13th MEU volunteers at Thai school

Story and photos by Lance Cpl. Megan E. Sindelar

PHUKET, Thailand—Marines and sailors from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit came together in Phuket, Thailand for a community relations (COMREL) project located at the Baan Klong Sai School, June 27.

As the three ships, USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS Comstock (LSD 45) and USS New Orleans (LPD 18), ported together in Phuket, Marines volunteered to spend one of their liberty days painting a school, interacting with children and sharing a traditional Thai lunch.

“I think the COMREL to Baan Klong Sai School was a big success,” said Navy Lt. Harold B. Woodruff, chaplain for Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th MEU. “The effect of fresh coats of paint on the classrooms was transformative, and the time spent with the children and staff gives a valuable and unique look into the local culture.”

Woodruff continued by saying he thinks COMRELs have a positive effect on both the Marines and sailors, by giving them the opportunity to do something good that is different and perhaps more tangible than their usual duties. He also said it allows them to see what life is really like in the countries they visit.

“Too often all they see is the artificial, contrived materialism and luxury of the tourist centers,” said Woodruff. “COMRELs obviously have a positive effect on the local community by allowing the locals to get to know American servicemen personally, seeing another side of them that doesn’t meet the stereotype, and by receiving the fruit of our labor, whether it be a painted classroom or a tutored child.”

Larry A. Amsden, a member of the only English rotary club in Thailand, says that he loves working with Marines and sailors who come through because it brings the manpower needed for projects they come across and are not able to do with the limited number of rotary club members.

After painting the rooms, Marines played volleyball and soccer with the children in addition to seeing the traditional side of Thailand with a show put on by the students, with each song showing a different style of dancing.

“This was a great experience to get off ship and experience the Thai culture”, says Cpl. Bobby R. Hurd, a Wichita, Kan. native and intelligence analyst with Battalion Landing Team 1/1.

Hurd says that everyone had a great time and he is looking forward to participating in the next COMREL offered.

Woodruff, as one of the COMREL planners, helps set up similar events at every port they visit.

“COMRELs are a good way of showing the generosity and kindness of Americans, that we actually enjoy helping people, and that we aren’t here to wreck their society or culture but to help build it,” said Woodruff.The 13th MEU stopped in Thailand as they entered the sixth of their seven month deployment.

111th Navy Corpsman Birthday

Photo by Cpl. Robert C. Medina



Navy Corpsman gather together to celebrate their 111th Birthday June 17, aboard USS Boxer. The cake cutting ceremony included a slide-show which showed many of the Corpsman who paid the ultimate sacrifice during past and present battles. Col. David W. Coffman, commanding officer of the 13th MEU, expressed his gratitude towards the Corpsman who helped him when he was injured during combat operations in Iraq, 2004.

Personality Profile: Cpl. Quincy Reynolds

By Cpl. Robert C. Medina

Name: Cpl. Quincy J. Reynolds

Unit: Command Element

Home Town: Baltimore, Md.

Job Title: 3521, Diesel Mechanic

Why did you want to join the Marine Corps?

“Before I joined the Marine Corps I was a Mail-Man. On my rout I would deliver to an Air Force base nearby. I would see these guys in desert utilities that looked different from the rest and thought their uniforms were sharp looking. I got to speaking with them and decided that I wanted to join. I thought to myself, well I’m not getting any younger and I didn’t want to have any regrets. So far I have had a lot of good experiences in the Marine Corps. I’m so grateful that I was able to go on two MEU’s, I have been able to travel and see the world in a way that many people don’t get to do.”

What do you do here on ship?

“For the MEU I do a lot of different things. I am a diesel mechanic by trade, but I am part of the unit movement control center (UMCC). I track all the convoys and logistics leaving the ship when we are conducting operations. At sea I monitor all the fight operations as well. However, this is my second deployment with the MEU. On my last deployment I was a motor transportation mechanic, I would go out with different units and fix anything that broke down."

What are some of the things you do here on ship to pass the time?

“Well, on the time that I do have off, I help out the other Marines by cutting their hair. Even though we are out at sea, it is still important to keep up with standards.”

How did you learn to cut hair?

"I came down to the barber shop one day and I was watching a Marine cut hair, I just figured I could cut hair myself. So I got some clippers and just started to practice on anybody who was willing to get their hair cut. I like to help out the other Marines. To me cutting hair is relaxing. It breaks up the monotony on ship."

USS Boxer's new surface gets swept clean

Photos by Cpl. Robert C. Medina

It's clean up time for USS Boxer as Marines and Sailors spend time sweeping and 'police calling' the 844ft-long flight-deck. During a recent port visit, the ship's deck was sand blasted to strip parts off the the old deck surface and repaired with new 'non-skid' material. The sandblasting the process left residue on the deck that could potentially be harmful for aircraft aboard the ship. The following photos are a few images of the hard work service members put in to keep operations going.

Training in the desert with LAR builds small unit leadership

Story and photos by Cpl. Robert C. Medina

Loud blasts from a 25 millimeter chain-gun rip through the quiet desert air as Marines maneuver through a river-bed under the cover of night. Keeping constant communication with each other, they simulate fighting their way to the objective.

Marines from Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Platoon, an attachment of Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted training in a desert environment June 2 – 5.

The training refined and refreshed the Marines’ fire and maneuvering skills, fire movement and combat marksmanship skills.

“We wanted to develop small unit leadership,” said Sgt. Adrian Aguilar, a section leader with LAR. “The scenarios we conducted allowed the junior Marines a chance to take charge of a fire team.”

Aguilar, from Juarez, Mexico, said that as more senior Marines leave the LAR platoon, junior Marines have to be ready to take their place.

“We want to pass all our knowledge on to our scouts,” said Aguilar.

The Marines practiced live-fire maneuvers up riverbeds and mountain sides. This training allowed them to strengthen their communication skills within fire teams.

The night was also a key element the Marines used for their training. Live-fire combat marksmanship program shoots, night raids and ambushes were all conducted under the cover of darkness.

“We own the night with our night-vision goggles and all our night fighting capabilities,” said Aguilar. “We want the scouts to feel comfortable fighting at night.”

Along with the scouts in the platoon, the light armored vehicle (LAV) crew conducted their own training which consisted of fire and maneuver drills with their LAV’s, marksmanship training and night shoots.

The crew had an opportunity to practice and perfect their skills within their LAV’s during the training.

“A lot of our drivers are new and we wanted them to get experience behind the gun,” said Sgt. DeAndray Dyer, LAV commