Guard and escorts for the Marine Corps Birthday Cake during the ceremony, while Taylor, spoke on behalf of the Unit. “Our freedom today is a direct reflection of what you have sacrificed for us,” said Taylor. He also read the names of five service members from Anaheim who’ve been killed since 2006, as a reminder of the sacrifices its residents have made. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

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ANAHEIM, Calif. – Master Sgt. (Ret.) Ray A. Steiner, age 91 and the oldest Marine present, passes off a piece of traditional Marine Corps Birthday cake to (Right) Lance Cpl. Brogan L. Mejia, the youngest Marine present and a data network specialist with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during the Anaheim Veterans Day Ceremony at the Anaheim Veterans Monument, Nov. 10, 2011. The ceremony also honored the 236th Birthday of the Marine Corps with the reading of General John A. Lejeune’s Birthday Message and cutting of a traditional Birthday Cake. The City of Anaheim formally adopted the 13th MEU in 2007 and has since shown support and solidarity with the Marines, Sailors and their families. “The ceremony was a good way to remind Anaheim of the responsibilities of adopting a unit,” said David G. Custodio, a Marine Vietnam veteran and Anaheim native. “It also served as a reminder of the sacrifices, generations of Anaheim residents have made.” The 13th MEU provided the Color Guard and escorts for the Marine Corps Birthday Cake during the ceremony, while Col. Christopher D. Taylor, commanding officer, 13th MEU spoke on behalf of the Unit. “Our freedom today is a direct reflection of what you have sacrificed for us,” said Taylor. He also read the names of five service members from Anaheim who’ve been killed since 2006, as a reminder of the sacrifices its residents have made. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

13th MEU Commanding Officer Colonel Christopher D. Taylor

2011-10-19T01:05:00.005+04:00

Colonel Taylor was born and raised in West Plains, Missouri, graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Engineering Management/Civil Engineering from University of Missouri-Rolla (n.k.a. Missouri University of Science & Technology), and was commissioned through the Platoon Leader Class program in August 1989. Upon completing The Basic School, Infantry Officer Course, a tour with MAG-42, Millington, TN, and flight training at NAS Pensacola, Florida, he was designated a Naval Aviator in March 1992.

As a Marine Aviator, Colonel Taylor’s operational flying tours included service with HMM-264, MCAS New River, North Carolina; HMM-166, MCAS El Toro / MCAS Miramar, California; HMM-165 MCAS Miramar, California; and as Commanding Officer of HMM-265, MCAS Futenma, Okinawa. During his flying tours, he
completed numerous deployments with 26th, 13th, and 31st Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU), Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) Caribbean, and SPMAGTF UNITAS. He also served as an Air Officer and Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF) Forward Air Controller (FAC) with 26th MEU. During his operational tours, Colonel Taylor has participated in operations PROVIDE PROMISE, DENY FLIGHT, SHARP GUARD, JOINT ENDEAVOR, and DECISIVE ENDEAVOR in the former Yugoslavia; SILVER WAKE in Albania; GUARDIAN RETRIEVAL in Africa; SUPPORT DEMOCRACY and UPHOLD DEMOCRACY in Haiti; OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM actions in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Horn of Africa; SEA ANGEL II in Bangladesh; and numerous other contingency operations and Theater Security Cooperation exercises around the globe.

As Commanding Officer of HMM-265 from June 2008 to June 2010, then Lieutenant Colonel Taylor led the Dragons through multiple deployments across the Western Pacific supporting numerous Humanitarian Assistance / Disaster Relief operations and Theater Security Cooperation exercises with 31st MEU and 3D MEB. The Marines and Sailors of HMM-265(REIN) were recognized for their superior performance with the Marine Corps Aviation Association Commandant’s Trophy as the best overall squadron in the Marine Corps and the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award.

Colonel Taylor’s staff tours include service with Headquarters Marine Corps, Aviation (ASM) in Washington, DC as a Manpower Analyst and Occupational Field Sponsor; 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa, Japan as Current Operations Officer; and Marine Aircraft Group-36 where he served as Operations Officer.

Colonel Taylor earned a Masters of Military Studies from Marine Corps Command and Staff College, Quantico, Virginia where he was a Distinguished Graduate, and a Masters of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Fort McNair, Washington DC.

Colonel Taylor’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Air
Medal 1 Strike/Flight, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star.

'Fighting 13th' changes command

2011-10-14T01:53:00.004+04:00

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2011) – (Left) Col. David W. Coffman relinquishes command of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit as he passes the unit Colors to Col. Christopher D. Taylor the incoming commanding officer, during a change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Oct. 7, 2011. Taylor joins the MEU, after serving as the operations officer of Marine Aircraft Group 36. Coffman served as the commanding officer of the 13th MEU through two sea-based deployments and will report to the Pentagon as the Deputy Director for Operations J-3 (NMCC-3) Joint Staff, Washington D.C. The 13th MEU recently returned from seven-month deployment with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, which provided support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Lance Cpl. Massimo Selim/ Released)

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2011) – (Right) Col. David W. Coffman relinquishes command of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit as he passes the unit Colors to Col. Christopher D. Taylor the incoming commanding officer, during a change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Oct. 7, 2011. Taylor joins the MEU, after serving as the operations officer of Marine Aircraft Group 36. Coffman served as the commanding officer of the 13th MEU through two sea-based deployments and will report to the Pentagon as the Deputy Director for Operations J-3 (NMCC-3) Joint Staff, Washington D.C. The 13th MEU recently returned from seven-month deployment with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, which provided support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Jesse D. Leger/ Released)

‘Fighting 13th’ returns home

2011-09-29T14:36:00.015+04:00

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – On Sept. 28th and 29th, more than 2,000 Marines and Sailors from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit launched helicopters, amphibious assault vehicles, Landing Craft Air Cushioned and Landing Craft Utility’s to deliver them for one last amphibious landing…their homecoming at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
The 13th MEU left San Diego Harbor in February ready to respond to a number of situations and demonstrate goodwill as a sea-based Marine Air-Ground Task Force comprised of Battalion Landing Team 1/1, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion 13. The Marines and Sailors served aboard three ships comprising Boxer Amphibious Ready Group.) During the deployment, the MEU served aboard the USS Boxer (LHD-4), the USS Green Bay (LPD-20) and the USS Comstock (LSD-45) often operating hundreds of miles apart from each other and in different countries.
Shortly after leaving, United States Central Command needed them to provide the expeditionary and versatile capabilities that MEU’s are known the world over for. After a month of rushing through two oceans, the Fighting 13th was cruising through the Gulf of Aden as a Theater Reserve Force also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in 5th Fleet Areas of Responsibility.
“I am so proud of the 2,300 Marines and Sailors that made up this edition of 13th MEU,” said Col. David W. Coffman, the commanding officer of the 13th MEU. “They were a great team. They made a difference in these turbulent times during their six months as a forward deployed sea-based MAGTF, and now return with honor to their family and friends back here in America. Mission complete and job well done.”
The Theater Security Cooperation events involved visiting various nations and training their militaries in the same tactics the Corps uses. During the seven months the MEU compiled 3,486 flight hours, 2,225 sorties and fired more than 843,000 rounds and conducted 128 ship-to-shore movements.
“We got to learn what tactics foreign militaries use and saw them showcase their skills while we could show them how we do business,” said Cpl. Zackary T. Meier, 2nd Fire Team leader, 2nd Squad, 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th MEU. “We taught soldiers buddy rushes, basics and served as mentors. I feel I was able to develop as an NCO in the past seven months. We didn’t go to Afghanistan but I believe we all gained something from this and were a part of something bigger. We all came home too. That’s what matters.”
The MEU trained and operated in more than 10 countries throughout CENTCOM United States Africa Command and United States Pacific Command. Marines of all ranks and various occupations took part in more than eight TSC events from Kuwait to Australia.
“It feels great coming home,” said Meier. “It was my first time leaving the States and experiencing different cultures while enjoying some awesome liberty. It was different training alongside different militaries and seeing how they operate while working with them. I recommend every Marine go on a MEU deployment. It’s the reason the Corps exists. It’s definitely a life changing experience.”
The MEU will spend the next couple months settling back in their garrison routine, readjusting to life back in the states and preparing for future needs of the Corps.
“This is my son’s first homecoming and it’s been a long time coming,” said Hal Hubber, father of Cpl. Jay Hubber, a heavy equipment operator with engineer detachment, CLB 13, 13th MEU. “While they were gone, they couldn’t tell us where they were or what was going on, it definitely added some suspense and an unknown element to it. We’re proud of him and the Unit he’s a part of. Now we catch up and enjoy some time together as a family.”
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13th MEU memorializes 9/11

2011-09-15T17:39:00.007+04:00

110911-M-OH054- 135 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 11, 2011) – Marines and Sailors from 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and crew of the USS Green Bay (LPD-20) watch a video presentation chronicling the September 11 attacks during a memorial ceremony, aboard USS Green Bay, Sept. 11. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/ Released)

110911-M-OH054- 277 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 11, 2011) - Roger Parrino, a law enforcement professional with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and NYPD Lieutenant (ret.) shares with Marines and Sailors of the 13th MEU his experiences as a first responder at ground zero of the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks, as part of a memorial ceremony aboard the USS Green Bay, Sept. 11. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/ Released)

110911-M-OH054-354 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 11, 2011) - Roger Parrino, a law enforcement professional with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and NYPD Lieutenant (ret.) shares with Marines and Sailors of the 13th MEU his experiences as a first responder at ground zero of the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks, as part of a memorial ceremony aboard the USS Green Bay, Sept. 11. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/ Released)

110911-M-OH054- 409 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 11, 2011) – (Left) Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Noah Doughty, a Hull Technician and Navy Lt. Cmdr. Maynor Sand, the chief engineer of the USS Green Bay (LPD-20) perform “Amazing Grace” for Marines and Sailors of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and ship’s crew in remembrance of the September 11 attacks during a memorial ceremony aboard ship, Sept. 11. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/ Released)

110911-M-OH054-420 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 11, 2011) – Marines and Sailors from 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and crew of the USS Green Bay (LPD-20) listen to Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Noah Doughty, a Hull Technician and Navy Lt. Cmdr. Maynor Sand, the chief engineer of the USS Green Bay perform “Amazing Grace” in remembrance of the September 11 attacks during a memorial ceremony, aboard USS Green Bay, Sept. 11. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/ Released)

The ‘Fighting 13th’ remembers Guadalcanal

2011-09-15T15:16:00.008+04:00

PACIFIC OCEAN - In the fading daylight, Marines and Sailors of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), stare out onto a jungle island. Sixty-nine years ago they would have beheld a different sight; bombers strafing fixed positions, naval warships sinking one another and the flashes of machineguns firing between the trees.
This island called Guadalcanal was where Marines and Sailors from 1st Marine Division fought in their first major offensive against Imperial Japan during World War II. Marines and Sailors from the 13th MEU and crew of the USS Green Bay held a ceremony Sept. 10, to honor those who fought and died there.

“It is hallowed ground where the Marines turned in one of the most incredibly heroic performances in military history,” said Lt. Col. Craig R. Wonson, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th MEU. “No battle exemplifies what it means to be a Marine more than Guadalcanal.”
Marines from BLT 1/1, 13th MEU’s ground combat element, are descendants of the Leathernecks who fought on the Island for six months. Wonson spoke during the ceremony, reminding the Marines of their heritage and the significance of that Campaign.
The Battalion came ashore early in the Guadalcanal Campaign and helped secure the critically important Henderson Airfield explained Wonson. The Battalion also played a key role in the Battle of the Tenaru, delivering a decisive blow against a Japanese regiment that was sent to dislodge the Marine defenses.

Assigned to guarding the airfield from the Lunga perimeter, approximately 3,000 Marines of 1st Marine Division spent the night of August 21, 1942, repelling attacks from Japan’s 28th Infantry Regiment, First Element. In the morning, 1/1 counterattacked, crossing a river upstream from the battle area and through fire and maneuver enveloped the Japanese soldiers. This trapped and compressed the troops into a small area on the east bank of the river. The cut off Japanese Regiment was further decimated by strafing aircraft and rolling tanks. At the battle’s conclusion, only 128 of the 917 Japanese soldiers from the Regimental Element remained.

More than 69 years later, Marines and Sailors of BLT 1/1 stood on the flight deck, remembering their warrior ancestor’s sacrifices.

“The ceremony was good,” said Sgt. Melvin H. Fields, 2nd Squad leader, 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, BLT 1/1, 13th MEU. “Everyone’s mood was silent and it was a solemn event. The impact of this battle was evident. Even to this day we discuss the same fire and maneuver tactics used by Marines on Guadalcanal.”

A moment of silence was followed by “Taps” in honor of those who gave their lives during the campaign. Sgt. Christopher M. Brandle, a food service specialist with Headquarters and Service Company, BLT 1/1, concluded the ceremony tossing a challenge coin into the ocean.
“I thought it was a really emotional experience,” said Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Spencer Elliott, a corpsman with Personal Security Detachment, Headquarters and Service Company, BLT 1/1, 13th MEU. “Not very often do you get a chance to see a battlefield, where generations ago, Marines and Sailors fought [there] in the same unit as yourself. Considering how remote this island is, I consider myself fortunate to have been able to see it.”

Allies took the Island from Imperial Japan after six months of bloody fighting. With Guadalcanal firmly in the Allies’ hands, Imperial Japan was denied a means to cut off the convoy route between Australia, New Zealand and the United States. This Battle marked a turning point in the Pacific Campaign of WWII. First Battalion, 1st Marines would go on to fight on Peleliu and Okinawa further distinguishing themselves as the “First of the First.” Through the valor and heroism of 1/1 predecessors, the BLT continues to serve on sea and land.

The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. Historical battle information provided by PacificWrecks.com and Guadalcanal veteran Sgt. George Dennis, D Company, 1/1, 1st Marine Division.

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USS Green Bay Marines, Sailors run in honor of Green Bay native

2011-09-15T14:46:00.007+04:00

110820-M-OH054-031 INDIAN OCEAN (Aug. 20, 2011) Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and Sailors with the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), run in the early morning hours during the 2011 Pfc. Ryan Jerabek Memorial Challenge aboard ship, Aug. 20. Marines and sailors ran 40 laps around the ship’s flight deck or approximately four miles in honor of Jerabek, a Green Bay native who died April 6, 2004 during combat action in Ramadi Iraq. A run was held in Hobart Wisc., a week earlier in his honor. Governor Scott Walker proclaimed Aug. 13, 2011 to be Pfc. Ryan Jerabek Semper Fi Fund Day with proceeds from the run in the United States to benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the United States 7th Fleet area of operations. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin)(Released)

110820-M-OH054-296 INDIAN OCEAN (Aug. 20, 2011) Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), run in the early morning hours during the 2011 Pfc. Ryan Jerabek Memorial Challenge aboard USS Green Bay (LPD-20), Aug. 20. Marines and Sailors ran 40 laps around the ship’s flight deck or approximately four miles in honor of Jerabek, a Green Bay native who died April 6, 2004 during combat action in Ramadi Iraq. A run was held in Hobart Wisc., a week earlier in his honor. Governor Scott Walker proclaimed Aug. 13, 2011 to be Pfc. Ryan Jerabek Semper Fi Fund Day with proceeds from the run in the United States to benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the United States 7th Fleet area of operations. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin)(Released)

110820-M-OH054-494 INDIAN OCEAN (Aug. 20, 2011) Marines and Sailors with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), run in the early morning hours during the 2011 Pfc. Ryan Jerabek Memorial Challenge aboard USS Green Bay (LPD-20), Aug. 20. Marines and Sailors ran 40 laps around the ship’s flight deck or approximately four miles in honor of Jerabek, a Green Bay native who died April 6, 2004 during combat action in Ramadi Iraq. A run was held in Hobart Wisc., a week earlier in his honor. Governor Scott Walker proclaimed Aug. 13, 2011 to be Pfc. Ryan Jerabek Semper Fi Fund Day with proceeds from the run in the United States to benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the United States 7th Fleet area of operations. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin)(Released)

110820-M-OH054-905 INDIAN OCEAN (Aug. 20, 2011) Navy Seaman, Amanda B. Powers, an aviation boatswains mate fuel with USS Green Bay (LPD-20), passes water to Lance Cpl. James K. Perkins, an amphibious assault vehicle crewman with AAV Platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during the 2011 Pfc. Ryan Jerabek Memorial Challenge aboard the USS Green Bay, Aug. 20. Marines and Sailors ran 40 laps around the ship’s flight deck or approximately four miles in honor of Jerabek, a Green Bay native who died April 6, 2004 during combat action in Ramadi Iraq. A run was held in Hobart Wisc., a week earlier in his honor. Governor Scott Walker proclaimed Aug. 13, 2011 to be Pfc. Ryan Jerabek Semper Fi Fund Day with proceeds from the run in the United States to benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the United States 7th Fleet area of operations. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin)(Released)

< 110820-M-OH054-982 INDIAN OCEAN (Aug. 20, 2011) Marines and Sailors with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conclude the 2011 Pfc. Ryan Jerabek Memorial Challenge with push-ups, aboard USS Green Bay (LPD-20), Aug. 20. Marines and Sailors ran 40 laps around the ship’s flight deck or approximately four miles in honor of Jerabek, a Green Bay native who died April 6, 2004 during combat action in Ramadi Iraq. A run was held in Hobart Wisc., a week earlier in his honor. Governor Scott Walker proclaimed Aug. 13, 2011 to be Pfc. Ryan Jerabek Semper Fi Fund Day with proceeds from the run in the United States to benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the United States 7th Fleet area of operations. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin)(Released)

13th MEU visits Darwin Australia for bilateral TSC

2011-09-08T23:16:00.002+04:00

DARWIN, AUSTRALIA – Marines and sailors from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit sailed into Darwin, Australia aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20) Sept. 2, 2011 and within hours of arrival participated in a Bilateral Primary Military Education Engagement event with Australian soldiers from 1st Division.
Marines from throughout Battalion Landing Team 1/1 and Combat Logistics Battalion set up the same equipment they’ve used on their 2011 deployment to train with host nation partners as an expeditionary force in readiness. From M-4 Carbine’s to radios, Marines displayed the tools of their trade for Australian soldiers to see and hold.
“I think they were surprised and impressed by the way we operate in four man fire teams,” said Lance Cpl. Hector F. Deleon, a grenadier with 2nd Fire team 3rd Squad, 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, BLT 1/1, 13th MEU “They were really asking how we operate in Afghanistan and how much a single fire team can do with squad weapons like the [squad automatic weapon] and the M203 grenade launcher, how much firepower you can lay down.”
Major Gen. Rick Burr, commander of 1st Division, toured the Green Bay, to see firsthand how a Battalion Landing Team can carry the personnel and equipment to deliver and sustain hundreds of combat ready troops to shores throughout the globe.
“It was truly an honor to show Major General Burr the amphibious capabilities of the Green Bay,” said Lt. Col. Craig R. Wonson, commanding officer of BLT 1/1, 13th MEU. “Burr’s reputation precedes him and he is someone that I have a tremendous amount of respect for. He asked some great questions on amphibious operations and some of the challenges we faced while on deployment.”
While Burr toured the ship, other soldiers from the Australian Army got first hand insight into the LPD’s capabilities. They climbed inside Amphibious Assault Vehicles, toured the Landing Force Operations Center and walked through the galley that hundreds of Marines and sailors eat in.
“It’s a very good experience,” said Capt. Michael Nawshim, battalion plans captain for 1st Mechanized Brigade, 1st Division, Australian Army. “One thing that’s benefited me from this tour of the Green Bay is here we have a more advanced ship than anything we currently have, but are very similar to the capabilities we have coming online in the next coming years. It was also good to see how Marines can carry this many AAV’s with them on one ship. I’ve worked with AAV’s before in previous Talisman Saber Exercises and they’re extremely versatile platform and I think they are an enduring platform too by their virtue of their age and their unique capabilities, they’ve been around so long and they’re still relevant. This is a capability that the Australian Army is moving back towards and it’s interesting to see some of the challenges that you had, will be an indication of challenges we’ve had as a land based Army but also moving toward a Marine expeditionary role.”
At the end of the day, the soldiers left the ship with a better understanding of how the 13th MEU operates on the ocean and from there to land.
“The biggest benefit was simply getting to spend time with our Australian counterparts,” said Wonson. “First Marine Division has enjoyed a long standing history with the Australians dating back to World War II, and there is a tremendous amount of camaraderie that exists between us. We always learn a lot from them, and embrace any opportunity to train and work together with them.”
After the Marines finished demonstrating their capabilities for the TSC event, they had a few days to see the sights of Darwin and get a better understanding of Australia and its citizens.
The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
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BLT 1/1 joins Australian Army for TSC event

2011-09-08T03:55:00.024+04:00

110901-M-OH054-536 (Sept. 01, 2011) INDIAN OCEAN – The color guard for Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), practice drill movement aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), in preparation for a TSC event in Darwin, Australia, Sept. 1, 2011. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/ Released)

110902-M-OH054-004 (Sept. 02, 2011) DARWIN, AUSTRALIA – Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and sailors aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), man the rails while sailing into Darwin, Australia for a Theater Security Cooperation event Sept. 2, 2011. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110902-M-OH054-038 (Sept. 02, 2011) DARWIN, AUSTRALIA – Lt. Col. Craig R. Wonson, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), greets Maj. Gen. Rick Burr, commander of 1st Division, Australian Army, during a Theater Security Cooperation event aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), Sept. 2, 2011. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110902-M-QZ892-016 (Sept. 02, 2011) DARWIN, AUSTRALIA - LtCol. Craig Wonson, commanding officer, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), greets MGen Rick Burr 1st Division Commander, Australian Army, aboard the USS Green bay, September 2, 2011. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Jesse D. Leger/ Released)

110902-M-QZ892-004 (Sept. 02, 2011) DARWIN, AUSTRALIA - The color guard for Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), marches into place aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), September 2, 2011. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Jesse D. Leger/ Released)

110902-M-QZ892-035 (Sept. 02, 2011) DARWIN, AUSTRALIA - Marine Maj. Chris Niedziocha, company commander, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), gives a guided tour to members of the Australian army aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), September 2, 2011. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Jesse D. Leger/ Released)

110902-M-OH054-068 (Sept. 02, 2011) DARWIN, AUSTRALIA – Sgt. Darrell L. Wisseman, senior intelligence analyst with Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), shows a Raven Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to Maj. Gen. Rick Burr, commander of 1st Division, Australian Army, during a Theater Security Cooperation event aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), Sept. 2, 2011. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110902-M-QZ892-018 (Sept. 02, 2011) DARWIN, AUSTRALIA -Members of the Australian army board the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), September 2, 2011. The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Jesse D. Leger/Released)

110902-M-OH054-125 (Sept. 02, 2011) DARWIN, AUSTRALIA – Marines with Scout Sniper Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), explain the rifles and equipment they use in the field to Maj. Gen. Rick Burr, commander of 1st Division, Australian Army, during a Theater Security Cooperation event aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), Sept. 2, 2011. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110902-M-QZ892-040 (Sept. 02, 2011) DARWIN, AUSTRALIA - Marine Maj. Chris Niedziocha, company commander, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), gives a MEU capabilities brief to members of the Australian army aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), September 2, 2011. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Jesse D. Leger/Released)

110902-M-QZ892-058 (Sept. 02, 2011) DARWIN, AUSTRALIA - A Marine with Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), gives a guided tour to members of the Australian army aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), September 2, 2011. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Jesse D. Leger/ Released)

110902-M-OH054-345 (Sept. 02, 2011) DARWIN, AUSTRALIA – (Left) Maj. Gen. Rick Burr, commander of 1st Division, Australian Army, examines the names of heroic Marines and sailors who hail from Green Bay Wisc., during a tour of the Hall of Heroes, as part of a Theater Security Cooperation event aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), Sept. 2, 2011. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110902-M-QZ892-099 (Sept. 02, 2011) DARWIN, AUSTRALIA - Two Marines with Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) Platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), display the weapons system of their AAV to members of the Australian Army while aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), September 2, 2011. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Jesse D. Leger/ Released)

110902-M-OH054-520 (Sept. 02, 2011) DARWIN, AUSTRALIA – Lt. Col. Craig R. Wonson, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), trades gifts with Maj. Gen. Rick Burr, commander of 1st Division, Australian Army, during a Theater Security Cooperation event aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), Sept. 2, 2011. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo By Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/ Released)

13th MEU conduct media visits in Hong Kong

2011-08-31T20:39:00.004+04:00

U.S. Marine Capt. Trevor J. Monfette, pilot, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-163 (Reinforced), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) answers questions about Marine aircraft aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during Media Day after the ship docked in Hong Kong on August 31. Marines and Sailors with the 13th MEU, deployed with Boxer Ready Group, conducted a routine port visit to Hong Kong. The 13th MEU is committed to help enhance security, stability, and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

U.S. Marine 1stLt. Jolanta O. Krempin, logistics officer, Combat Logistics Battalion 13, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), answers questions about equipment aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during Media Day after the ship docked in Hong Kong on August 31. Marines and Sailors with the 13th MEU, deployed with Boxer Ready Group, conducted a routine port visit to Hong Kong. The 13th MEU is committed to help enhance security, stability, and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

Local media take photos and video aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during Media Day after the ship docked in Hong Kong on August 31. Marines and Sailors with the 13th MEU, deployed with Boxer Ready Group, conducted a routine port visit to Hong Kong. The 13th MEU is committed to help enhance security, stability, and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

U.S. Marine Capt. Vincent J. Mazzurco, commanding officer, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), answers questions about Marine vehicles aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during Media Day after the ship docked in Hong Kong on August 31. Marines and Sailors with the 13th MEU, deployed with Boxer Ready Group, conducted a routine port visit to Hong Kong. The 13th MEU is committed to help enhance security, stability, and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

13th MEU docks in Hong Kong

2011-08-31T11:30:00.004+04:00

110831-M-DC338-009 PACIFIC OCEAN (August 31, 2011) U.S. Marines and Sailors with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) man the rails into Hong Kong, China aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LPD-4) on August 31. Marines and Sailors with the 13th MEU, deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, conducted a routine port visit to Hong Kong. The 13th MEU is committed to help enhance security, stability, and prosperity in the Asia and Pacific region.(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

110831-M-DC338-007 PACIFIC OCEAN (August 31, 2011) A U.S. Navy Sailor hoists the flag during the man the rails into Hong Kong, China aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LPD-4) on August 31. Marines and Sailors with the 13th MEU, deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, conducted a routine port visit to Hong Kong. The 13th MEU is committed to help enhance security, stability, and prosperity in the Asia and Pacific region.(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

110831-M-DC338-006 PACIFIC OCEAN (August 31, 2011) U.S. Marines and Sailors with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) man the rails into Hong Kong, China aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LPD-4) on August 31. Marines and Sailors with the 13th MEU, deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, conducted a routine port visit to Hong Kong. The 13th MEU is committed to help enhance security, stability, and prosperity in the Asia and Pacific region.(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

110831-M-DC338-005 PACIFIC OCEAN (August 31, 2011) U.S. Marines and Sailors with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) man the rails into Hong Kong, China aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LPD-4) on August 31. Marines and Sailors with the 13th MEU, deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, conducted a routine port visit to Hong Kong. The 13th MEU is committed to help enhance security, stability, and prosperity in the Asia and Pacific region.(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

110831-M-DC338-004 PACIFIC OCEAN (August 31, 2011) A U.S. Marine and Sailor with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) man the rails into Hong Kong, China aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LPD-4) on August 31. Marines and Sailors with the 13th MEU, deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, conducted a routine port visit to Hong Kong. The 13th MEU is committed to help enhance security, stability, and prosperity in the Asia and Pacific region.(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

110831-M-DC338-003 PACIFIC OCEAN (August 31, 2011) U.S. Marines and Sailors with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) man the rails into Hong Kong, China aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LPD-4) on August 31. Marines and Sailors with the 13th MEU, deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, conducted a routine port visit to Hong Kong. The 13th MEU is committed to help enhance security, stability, and prosperity in the Asia and Pacific region.(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

110831-M-DC338-002 PACIFIC OCEAN (August 31, 2011) U.S. Marines and Sailors with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) man the rails into Hong Kong, China aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LPD-4) on August 31. Marines and Sailors with the 13th MEU, deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, conducted a routine port visit to Hong Kong. The 13th MEU is committed to help enhance security, stability, and prosperity in the Asia and Pacific region.(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

110831-M-DC338-001 PACIFIC OCEAN (August 31, 2011) U.S. Marines and Sailors with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) man the rails into Hong Kong, China aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LPD-4) on August 31. Marines and Sailors with the 13th MEU, deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, conducted a routine port visit to Hong Kong. The 13th MEU is committed to help enhance security, stability, and prosperity in the Asia and Pacific region.(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

13th MEU transports Harrier Engine

2011-08-01T14:04:00.001+04:00

110730-M-XU108-042 Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa (July 30, 2011) Cpl. Dominic Vega, landing support specialist, and LCpl Patrick Mistral, landing support specialist, Combat Logistics Battalion 13(CLB), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU) prepare to attach a Harrier engine to a CH-53D for transport to the USS Boxer for Camp Lemonnier Djibouti July 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110730-M-XU108-057 Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa (July 30, 2011) Cpl. Dominic Vega, landing support specialist, and LCpl Patrick Mistral, landing support specialist, Combat Logistics Battalion 13(CLB), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU) prepare to attach a Harrier engine to a CH-53D for transport to the USS Boxer for Camp Lemonnier Djibouti July 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

Charlie Company conduct demo training with GIGN troops

2011-07-18T14:49:00.003+04:00

110717-M-XU108-099 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (July 17, 2011) U.S. Marines from, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), and Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops explode a Bangalore charge during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti July 17. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/ released)

110717-M-XU108-074 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (July 17, 2011) U.S. Marine Cpl Adam Childress, gunner with Assault Section, Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), over looks as Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops detonate detention cord to open a door during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti July 17. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/ released)

110717-M-XU108-072 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (July 17, 2011) U.S. Marine Cpl Adam Childress, gunner with Assault Section, Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), teach Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops how to place detention cord on a door during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti July 17. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/ released)

110717-M-XU108-060 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (July 17, 2011) U.S. Marine Cpl Adam Childress, gunner with Assault Section, Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), teach Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops how to place detention cord on a door during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti July 17. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/ released)

110717-M-XU108-054 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (July 17, 2011) U.S. Marine Cpl Adam Childress, gunner with Assault Section, Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), teach Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops how to place detention cord on a door during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti July 17. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/ released)

110717-M-XU108-048 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (July 17, 2011) A Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troop clamps on a primer to a detention cord during Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU)’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti July 17. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/ released)

110717-M-XU108-045 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (July 17, 2011) A Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troop clamps on a primer to a detention cord during Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU)’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti July 17. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/ released)

110717-M-XU108-026 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (July 17, 2011) U.S. Marine Lance Cpl Reagan Selman, gunner with Assault Section, Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), teach Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops how to make detention cord after the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti July 17. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/ released)

110717-M-XU108-022 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (July 17, 2011) U.S. Marines from, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), teach Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops how to make detention cord after the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti July 17. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/ released)

BLT partner with French Foreign Legion during a training exercise

2011-07-14T16:01:00.008+04:00

1107013-M-XU108-003 Djibouti, Africa (July 13, 2011) U.S. Marines with 4th platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and French Foreign Legion troops stand for a picture after a joint training exercise in Djibouti July 13. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Bohanner/Released)

1107013-M-XU108-003 Djibouti, Africa (July 13, 2011) U.S. Marines with 4th platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and French Foreign Legion troops setup fighting positions during the a joint training exercise in Djibouti July 13. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Bohanner/Released)

1107013-M-XU108-003 Djibouti, Africa (July 13, 2011) U.S. Marines with 4th platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and French Foreign Legion troops climb over a mountain top towards the objective during a joint training exercise in Djibouti July 13. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Bohanner/Released)

1107013-M-XU108-003 Djibouti, Africa (July 13, 2011) U.S. Marines with 4th platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and French Foreign Legion troops climb over a mountain top towards during a joint training exercise in Djibouti July 13. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Bohanner/Released)

1107013-M-XU108-003 Djibouti, Africa (July 13, 2011) U.S. Marine 1stLt. Jonathan McCormick(left), platoon commanded with 4th platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) review a terrian map with a member of the French Foreign Legion during a joint training exercise in Djibouti July 13. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Bohanner/Released)

1107013-M-XU108-003 Djibouti, Africa (July 13, 2011) A U.S. Marine with 4th platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) provides sericuty during a joint training exercise with the French Foreign Legion in Djibouti July 13. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Bohanner/Released)

1107013-M-XU108-003 Djibouti, Africa (July 13, 2011) U.S. Marine 1stLt. Jonathan McCormick(right), platoon commanded with 4th platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) instruct his platoon to move to another vehicle during a joint training exercise with the French Foreign Legion in Djibouti July 13. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Bohanner/Released)

1107013-M-XU108-003 Djibouti, Africa (July 13, 2011) U.S. Marines with 4th platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and French Foreign Legion troops prepare to load vehicle during a joint training exercise in Djibouti July 13. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Bohanner/Released)

1107013-M-XU108-002 Djibouti, Africa (July 13, 2011) A French Foreign Legion assault vehicle lines up in convoy order during a joint training exercise between U.S. Marines with 4th platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and French Foreign Legion in Djibouti July 13. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Bohanner/Released)

1107012-M-XU108-015 Djibouti, Africa (July 12, 2011) U.S. Marines with 4th platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and French Foreign Legion troops review the schedlue of events prior to a joint training exercise in Djibouti July 12. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Bohanner/Released)

1107012-M-XU108-007 Djibouti, Africa (July 12, 2011) U.S. Marines with 4th platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and French Foreign Legion troops review a terrian model display during a joint training exercise in Djibouti July 12. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Bohanner/Released)

1107012-M-XU108-003 Djibouti, Africa (July 12, 2011) U.S. Marines with 4th platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and French Foreign Legion troops look at a weapons display during a joint training exercise in Djibouti July 12. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Bohanner/Released)

Charlie Company 2nd Platoon trains with German soldiers

2011-07-12T18:24:00.001+04:00

110711-M-UD614-015 Djibouti, Africa (July 11, 2011) U.S. Marines with 2nd Pltn., Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and German soldiers pose for a picture in Djibout, Africa July 11. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110711-M-UD614-014 Djibouti, Africa (July 11, 2011) U.S. Marines with 2nd Pltn., Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) shoot German weapons in Djibouti, Africa July 11. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110711-M-UD614-013 Djibouti, Africa (July 11, 2011) German soldiers and U.S. Marines with 2nd Pltn., Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct a pistol range in Djibouti, Africa July 11. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110711-M-UD614-011 Djibouti, Africa (July 11, 2011) German soldiers and U.S. Marines with 2nd Pltn., Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct a pistol range in Djibouti, Africa July 11. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110711-M-UD614-010 Djibouti, Africa (July 11, 2011) U.S. Navy Corpsman HM3 Christian Mewes with 2nd Pltn., Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) shows an American meal ready to eat (MRE) to German soldiers in Djibouti, Africa July 11. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110711-M-UD614-006 Djibouti, Africa (July 11, 2011) U.S. Marines with 2nd Pltn., Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct buddy rush training in Djibouti, Africa July 11. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110711-M-UD614-005 Djibouti, Africa (July 11, 2011) U.S. Marines with 2nd Pltn., Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct buddy rush training in Djibouti, Africa July 11. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110711-M-UD614-004 Djibouti, Africa (July 11, 2011) U.S. Marine SSgt Dustin Benson, Pltn. Sgt, 2nd Pltn., Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) gives instructions during buddy rush training in Djibouti, Africa July 11. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110711-M-UD614-003 Africa, Djibouti (July 11, 2011) U.S. Marines with 2nd Paltn., Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct buddy rush training in Djibouti, Africa July 11. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110711-M-UD614-002 Djibouti, Africa (July 11, 2011) U.S. Marines with 2nd Pltn., Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct buddy rush training in Djibouti, Africa July 11. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110711-M-UD614-001 Djibouti, Africa (July 11, 2011) U.S. Marines with 2nd Pltn., Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct buddy rush training in Djibouti, Africa July 11. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

Marine sergeant receives Silver Star for bravery in Afghanistan firefight

2011-07-05T19:28:00.001+04:00

When the Pentagon decided in 2008 it was time to send the Marines back to Afghanistan, one of the first battalions to deploy was the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, from Twentynine Palms.

The Pentagon sent the battalion "light" -- that is, without the artillery, supply system, aircraft and full reconnaissance unit that are integral to what is called a Marine air-ground task force.

The Marines were supposed to mentor the Afghan security forces. Instead, they found themselves in combat almost daily, as units of 100 or more Taliban fighters attacked from ambush in hopes of driving the Marines away.

In seven months, 20 members of the battalion were killed, more than 200 wounded. But Marine brass say the 2/7 served notice to the insurgency that the Marines were back to stay and could not be intimidated into leaving.

On Monday, on a U.S. ship in the Gulf of Aden, one of the Marines from that deployment received a Silver Star for combat bravery. Sgt. Franklin M. Simmons, 28, was awarded the Marines' third-highest medal for bravery for actions on Aug. 8, 2008, while acting as a team leader for the Force Reconnaissance Platoon of the 2/7.

While on a patrol in the village of Shewan in Farah province, Simmons' platoon was attacked by "intense rocket-propelled grenade and machinegun fire," according to the Silver Star citation. One of the platoon's vehicles was disabled, trapping Marines in the "kill zone."

Simmons crawled to the top of a berm to locate targets. "He resolutely ignored enemy machine-gun rounds impacting within a foot of his position as he calmly employed his weapon to kill the enemy firing at his fellow Marines."

Simmons killed an estimated 18 enemy fighters and wounded at least two others during the eight-hour firefight. His "devastating fires" saved Marine lives, the citation says.

He was a corporal on the day of the ambush. He is now with a Force Reconnaissance Platoon with the Camp Pendleton-based 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit on a seven-month deployment to the western Pacific and beyond. The award ceremony took place on the amphibious assault ship Boxer.

Simmons lists Richmond, Calif., and Grants Pass., Ore., as hometowns.

2011-07-05T19:23:00.001+04:00

Charlie Company 4th of July group photos

2011-07-05T19:02:00.002+04:00

BLT 1/1 July 1 promotions

2011-07-02T14:48:00.003+04:00

110701-M-XU108-003 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (July 1, 2011) Sgt Saheed Lawal, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT) , 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gets promoted to his present rank by Capt William Simpson, commanding officer, Charlie Company, BLT 1/1 at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti July 1. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released).

110701-M-XU108-002 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (July 1, 2011) Staff Sgt Dustin Benson, platoon sergeant, 3rd platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT) , 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gets promoted to his present rank by Capt Jason Fraser, executive officer, Charlie Company, BLT 1/1 at the top of a French training mountain in Djibouti July 1. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released).

110701-M-XU108-001 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (July 1, 2011) Capt. Jason Fraser, executive officer, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT) , 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gets promoted to his present rank by Lt. Col. Craig Wonson, commanding officer, BLT 1/1 at the base of a French training mountain in Djibouti July 1. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released).

GIGN complete BLT 1/1 training

2011-06-30T18:56:00.006+04:00

110630-M-UD614-009 Camp Moussa, Djibouti (June 30, 2011) U.S. Marines with 1st platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Djiboution Groupe D'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) stand in formation during the GIGN course graduation in which the GIGN soldiers graduate from a five-week training course aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti June 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110630-M-UD614-008 Camp Moussa, Djibouti (June 30, 2011) U.S. Marines with 1st platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Djiboution Groupe D'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) stand in formation during the GIGN course graduation in which the GIGN soldiers graduate from a five-week training course aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti June 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110630-M-UD614-007 Camp Moussa, Djibouti (June 30, 2011) U.S. Marines with 1st platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Djiboution Groupe D'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) stand in formation during the GIGN course graduation in which the GIGN soldiers graduate from a five-week training course aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti June 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110630-M-UD614-006 Camp Moussa, Djibouti (June 30, 2011) U.S. Marines with 1st platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Djiboution Groupe D'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) stand in formation during the GIGN course graduation in which the GIGN soldiers graduate from a five-week training course aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti June 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110630-M-UD614-005 Camp Moussa, Djibouti (June 30, 2011) U.S. Marines with 1st platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Djiboution Groupe D'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) stand in formation during the GIGN course graduation in which the GIGN soldiers graduate from a five-week training course aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti June 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released) 110630-M-UD614-004 Camp Moussa, Djibouti (June 30, 2011) U.S. Marines with 1st platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Djiboution Groupe D'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) stand in formation during the GIGN course graduation in which the GIGN soldiers graduate from a five-week training course aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti June 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110630-M-UD614-003 Camp Moussa, Djibouti (June 30, 2011) A Djiboution Groupe D'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) soldier prepares to raise the Djiboutian flag aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti on June 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110630-M-UD614-002 Camp Moussa, Djibouti (June 30, 2011) U.S. Marines with 1st platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Djiboution Groupe D'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) stand in formation prior to the GIGN course graduation in which the GIGN soldiers graduate from a five-week training course aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti June 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110630-M-UD614-001 Camp Moussa, Djibouti (June 30, 2011) U.S. Marines with 1st platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) pose for a picture with Djiboution Groupe D'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) soldiers prior to the GIGN course graduation aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti June 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

13th MEU continues sustainment training in Djibouti

2011-06-22T15:58:00.010+04:00

110621-M-UD614-008 Djibouti, Africa (June 21, 2011) U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) provide security at the entry control point (ECP) during a simulated Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in Djibouti on June 21. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110621-M-UD614-007 Djibouti, Africa (June 21, 2011) U.S Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 13 (CLB), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) process role players during a simulated Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in Djibouti on June 21. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110621-M-UD614-006 Djibouti, Africa (June 21, 2011) Two U.S Navy Corpsman with Combat Logistics Battalion 13 (CLB), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) carry a simulated casualty on a stretcher during a simulated Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in Djibouti on June 21. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110621-M-UD614-005 Djibouti, Africa (June 21, 2011) U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) search the bags of role players at the entry control point during a simulated Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in Djibouti on June 21. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110621-M-UD614-004 Djibouti, Africa (June 21, 2011) U.S. Navy Corpsman HM3 Christian Mewes, 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) gives water to a role player who is simulating a casualty during a simulated Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in Djibouti on June 21. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110621-M-UD614-003 Djibouti, Africa (June 21, 2011) U.S Navy Corpsman HM3 Christian Mewes, 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) provides aid to a role player who is simulating a casualty during a simulated Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in Djibouti on June 21. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110621-M-UD614-002 Djibouti, Africa (June 21, 2011) U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) provide security at the entry control point (ECP) during a simulated Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in Djibouti on June 21. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110621-M-UD614-001 Djibouti, Africa (June 21, 2011) U.S. Marine Sgt Dustin Benson, 2nd Platoon Sgt, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) talks to role players at the entry control point during a simulated Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in Djibouti on June 21. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

Fox Battery GIGN Non-Lethal Training

2011-06-20T18:45:00.004+04:00

110618-M-UD614-004 Camp Moussa, Djibouti (June 18, 2011) U.S. Marines with Fox Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) gives a class to Djiboution Groupe D'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) troops on non-lethal tactics and weapons in Djibouti on June 18. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110618-M-UD614-003 Camp Moussa, Djibouti (June 18, 2011) Djiboution Groupe D'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) troop explains a GIGN non-lethal weapon to U.S. Marine Sgt Orontes Roa, Gun Chief, Fox Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) during a class on non-lethal tactics and weapons in Djibouti on June 18. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110618-M-UD614-007 Camp Moussa, Djibouti (June 18, 2011) U.S. Marines with Fox Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) demonstrate non-lethal tactics to Djiboution Groupe D'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) troops in Djibouti on June 18. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110618-M-UD614-008 Camp Moussa, Djibouti (June 18, 2011) U.S. Marines with Fox Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) pose for a group photo with Djiboution Groupe D'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) troops in Djibouti on June 18. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110618-M-UD614-009 Camp Moussa, Djibouti (June 18, 2011) U.S. Marines with Fox Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) demonstrate non-lethal tactics to Djiboution Groupe D'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) troops in Djibouti on June 18. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110618-M-UD614-002 Camp Moussa, Djibouti (June 18, 2011) U.S. Marines with Fox Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) gives a class to Djiboution Groupe D'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) troops on non-lethal tactics and weapons in Djibouti on June 18. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110618-M-UD614-001 Camp Moussa, Djibouti (June 18, 2011) U.S. Marine SSgt Robert Bosch, Communications Chief, Fox Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) gives a class to Djiboution Groupe D'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) troops on non-lethal tactics and weapons in Djibouti on June 18. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

Charlie Company Night Hike

2011-06-17T15:22:00.007+04:00

110616-M-UD614-001 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti (June 16, 2011) U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepare to begin a seven-mile hike at night aboard Camp Lemonier, Djibouti on June 16. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110616-M-UD614-002 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti (June 16, 2011) U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct a seven-mile hike at night aboard Camp Lemonier, Djibouti on June 16. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110616-M-UD614-003 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti (June 16, 2011) U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct a seven-mile hike at night aboard Camp Lemonier, Djibouti on June 16. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110616-M-UD614-004 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti (June 16, 2011) U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct a seven-mile hike at night aboard Camp Lemonier, Djibouti on June 16. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110616-M-UD614-005 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti (June 16, 2011) U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct a seven-mile hike at night aboard Camp Lemonier, Djibouti on June 16. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110616-M-UD614-006 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti (June 16, 2011) U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) take a break at the half way point of a seven-mile hike at night aboard Camp Lemonier, Djibouti on June 16. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110616-M-UD614-007 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti (June 16, 2011) U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 (BLT), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) take a break at the half way point of a seven-mile hike at night aboard Camp Lemonier, Djibouti on June 16. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

13th MEU continue to soar above Djibouti

2011-06-17T15:16:00.003+04:00

110616-M-XU108-083 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 16, 2011) U.S. Marines from Force Reconnaissance Battalion, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), free fall jump from a CH-53 helicopter 10,000 feet above Djibouti Africa as a part of sustainment training on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 16. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released).

110616-M-XU108-046 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 16, 2011) U.S. Marines from Force Reconnaissance Battalion, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), free fall jump from the back of a CH-53 helicopter 10,000 feet above Djibouti Africa as a part of sustainment training on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 16. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110616-M-XU108-041 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 16, 2011) U.S. Marines from Force Reconnaissance Battalion, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), free fall jump from the back of a CH-53 helicopter 10,000 feet above Djibouti Africa as a part of sustainment training on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 16. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released).

110616-M-XU108-036 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 16, 2011) A U.S. Marine from Force Reconnaissance Battalion, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gives hands signals to gets ready to free fall jump from a CH-53 helicopter 10,000 feet as a part of sustainment training on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 16. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released).

110616-M-XU108-029 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 16, 2011) A U.S. Marine from Force Reconnaissance Battalion, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gets ready to free fall jump from a CH-53 helicopter 10,000 feet as a part of sustainment training on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 16. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released).

110616-M-XU108-027 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 16, 2011) U.S. Marines from Force Reconnaissance Battalion, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), ), gets ready to free fall jump from a CH-53 helicopter 10,000 feet as a part of sustainment training on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 16. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released).

110616-M-XU108-007 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 16, 2011) U.S. Marines from Force Reconnaissance Battalion, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), walk to their CH-53 helicopter to prepare to jump from 10,000 feet as a part of sustainment training on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 16. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released).

13th MEU trains with GIGN

2011-06-17T15:06:00.002+04:00

110615-M-XU108-059 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (June 15, 2011) U.S. Marines from, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), and Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops congratulate each other after the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti June 15. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/ released)

110615-M-XU108-045 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (June 15, 2011) A Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troop handcuffs a simulated enemy while a U.S. Marine from, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU),provides security during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti June 15. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/ released)

110615-M-XU108-032 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (June 15, 2011) U.S. Marines from, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), and Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops assault through the streets to clear the next building during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti June 15. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/ released)

110615-M-XU108-029 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (June 15, 2011) U.S. Marines from, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), and Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops provide overwatch security as a building is being cleared during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti June 15. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/ released)

110615-M-XU108-023 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (June 15, 2011) U.S. Marines from, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), and Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops provide overwatch security as a building is being cleared during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti June 15. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/ released)

110615-M-XU108-019 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (June 15, 2011) U.S. Marines from, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), and Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops jump out of a vehicle during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti June 15. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/ released)

110615-M-XU108-017 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (June 15, 2011) U.S. Marines from, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), and Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops jump out the back of a vehicle during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti June 15. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/ released)

Desert Survival Course Graduation

2011-06-11T16:11:00.008+04:00

110609-M-UD614-005 Djibouti, Africa (June 09, 2011) U.S. Marines with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) pose for a group photo after completing the Desert Survival Course in Djibouti, Africa June 09. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110609-M-UD614-003 Djibouti, Africa (June 09, 2011) U.S. Marines with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) stand in formation along side French Marines to be awarded their pin for completing the Desert Survival Course in Djibouti, Africa on June 09. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110609-M-UD614-002 Djibouti, Africa (June 09, 2011) U.S. Marines with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) stand in formation along side French Marines to be awarded their pin for completing the Desert Survival Course in Djibouti, Africa June 09. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110609-M-UD614-001 Djibouti, Africa (June 09, 2011) U.S. Marines with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) stand in formation along side French Marines to be awarded their pin for completing the Desert Survival Course in Djibouti, Africa June 09. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

Charlie Company Machine Gun Range

2011-06-09T18:53:00.013+04:00

110607-M-UD614-008 Djibouti, Africa (June 07, 2011) U.S. Marine Lance Cpl Ben Friday, machine gunner, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Lance Cpl Jacob Hansen, machine gunner, conduct a night fire with an M240 Golf machine gun on a firing range in Djibouti, Africa on June 07. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110607-M-UD614-010 Djibouti, Africa (June 07, 2011) U.S. Marine Lance Cpl Ben Friday, machine gunner, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Lance Cpl Jacob Hansen, machine gunner, conduct a night fire with an M240 Golf machine gun on a firing range in Djibouti, Africa on June 07. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110607-M-UD614-009 Djibouti, Africa (June 07, 2011) U.S. Marine Lance Cpl Ben Friday, machine gunner, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducts a night fire with an M240 Golf machine gun on a firing range in Djibouti, Africa on June 07. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110607-M-UD614-007 Djibouti, Africa (June 07, 2011) U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) fire M240 Golfs on a machine gun range in Djibouti, Africa on June 07. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110607-M-UD614-006 Djibouti, Africa (June 07, 2011) U.S. Marine Lance Cpl Tyler Relling, machine gunner, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Lance Cpl Byron Zaharias, team leader, fire an M240 Golf on a machine gun range in Djibouti, Africa on June 07. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110607-M-UD614-002 Djibouti, Africa (June 07, 2011) U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepare to fire an M240 Golf on a machine gun range in Djibouti, Africa on June 07. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110607-M-UD614-004 Djibouti, Africa (June 07, 2011) U.S. Marine Lance Cpl Tyler Relling, machine gunner, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Lance Cpl Byron Zaharias, team leader, fire an M240 Golf on a machine gun range in Djibouti, Africa on June 07. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110607-M-UD614-003 Djibouti, Africa (June 07, 2011) U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) demonstrate sighting in on a machine gun range in Djibouti, Africa on June 07. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

13th MEU Conducts OC spray course in Djibouti

2011-06-09T11:20:00.004+04:00

110608-M-XU108-010 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 8, 2011) SSgt Robert Bosch, platoon sergeant, Non-Lethal Platoon , Fox Battery, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gives a class on level 1 OLEORESIN CAPSIMO spray assault course on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 8. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110608-M-XU108-021 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 8, 2011) Cpl Verlend Hutchinson, non-commissioned officer, Non-Lethal Platoon , Fox Battery, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), holds a punching bag for SSgt Brain Cassidy, platoon sergeant, 3rd Platoon, as he goes through the level 1 OLEORESIN CAPSIMO spray assault course on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 8. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110608-M-XU108-043 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 8, 2011) SSgt Robert Bosch, platoon sergeant, Non-Lethal Platoon , Fox Battery, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), holds a water hose for Marine after going through the level 1 OLEORESIN CAPSIMO spray assault course on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 8. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110608-M-XU108-047 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 8, 2011) U.S. Marines from Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), splash water on their face to cool the burning after going through the level 1 OLEORESIN CAPSIMO spray assault course on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 8. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110608-M-XU108-070 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 8, 2011) Lance Cpl Erik Smithson, rifleman, 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gets sprayed in the face while going through the level 1 OLEORESIN CAPSIMO spray assault course on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 8. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110608-M-XU108-092 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 8, 2011) Cpl Jonathan Elliott, non-commissioned officer, Non-Lethal Platoon , Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), performs a knee strike after getting sprayed in the face while going through the level 1 OLEORESIN CAPSIMO spray assault course on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 8. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110608-M-XU108-111 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 8, 2011) Lance Cpl David Mascari, Non-Lethal Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gets sprayed in the face while going through the level 1 OLEORESIN CAPSIMO spray assault course on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 8. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

BLT 1/1 Assault Section train with a bang

2011-06-07T13:00:00.005+04:00

110606-M-XU108-180 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 6, 2011) U.S. Marines from the Assault Section, Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), explode a Bangalore charge during the Assault Section’s demolition range shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 6. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110606-M-XU108-161 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 6, 2011) U.S. Marines from the Assault Section, Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), explode a Bangalore charge during the Assault Section’s demolition range shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 6. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110606-M-XU108-106 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 6, 2011) U.S. Marines from the Assault Section, Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), explode a detention cord during the Assault Section’s demolition range shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 6. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110606-M-XU108-080 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 6, 2011) Lance Cpl Edward Stevens, gunner with Assault Section, Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), writes down the detention information on a detention cord during the Assault Section’s demolition range shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 6. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110606-M-XU108-079 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 6, 2011) Lance Cpl Reagan Selman, gunner with Assault Section, Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gets help taping a detention cord from Cpl Raver Johnson, 2nd squad leader, Assault section, Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, BLT 1/1, 13th MEU during the Assault Section’s demolition range shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 6. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110606-M-XU108-065 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 6, 2011) Lance Cpl Reagan Selman, gunner with Assault Section, Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), prepares to explode a claymore mine during the Assault Section’s demolition range shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 6. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110606-M-XU108-059 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 6, 2011) Sgt James Volluz, Assault section leader, Assault Section, Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gives a class on claymore mines prior to Assault Section’s demolition range shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 6. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

13th MEU "free-falls" to Africa

2011-06-07T12:24:00.005+04:00

110604-M-XU108-087 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 4, 2011) U.S. Marines from Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), walks to the staging area after free falling from a CH-53 helicopter as a part of sustainment training on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 4. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released).

110604-M-XU108-124 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 4, 2011) A U.S. Marine from Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), free fall from a CH-53 helicopter as a part of sustainment training on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 4. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released).

110604-M-XU108-117 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 4, 2011) A U.S. Marines from Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), radios the CH-53 helicopter above to that all parachutes landed safely on the ground after free falling from a CH-53 helicopter as a part of sustainment training on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 4. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released).

110604-M-XU108-030 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 4, 2011) U.S. Marines from Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), free fall from a CH-53 helicopter as a part of sustainment training on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 4. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released).

BLT 1/1 hold promotion ceremony in Africa

2011-06-07T12:15:00.003+04:00

110604-M-XU108-033 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 4, 2011) Capt William Simpson, Charlie Company commanding officer, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), speaks to Charlie Company Marines and Sailors on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 4. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released).

110604-M-XU108-007 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 4, 2011) Cpl Kelvin Childress(left) and Russel Patten from Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), salute Capt William Simpson, Charlie Company commanding officer, before being promoted on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 4. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released).

U.S. Marines with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct desert survival training

2011-06-07T12:07:00.003+04:00

110603-M-UD614-003 Ghoubbet, Djibouti (June 04, 2011) U.S. Marines with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and French Marines sit in the shade while conducting desert survival training in Ghoubbet, Djibouti on June 04. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110603-M-UD614-001 Ghoubbet, Djibouti (June 04, 2011) U.S. Marines with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) sit in the shade while conducting desert survival training in Ghoubbet, Djibouti on June 04. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

Charlie Company Marines train with GIGN

2011-06-03T21:32:00.013+04:00

110601-M-UD614-099 Camp Moussa, Djibouti ( June 01, 2011) U.S. Marine Lance Cpl Nicholes Birchfield, Rifleman, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) gives the thumbs up to a Djiboutian Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) soldier on the firing line during military to military training at Camp Moussa June 1 . The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110601-M-UD614-136 Camp Moussa, Djibouti ( June 01, 2011) U.S. Marine Lance Cpl Oswaldo Salas, Rifleman, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) guides a Djiboutian Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) soldier down the firing line during a fire and manuever drill. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110601-M-UD614-115 Camp Moussa, Djibouti ( June 01, 2011) U.S. Marine Lance Cpl Oswaldo Salas, Rifleman, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) instructs a Djiboutian Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) soldier on the firing line as part of their military to military training at Camp Moussa June 1. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110601-M-UD614-117 Camp Moussa, Djibouti ( June 01, 2011) U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) watch and instruct Djiboutian Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) soldiers on the firing line as part of their military to military training at Camp Moussa June 1. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110601-M-UD614-087 Camp Moussa, Djibouti ( June 01, 2011) U.S. Marine Lance Cpl Nicholes Birchfield, Rifleman, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) helps load the magazine of a Djiboutian Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) soldier on the firing line as part of their military to military training at Camp Moussa June 1 . The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110601-M-UD614-076 Camp Moussa, Djibouti ( June 01, 2011) U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) pose for a group photo with Djiboutian Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) soldiers during military to military training at Camp Moussa June 1. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110601-M-UD614-048 Camp Moussa, Djibouti ( June 01, 2011) U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) stand in a formation with Djiboutian Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) soldiers as part of their military to military training at Camp Moussa June 1. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110601-M-UD614-023 Camp Moussa, Djibouti ( June 01, 2011) U.S. Marine Lance Cpl Oswaldo Salas, Rifleman, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) poses for a picture with a Djiboutian Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) soldier at Camp Moussa June 1. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

110601-M-UD614-022 Camp Moussa, Djibouti (June 01, 2011) U.S. Marine Lance Cpl Oswaldo Salas, Rifleman, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) checks the shot group of a Djiboutian Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) soldier as part of their military to military training at Camp Moussa June 1. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for the maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Massimo N. Selim/Released)

BLT 1/1 continue to train

2011-06-02T19:25:00.002+04:00

110601-M-XU108-109 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 1, 2011) Fox Battery, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), poses for a picture after Fox Battery’s live fire gun shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 1. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110601-M-XU108-141 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 1, 2011) U.S. Marine Gun Team one with Fox Battery, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), loads a round into the Light Weight M777 A2 Howitzer during Fox Battery’s live fire gun shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 1. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110601-M-XU108-122 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 1, 2011) Cpl Jason Washington(center), a gunner with Fox Battery, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gives the all clear sign to fire the Light Weight M777 A2 Howitzer during Fox Battery’s live fire gun shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 1. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110601-M-XU108-034 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 1, 2011) Lance Cpl Curtis Jones, a powder man with Fox Battery, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), checks the powder charges prior to Fox Battery’s live fire gun shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 1. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

BLT 1/1 trains on the range

2011-06-02T19:03:00.004+04:00

110601-M-XU108-109 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 1, 2011) U.S. Marine Gun Team one with Fox Battery, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), fires a Light Weight M777 A2 Howitzer during Fox Battery’s live fire gun shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 1. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110601-M-XU108-030 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 1, 2011) Cpl Cegio Camacho, a gunner with Fox Battery, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), adjusts the Light Weight M777 A2 Howitzer during Fox Battery’s live fire gun shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 1. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110601-M-XU108-027 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 1, 2011) SSgt Philip Chacon, Gun Chief, Fox Battery, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), looks through the barrel of a Light Weight M777 A2 Howitzer to ensure the tub is clean during Fox Battery’s live fire gun shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 1. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110601-M-XU108-011 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (June 1, 2011) Marines from, Fox Battery, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), set up the observation post prior to Fox Battery’s live fire gun shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti June 1. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

BLT 1/1 train with GIGN

2011-05-31T18:45:00.004+04:00

110530-M-XU108-147 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (May 30, 2011) U.S. Marine Cpl Mathew Taglieri, a team leader with 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gives commands to the Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops as they practice basic marksmanship skills during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti May 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110530-M-XU108-143 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (May 30, 2011) U.S. Marine Cpl Zack Reinhart, a team leader with 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gives commands to the Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops as they practice basic marksmanship skills during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti May 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110530-M-XU108-130 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (May 30, 2011) U.S. Marine Cpl Jason Hensley, a squad leader with 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), shows a Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troop how to check to ensure that the rifle is clear during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti May 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110530-M-XU108-094 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (May 30, 2011) U.S. Marine Cpl Zack Reinhart, a team leader with 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gives commands to the Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops as they practice basic marksmanship skills during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti May 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110530-M-XU108-090 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (May 30, 2011) U.S. Marine Cpl Jason Hensley, a squad leader with 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gives commands to the Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops as they practice basic marksmanship skills during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti May 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110530-M-XU108-089 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (May 30, 2011) U.S. Marine Cpl Jason Hensley, a squad leader with 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gives commands to the Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops as they practice basic marksmanship skills during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti May 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110530-M-XU108-084 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (May 30, 2011) U.S. Marine Cpl Mathew Taglieri, a team leader with 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), watches as a Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops practice basic marksmanship skills during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti May 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110530-M-XU108-080 Camp Moussa, Djibouti, Africa (May 30, 2011) U.S. Marines from, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), provides oversight as the Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale(GIGN) troops practice basic marksmanship skills during the BLT’s mil-to-mil partnership exercise aboard Camp Moussa, Djibouti May 30. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

BLT conducts alert drills in Djibouti

2011-05-29T19:02:00.005+04:00

110529-M-XU108-055 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (May 29, 2011) Lance Cpl Allen Kooienga, fire team leader, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU) waits for the rest of his squad to draw their weapons from the armory during alert 120 drills on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti May 29. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110529-M-XU108-050 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (May 29, 2011) Lance Cpl Chris Schrensky, rifleman, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU) waits to draw his weapon from the armory during alert 120 drills on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti May 29. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110529-M-XU108-048 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (May 29, 2011) Sgt Dustin Benson, platoon sergeant, 2nd platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), hands out a rifle to another Marine during alert 120 drills on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti May 29. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110529-M-XU108-045 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (May 29, 2011) Lance Cpl David Walker, a rifleman with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), waits outside the armory to draw his weapon during alert 120 drills on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti May 29. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110529-M-XU108-040 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (May 29, 2011) Marines from, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), stand in formation during alert 120 drills on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti May 29. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

BLT 1/1 trains in Djibouti

2011-05-20T12:20:00.008+04:00

110517-M-XU108-266 United States Naval Expeditionary Base Camp Lemonier, Djibouti(May 17, 2011), Sgt Kyle Hudson, radio reconnaissance, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), has a foot race with local Djiboutian boys after Charlie Company live fire range at Camp Lemonier May 17. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Africa Command theater reserve force, also provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110517-M-XU108-254 United States Naval Expeditionary Base Camp Lemonier, Djibouti(May 17, 2011), Sgt Christopher Harris, radio reconnaissance, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gives a high-five to a local Djiboutian boy after Charlie Company live fire range at Camp Lemonier May 17. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Africa Command theater reserve force, also provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110517-M-XU108-159 United States Naval Expeditionary Base Camp Lemonier, Djibouti(May 17, 2011) (From left to right)Sgt John Forrest, fire direction center, and Cpl Lee Toomer, artery radio operator, Weapons platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), fire from the prone position during Charlie Company live fire range at Camp Lemonier May 17. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Africa Command theater reserve force, also provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110517-M-XU108-150 United States Naval Expeditionary Base Camp Lemonier, Djibouti (May 17, 2011) Marines from Weapons platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), fire down range from the prone position during Charlie Company live fire range at Camp Lemonier May 17. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Africa Command theater reserve force, also provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110517-M-XU108-141 United States Naval Expeditionary Base Camp Lemonier, Djibouti(May 17, 2011) Lance Cpl Robert Friddle, assistance gunner, Weapons platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), checks his shot group during Charlie Company live fire range at Camp Lemonier May 17. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Africa Command theater reserve force, also provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

110517-M-XU108-117 United States Naval Expeditionary Base Camp Lemonier, Djibouti(May 17, 2011) (Right)Sgt James Volluz, section leader, Weapons platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), counts out rounds prior to Charlie Company live fire range at Camp Lemonier May 17. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Africa Command theater reserve force, also provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/released)

Charlie Company takes aim in Djibouti

2011-05-20T12:00:00.008+04:00

110515-M-XU108-457 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (May 15, 2011) HM3 Elloitt Long, Corpsman, 3rd Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), gives five to a local Djiboutian boy after Charlie Company’s’ live fire shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti May 15. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Africa Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Bohanner/released).

110515-M-XU108-383 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (May 15, 2011) Lance Cpl David Walker(left), and Michael Yanez, riflemen with 3rd Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), fire side-by-side in the standing position during Charlie Company’s’ live fire shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti May 15. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Africa Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Bohanner/released).

110515-M-XU108-351 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (May 15, 2011) Marines from 3rd Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), fire from the prone position during Charlie Company’s’ live fire shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti May 15. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Africa Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Bohanner/released).

110515-M-XU108-244 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (May 15, 2011) Lance Cpl Jonathan Guthrie, team leader, 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), stands ready to receive his next command during Charlie Company’s’ live fire shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti May 15. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Africa Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

110515-M-XU108-242 Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa (May 15, 2011) Lance Cpl Jonathan Guthrie, team leader, 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU), puts rounds down range during Charlie Company’s’ live fire shoot on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti May 15. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Africa Command theater reserve force, also providing support for Maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

2011-05-16T22:13:00.002+04:00

110423-M-DC338-229 GULF OF ADEN (April 23,2011)-A U.S. Marine Corps Harrier sits on the deck of the USS Boxer(LHD 4) before the days flight operations begin on April 23, 2011. 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, and provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

2011-05-16T21:19:00.001+04:00

110423-M-DC338-218 GULF OF ADEN (April 23,2011)- A CH-53 helicopter, HMM-163 Reinforced, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepares to set a helicopter transition down on the flight deck of the USS Boxer(LHD4) on April 23, 2011. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, and provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

2011-05-16T20:39:00.003+04:00

110423-M-DC338-203 GULF OF ADEN (April 23,2011)- Sgt Matthew A. Sherrill, aerial gunner, HMM-163 Reinforced, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) watches another CH-53 as it air lifts a helicopter transition to the USS Boxer(LHD 4). 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, and provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

2011-05-16T20:23:00.002+04:00

110423-M-DC338-192 GULF OF ADEN (April 23,2011)- A CH-53 helicopter, HMM-163 Reinforced, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducts a heavy lift operation from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti to the USS Boxer(LHD4) on April 23, 2011. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, and provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

2011-05-16T20:15:00.002+04:00

110423-M-DC338-138 GULF OF ADEN (April 23,2011)- A CH-53 helicopter, HMM-163 Reinforced, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducts a heavy lift operation from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti to the USS Boxer(LHD4). 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, and provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

2011-05-16T20:07:00.001+04:00

110423-M-DC338-129 GULF OF ADEN (April 23,2011)- A CH-53 helicopter, HMM-163 Reinforced, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducts a heavy lift operation from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti to the USS Boxer(LHD4). 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, and provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

2011-05-16T19:08:00.001+04:00

110423-M-DC338-121 GULF OF ADEN (April 23,2011)- U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Matthew Loyd, aerial gunner, HMM-163 Reinforced, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) sits in a CH-53 helicopter and prepares to begin a heavy lift operation from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti to the USS Boxer (LHD 4). 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, and provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

2011-05-16T18:56:00.001+04:00

110423-M-DC338-117 GULF OF ADEN (April 23,2011)- U.S. Marine Lance Cpl Justin Wagner, landing support specialist and Lance Cpl. Dominic Vega, Combat Logistics Battalion 13, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), wait to direct a CH-53 on the runway of Camp Lemonier, Djibouti on April 23,2011. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, and provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

2011-05-16T17:29:00.002+04:00

110423-M-DC338-103 GULF OF ADEN (April 23,2011)- U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Matthew Loyd, aerial gunner, HMM-163 Reinforced, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) speaks to the pilots of a CH-53 from outside the helicopter through his head set on the runway of Camp Lemonier, Djibouti. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, and provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

2011-05-16T17:21:00.001+04:00

110423-M-DC338-102 GULF OF ADEN (April 23,2011)- A U.S. Marine crew chief of a CH-53 sits in the helicopter and prepares to begin a heavy lift operation from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti to the USS Boxer (LHD 4). 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, and provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

2011-05-16T17:13:00.001+04:00

110423-M-DC338-089 GULF OF ADEN (April 23,2011)- U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathon Bachman, landing support hook up specialist and Cpl. Kenyatta Ealey, landing support specialist, Combat Logistics Battalion 13, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) secure the straps on a package before it is air lifted from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti to the USS Boxer. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, and provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

2011-05-16T17:08:00.001+04:00

110423-M-DC338-083 GULF OF ADEN (April 23,2011)- Three U.S. Marines push and pull a cart onto the waiting CH-53 on the runway at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti on April 23, 2011. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, and provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

2011-05-16T16:49:00.002+04:00

110423-M-DC338-078 GULF OF ADEN (April 23,2011)- U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Terry L. Dodds, crew chief, HMM-163 Reinforced, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) opens the side door of a CH-53 helicopter before stepping out onto the runway at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti on April 23, 2011. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, and provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

2011-05-16T08:42:00.000+04:00

110423-M-DC338-072 GULF OF ADEN (April 23,2011)- U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Terry L. Dodds, crew chief, HMM-163 Reinforced, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) looks out of the CH-53 to check for obstructions around the helicopter on the runway at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti on April 23, 2011. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, and provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

13th MEU Marines, Sailors storm “Steel Beach” aboard USS Green Bay

2011-05-16T04:38:00.009+04:00

110430-M-OH054-107 GULF OF ADEN (April 30, 2011) Marines and sailors aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20) play Alice in Chain’s “Man in the Box” during a Steel Beach Picnic aboard the Green Bay, April 30, 2011. Steel Beach is a naval tradition which features barbequed food, sports and leisure activities. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110430-M-OH054-310 GULF OF ADEN (April 30, 2011) Marines and Sailors from 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit/Boxer Amphibious Ready Group grab hamburgers and hot dogs during a Steel Beach Picnic aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), April 30, 2011. Steel Beach is naval tradition which features barbequed food, sports and leisure activities. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110430-M-OH054-354 GULF OF ADEN (April 30, 2011) (Left) Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Spencer Elliot and (Center) Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Carter Davis, both corpsmen with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit play country music with (Right) Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Debra Sorrentino, an interior communications electrician stationed aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD-20) during a Steel Beach Picnic aboard USS Green Bay, April 30, 2011. Steel Beach is a naval tradition which features barbequed food, sports and leisure activities. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110430-M-OH054-364 GULF OF ADEN (April 30, 2011) Marines and Sailors from 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit/Boxer Amphibious Ready Group play a game of hacky sack during a Steel Beach Picnic aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), April 30, 2011. Steel Beach is a naval tradition which features barbequed food, sports and leisure activities. The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110430-M-OH054-385 GULF OF ADEN (April 30, 2011) Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Colton Justice, a damage control specialist stationed aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20) plays a game of Blong ball during a Steel Beach Picnic aboard the Green Bay, April 30, 2011. Steel Beach is a naval tradition which features barbequed food, sports and leisure activities. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

2011-05-15T23:14:00.001+04:00

110423-M-DC338-053 GULF OF ADEN (April 23,2011)- A CH-53 dump several hundred pounds of fuel over Djibouti to prepare for a heave lift back to the USS Boxer(LHD 4). 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, and provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

2011-05-15T22:46:00.003+04:00

110423-M-DC338-029 GULF OF ADEN (April 23,2011)- The view from inside a CH-53 helicopter looking out the gun port, of a CH-46 helicopter as it approaches the flight deck of the USS Boxer (LHD 4) for a landing. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, and provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

Corporal's Course graduation ceremony

2011-05-06T11:12:00.003+04:00

110415-M-DC338-006 GULF OF ADEN (APRIL 15, 2011) - The graduating Marines and sailors of 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Corporal's Course held aboard the USS Boxer(LHD 4) wait for the graduation ceremony to begin. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM Theater Reserve Force, and provides support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jesse Witten/Released)

Charlie Co troop talk

2011-05-05T15:35:00.004+04:00

110416-M-UD614-006 Gulf of Aden (April 16th, 2011) U.S. sailors, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit stand in a formation on the flight deck aboard the USS Boxer to receive the Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Qualification pin. April 16, 2011. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group for theater security cooperation, maritime security operations and to serve as the USCENTCOM theater reserve force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl Massimo N. Selim /Released)

110416-M-UD614-025 Gulf of Aden (April 16th, 2011) U.S. Marines and sailors, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit receive a troop talk by Capt. William Simpson commanding officer, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 on the flight deck of the USS Boxer April 16, 2011. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group for theater security cooperation, maritime security operations and to serve as the USCENTCOM theater reserve force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl Massimo N. Selim /Released)

110416-M-UD614-026 Gulf of Aden (April 16th, 2011) U.S. Marines and sailors, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit receive a troop talk by Capt. William Simpson commanding officer, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 on the flight deck of the USS Boxer April 16, 2011. The 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group for theater security cooperation, maritime security operations and to serve as the USCENTCOM theater reserve force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl Massimo N. Selim /Released)

13th MEU eye in the sky

2011-05-05T11:40:00.002+04:00

110422-M-XU108-169 GULF OF ADEN (April 22, 2011)Lt. Col. Vincent Lumalcuri, executive officer, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pulls the rip cord to launch the ScanEagle unmanned aerial system sits off the deck of the USS ComStock (LPD-8) April 22. The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is the first MEU to deploy with the UAS. The 13th MEU deployed with Boxer Amphilibous Ready Group as the United States Central Command theater reserve force in support of maritime security operations and theater support cooperation efforts in the 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

110422-M-XU108-168 GULF OF ADEN (April 22, 2011)Lt. Col. Vincent Lumalcuri, executive officer, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pulls the rip cord to launch the ScanEagle unmanned aerial system sits off the deck of the USS ComStock (LPD-8) April 22. The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is the first MEU to deploy with the UAS. The 13th MEU deployed with Boxer Amphilibous Ready Group as the United States Central Command theater reserve force in support of maritime security operations and theater support cooperation efforts in the 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

110422-M-XU108-162 GULF OF ADEN (April 22, 2011) ScanEagle unmanned aerial system sits on the deck of the USS ComStock (LPD-8) before being launched for a routine flight April 22. The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is the first MEU to deploy with the UAS. The 13th MEU deployed with Boxer Amphilibous Ready Group as the United States Central Command theater reserve force in support of maritime security operations and theater support cooperation efforts in the 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

110422-M-XU108-141 GULF OF ADEN (April 22, 2011) ScanEagle unmanned aerial system sits on the deck of the USS ComStock (LPD-8) before being launched for a routine flight April 22. The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is the first MEU to deploy with the UAS. The 13th MEU deployed with Boxer Amphilibous Ready Group as the United States Central Command theater reserve force in support of maritime security operations and theater support cooperation efforts in the 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

MRF conducts more live fire training

2011-05-05T11:30:00.002+04:00

110426-M-XU108-041 GULF OF ADEN (April 26, 2011) U. S. Marines attached to the Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fire their M-4 carbine rifle from the standing position off the portside elevator of the USS Boxer (LHD4) during a live fire sustainment exercise April 26. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready as the USCENTCOM theater reserve force and in support of maritime security operations and theater support cooperation efforts in the 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

110426-M-XU108-039 GULF OF ADEN (April 26, 2011) U. S. Marines attached to the Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fire their M-4 carbine rifle from the prone position off the portside elevator of the USS Boxer (LHD4) during a live fire sustainment exercise April 26. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready as the USCENTCOM theater reserve force and in support of maritime security operations and theater support cooperation efforts in the 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

110426-M-XU108-032 GULF OF ADEN (April 26, 2011) A U.S. Marine attached to the Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fires his M-4 carbine rifle off the portside elevator of the USS Boxer (LHD4) during a live fire sustainment exercise April 26. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready as the USCENTCOM theater reserve force and in support of maritime security operations and theater support cooperation efforts in the 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

110426-M-XU108-029 GULF OF ADEN (April 26, 2011) A U.S. Marine attached to the Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fires his 45 caliber pistol during a live fire sustainment exercise aboard the USS Boxer (LHD4) April 26. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready as the USCENTCOM theater reserve force and in support of maritime security operations and theater support cooperation efforts in the 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

110426-M-XU108-010 GULF OF ADEN (April 26, 2011) A U.S. Marine attached to the Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), aims down his sights at the target during a live fire sustainment exercise aboard the USS Boxer (LHD4) April 26. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready as the USCENTCOM theater reserve force and in support of maritime security operations and theater support cooperation efforts in the 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

Marines Graduate Inaugural Corporal’s Course

2011-04-29T02:35:00.013+04:00

ARABIAN SEA - U.S. Marines from 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) graduated from the inaugural Corporal’s Course aboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20), April 12.

While at sea, the course enabled corporals to study the spiritual, mental and physical demands that noncommissioned officers (NCO) face as small unit leaders. The Marine corporal’s role is to carry out the orders of the leaders appointed over them while maintaining cohesion within the unit. This can make the corporal a positive influential leader to their senior and junior personnel.

“We want to empower these Marines, they’re the future leaders who are going to fill our shoes and we want to make sure we set them up for success,” said 1st Sgt. Jeffrey Smith, the Corporal’s Course director and company 1st Sgt. of Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th MEU. “They could be the most motivated leaders in the world but if they don’t have knowledge, we’re setting them up for failure. These Marines are at the basic rung of leadership, corporals, the first NCO rank. This is why I believe the Corporal’s Course is very important, just as, if not more important than the Sergeant’s Course, Career Course and Advanced Course.”

For two weeks, 21 corporals learned how to counsel junior Marines, create after action-reports, conduct sword manual, or ceremonial sword handling, and to lead Marines, from the battlefield to the garrison environment back home.

“It taught us what every NCO needs to know,” said Cpl. Jorden D. Mathieu, a fire support man with Air Naval Gun Fire Liaison Company Detachment, Command Element, 13th MEU. “It doesn’t matter what your MOS [Military Occupational Speciality] is, just like every Marine is a rifleman, Marines need to know how to lead patrols. We’re responsible for the lives and well-being of junior Marines.”

Four sergeants supervised four squads as faculty advisors, providing insight and guidance to Marines in the course. The sergeants’ experience and professionalism provided the students not only a glimpse of future responsibilities but also what the Marine Corps will expect of them as they serve.

“As a faculty advisor I mentor six other Corporals under my charge, give them guidance, pass the word, instruct them on the tricks of the trade and teach them to be better leaders in their off time,” said Sgt. Joshua Williams, a squad leader with 81mm Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, BLT 1/1, 13th MEU.

This course marks a time in the Marines’ career where they receive a new set of tools to lead themselves and others. Just as tools only fulfill their purpose being used, these corporals will use their gained knowledge and understanding to forge a future for the Corps.

“How many jobs in the civilian world do you see 20 year-olds leading other guys their age and being responsible for their lives and success?” said Mathieu. “This course shows us how to be successful leaders who can confidently take charge of what is asked of us.”

The next class convenes in May when more corporals will study and develop their leadership capabilities aboard Green Bay. As more corporals attend the course, the highly capable, mission ready, noncommissioned officers will help strengthen 13th MEU as it operates at the tip of the spear.

13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group for theater security cooperation, maritime security operations and serves as the USCENTCOM theater reserve force.
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13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Brings Counter-Piracy Capability

2011-04-18T08:55:00.002+04:00

By: Marine Cpl. Christopher O'Quin

GULF OF ADEN - In the early 1800's, during the First Barbary War, 1st Lt. Presley O'Bannon took a contingent of U.S. Marines and mercenaries to fight pirates who killed Sailors and captured merchant vessels near the shores of Tripoli, earning a place in Marine Corps lore. Now more than 200 years later, the threat of piracy has resurfaced in the Gulf of Aden, threatening the free and safe use of the shipping lanes sailed by mariners. Over the past few years, Marines and Sailors have been working to counter the threat of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia. In 2009, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)/Boxer Amphibious Ready Group supported the rescue of Richard Phillips, captain of the merchant vessel Maersk Alabama, who was taken hostage by four pirates. A year later, the 15th MEU/Peleliu ARG recaptured the merchant vessel, Magellan Star, from nine pirates and rescued its 11 crewmembers. Now in 2011, 13th MEU has returned to the region to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts with a Maritime Raid Force (MRF). The MRF is a team of Marines and Sailors trained to conduct maritime interdiction operations including visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) and Gas and Oil Platform (GOPLAT) seizures. Marines and Sailors within the MRF have diverse skill sets and occupations that enhance and strengthen its capabilities. This diverse team trained for many months before 13th MEU left San Diego harbor. Some MRF elements began independent training as early as July 2010, consisting of close quarters marksmanship, dynamic entry (breaching), and urban sniper marksmanship. In September, I Marine Expeditionary Force Special Operations Training Group evaluated 13th MEU MRF as they completed exercises onboard Camp Pendleton. This provided the units within the MRF an opportunity to develop working relationships and operating procedures. Realistic Urban Training at Port Hueneme and Point Mugu in Ventura County, Calif., incorporated MEU aviation assets as the MRF worked toward conducting full-mission-profile VBSS and GOPLAT operations. The MRF continued to train together during four successive MEU at-sea periods, conducting additional VBSS, GOPLAT, and precision raid profiles leading up to deployment in mid-February. "We built this capability at the request of Geographic Combatant Commanders," said Lt. Col. Vincent Lumalcuri, commanding officer of MRF and executive officer of 13th MEU. "This was a request that came out back in 2009. They wanted a level four VBSS capability out of the MEU's who deployed as theater CENTCOM reserve. The Navy and Marine Corps put together the concept to restart a MRF capability with MEU's. During their deployment the MRF constantly trains and readies themselves for the moment they need to take action against threats. "Every week we train with close quarters combat marksmanship, room clearing and we are often studying in the classroom," said Lance Cpl. Adam A. Duerschmidt, a rifleman with the MRF. "We have to constantly train. It's one thing to clear buildings with only a few rooms but it's something entirely different clearing a massive structure where you can't see beyond 30 meters. We are always in a state of alert, ready to respond at short notice so we can hit quick and hard." 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group for theater security cooperation, maritime security operations and serves as the USCENTCOMtheater reserve force.

2011-04-15T18:56:00.004+04:00

110411-M-XU108-067 GULF OF ADEN (April 11, 2011) U.S.Marines from the Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), load a simulated casualty into the port-side-port of USS Green Bay (LPD 20) during sustainment training April 11. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready as the USCENTCOM theater reserve force and in support of maritime security operations and theater support cooperation efforts in the 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

110411-M-XU108-061 GULF OF ADEN (April 11, 2011) U.S.Marines from the Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), load a simulated casualty into the port-side-port of USS Green Bay (LPD 20) during sustainment training April 11. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM theater reserve force and in support of maritime security operations and theater support cooperation efforts in the 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

110411-M-XU108-028 GULF OF ADEN April 11, 2011) U.S. Marines from the Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), transfer Marines between Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats during sustainment training April 11. 13th MEU is deployed with Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the USCENTCOM theater reserve force and in support of maritime security operations and theater support cooperation efforts in the 5th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

13th Marine Receives Meritorious Promotion

2011-04-15T03:09:00.004+04:00

GULF OF ADEN – A U.S. Marine corporal with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked aboard amphibious transport dock, USS Green Bay (LPD 20) received a meritorious promotion to the rank of sergeant. Green Bay is on their routine deployment ready to accomplish missions, varying from humanitarian assistance to counter-piracy operations. Sgt. Christopher B. Harris, a Huntsville Ala. native, deployed with 13th MEU in February. In 2008, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and has been meritoriously promoted twice, first to private first class, and recently to sergeant. Harris competed against corporals throughout I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), taking the top spot. A MEF is comprised of several units having more than 60,000 total personnel, making it one of the largest combined arms groups in the Marine Corps; 13th MEU is one of those units. “Winning the I MEF meritorious sergeant promotion board was very humbling,” Harris said. “I have to constantly prove that I deserve this rank and that I can lead. Being in the Marine Corps is about being a leader, being responsible for others.” Harris is a member of 13th MEU’s Maritime Raid Force (MRF), a small and diverse team of Marines and Sailors trained in a variety of missions, such as visit, board, search, and seizure operations, reconnaissance and surveillance, and direct-action assaults. “My primary job is to help clear enemy threats from ships or maritime infrastructure and then help gather information to support the mission,” said Harris. “From the time the warning order gets dropped to the time when there’s boots on the deck, there’s really no room for error in that type of mission. You could have civilians onboard with armed pirates, so you need to make quick decisions and be tactically sound.” His work with the MRF has not only impacted himself, but others around him. “He’s a mentally tough and mature Marine, very intelligent,” said Staff Sgt. Joshua A. Skelton, radio reconnaissance team leader, MRF, 13th MEU who has worked with Harris for a year. “When I nominated him for the board, he stood out because of his natural leadership abilities and his drive to improve himself.” Some of the things he misses the most from back home include drinking sweet tea and some of his old favorite hangouts. “I miss my friends back home and I miss my family,” said Harris. “I miss the pace of life back home, that feeling of being home. You take it for granted that you can see your family whenever you want to when you’re around them all the time.” He’s considering applying for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program and pursuing his future military career as an officer. He is also considering working in the special operations community. “Right now I’m considering my options,” said Harris. “The military has challenged me for the better.”

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13th MEU Maritime Raid Force “gets the lead out”

2011-04-14T10:33:00.009+04:00

110406-M-OH054-190 ARABIAN SEA (April 6, 2011) U.S. Marines from Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct weapons training on the deck of USS Green Bay (LPD 20), April 6. 13th MEU is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110406-M-OH054-015 ARABIAN SEA (April 6, 2011) U.S. Marines from Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), secure new paper sheets onto targets during weapons training on the deck of USS Green Bay (LPD 20), April 6. 13th MEU is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110406-M-OH054-033 ARABIAN SEA (April 6, 2011) U.S. Marines from Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct weapons training on the deck of USS Green Bay (LPD 20), April 6. 13th MEU is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110406-M-OH054-073 ARABIAN SEA (April 6, 2011) A U.S. Marine from Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), loads 5.56mm ammunition into a magazine before beginning weapons training on the deck of USS Green Bay (LPD 20), April 6. 13th MEU is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110406-M-OH054-136 ARABIAN SEA (April 6, 2011) U.S. Marines from Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare to conduct aweapons training on the deck of USS Green Bay (LPD 20), April 6. 13th MEU is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

2011-04-13T18:37:00.001+04:00

110408-M-XU108-041 GULF OF ADEN (April 8, 2011) A CH-46E “Sea Knight” with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), returns to USS Green Bay (LPD 20) after conducting flight operations April 8. 13th MEU is deployed as the theater reserve force in the Central Command area of operations with Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

MRF fast ropes at night

2011-04-13T18:20:00.004+04:00

110409-M-XU108-112 ARABIAN SEA (April 9, 2011) U.S. Marines from Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct night fast-rope training onto the deck of USS Green Bay (LPD 20), April 9, from a Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced) CH-46E “Sea Knight.” 13th MEU is deployed as the theater reserve force in Central Command area of responsibility as part of the Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

110409-M-XU108-119 ARABIAN SEA (April 9, 2011) U.S. Marines from Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct night fast-rope training onto the deck of USS Green Bay (LPD 20), April 9, from a Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced) CH-46E “Sea Knight.” 13th MEU is deployed as the theater reserve force in Central Command area of responsibility as part of the Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group. (U.S. Marine

Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

110409-M-OH054-237 ARABIAN SEA (April 9, 2011) U.S. Marines from Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct night fast-rope training onto the deck of USS Green Bay (LPD 20), April 9, from a Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced) CH-46E “Sea Knight.” 13th MEU is deployed as the theater reserve force in Central Command area of responsibility as part of the Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110409-M-OH054-278 ARABIAN SEA (April 9, 2011) U.S. Marines from Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct night fast-rope training onto the deck of USS Green Bay (LPD 20), April 9, from a Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced) CH-46E “Sea Knight.” 13th MEU is deployed as the theater reserve force in Central Command area of responsibility as part of the Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110409-M-OH054-353 ARABIAN SEA (April 9, 2011) U.S. Marines from Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct night fast-rope training onto the deck of USS Green Bay (LPD 20), April 9, from a Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced) CH-46E “Sea Knight.” 13th MEU is deployed as the theater reserve force in Central Command area of responsibility as part of the Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

Hueys take flight

2011-04-13T11:36:00.002+04:00

110408-M-XU108-034 GULF OF ADEN (April 8, 2011) A UH-1N Huey with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, returns USS Green Bay (LPD 20) after conducting Maritime Raid Force sustainment training, April 8. 13th MEU is deployed as the ready reserve force in the Central Command area of operations with Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

110408-M-XU108-001 GULF OF ADEN (April 8, 2011) Two UH-1N Hueys with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), returns to USS Green Bay (LPD 20) after conducting Maritime Raid Force sustainment training, April 8. 13th MEU is deployed as the ready reserve force in the Central Command area of operations with Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

13th MEU Quarterly Awards

2011-04-06T10:02:00.003+04:00

13th MEU Maritime Raid Force trains aboard USNS Alan Shepard

2011-04-05T04:55:00.007+04:00

110330-M-OH054-326 ARABIAN SEA (March 30, 2011) A Marine with the Maritime Raid Force (MRF), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), stands watch on the flight deck of USNS Alan Shephard during visit, board, search, and seizure training, March 30. The MEU is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110330-M-OH054-033 ARABIAN SEA (March 30, 2011) – U.S. Marines from the Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pull alongside the military sealift command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) to perform a visit, board, search, and seize evolution during a training exercise. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110330-M-OH054-089 ARABIAN SEA (March 30, 2011) – A U.S. Marine with Maritime Raid Force (MRF), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, handcuffs a U.S. Marine role playing as a suspected pirate during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard the military sealift command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3). (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

Weekly Photos

2011-04-03T01:27:00.003+04:00

110402-M-OH054-128 ARABIAN SEA (April 2, 2011) Lance Cpl. Alvin Cantey, a radio operator with Personnel Security Department, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), sings R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly” during Open Mike Night aboard USS Green Bay (LPD-20), April 2. Marines and Sailors played Guitar Hero, ate nachos and sang in the ship’s mess deck as part of the MWR event. The MEU is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110402-M-OH054-112 ARABIAN SEA (April 2, 2011) Marines with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Sailors aboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20) decide which songs to sing for Karaoke during Open Mike Night aboard the ship, April 2. Marines and Sailors played Guitar Hero, ate nachos and sang in the ship’s mess deck as part of the MWR event. The MEU is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110402-M-OH054-035 ARABIAN SEA (April 2, 2011) Sgt. Joshua Williams, a squad leader with 81mm Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), mentors the Marines assigned to his gun team during a professional military education session aboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20), April 2. The MEU is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110330-M-OH054-072 ARABIAN SEA (March 30, 2011) USS Green Bay (LPD 20) sails in the Arabian Sea as part of Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, March 30. USS Green Bay is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin/Released)

110329-M-1178B-018 ARABIAN SEA (March 29, 2011) Marines from the Maritime Raid Force (MRF), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unity (MEU), prepare to climb aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20) during visit, board, search and seizure training. The MRF deployed with the MEU onboard Green Bay in support of counter-piracy and maritime security operations in the 5th Fleet AOR. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

Maritime Raid Force conducts sustainment shoot

2011-04-02T16:57:00.002+04:00

INDIAN OCEAN aboard USS GREEN BAY (LPD-20) – Marines from the Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepare for a sustainment shoot off the deck of the USS Green Bay LDP-20, April 02, 2011. (Official U. S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt Donald Bohanner/Released)

Weekly Photos

2011-03-27T00:28:00.006+04:00

INDIAN OCEAN aboard USS GREEN BAY (LPD-20) – Marines from Combined Anti-Armor Team 2, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, perform speed reloads while conducting magazine drills aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20), March 25. The drills help Marines to retain muscle memory of loading magazines into their rifles and automatic weapons.
(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin)(Released)

INDIAN OCEAN aboard USS GREEN BAY (LPD-20) – Col. David W. Coffman, commanding officer of 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks to Marines and sailors with Battalion Landing Team 1/1 about future plans for the Unit during a formation at the bow of the USS Green Bay (LPD-20) March 26. Battalion Landing Team 1/1 serves the 13th MEU as its Ground Combat Element, during the 2011 Western Pacific Deployment.
(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O’Quin)(Released)

‘Evils Eyes’ DET keeps birds flying high

2011-03-24T00:57:00.016+04:00

INDIAN OCEAN aboard USS GREEN BAY (LPD-20) – For more than 50 years, Marines and sailors with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced) have proven they can operate in the far reaches of the globe, from the jungles of Vietnam to the mountains of Afghanistan.
Currently, HMM-163 (Rein.), sails on the world’s oceans deployed as part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit-Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, ready to respond as part of a force in readiness. Once solely based aboard the USS Boxer (LHD-4), a detachment of Marines from the squadron has recently set up shop aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD-20) during the 2011 Western Pacific Deployment. This detachment provides increased capabilities for a MEU that can operate independently on two ships thousands of miles apart.
“We really expand the capabilities of the Marines and sailors on ship,” said Capt. Thad D. Christofer, a pilot with the squadron known as “Evil Eyes.” “For instance, we can split off as an individual ship and when we try to go ashore with [Battalion Landing Team 1/1] we can provide that rapid deployment. We also have a lot longer range than other assets here on ship. In any case we need to sprint ahead or in a CASEVAC situation we can go in and at a fast. The whole idea behind the MEU-[Marine Air-Ground Task Force] concept is that you have the ACE element embedded with the ground element so there’s a whole lot more we can do whether it’s Non-Combatant Evacuations, Humanitarian Assistance Operations, fast rope insertion or other missions organic to the MEU.”
A dedicated crew of aviation maintainers oversee and make repairs to sustain four CH-46E “Sea Knights.” This enables the detachment to operate independent from Boxer.
Each day, Marines from the squadron wash down the helicopters to rid them of corrosive salt that builds up, caused by the ocean air. Other duties include checking for foreign object debris or FOD and performing daily inspections to look for discrepancies on the aircraft. When the aircraft has been certified by maintenance control, the pilots sign for the aircraft and flight operations can commence.
“For years all the little decks [LPD’s] have had flight decks but really those were designed as lily pads,” said Lt. Col. Craig Wonson, the commanding officer of BLT 1/1, 13th MEU. “This ship is really designed to have a sustained albeit small but sustained aircraft support on it. So not only can we land helicopters on it here. Now we have a ship that’s not a big deck that can sustain an aircraft for long durations. Now you become a MAGTF. It lends to the Marine Corps nature of adaptability and versatility.”
The flight deck, hangar bay and maintenance areas aboard the USS Green Bay provide the detachment with the space necessary to keep flight operations running.
“Usually when you deploy in country you have more support from the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons, and more room for supplies and assets,” said Gunnery Sgt. Angel R. Montanez, senior maintenance controller and crew chief with Evil Eyes. “Here on the Green Bay you have a smaller contingent of resources and are even more limited than on Boxer. You have fewer Marines working on each aircraft and that means they need to work independently and be savvy. When Marines perform maintenance they need to do it right the first time. It’s a different environment but its business as usual.”
In spite of these limitations, the Marines use the opportunity to hone their skills and learn from each other.
“It’s a challenge working on a ship, period, but the smaller sized staff means we have more chances for NCO’s to mentor us one on one and this can help me become a better mechanic,” said Lance Cpl. Daryl S. Martin, a CH-46E helicopter mechanic with Evil Eyes. “I’m glad to be here and I wouldn’t want to be on any other ship.”
If aircrews find themselves conducting HAO’s or troop insertions in a distant land, their success will be shared by not only the pilots and crew chiefs but by the Marines and sailors who keep flight operations running as an element of the Green Bay’s own “mini MAGTF.”

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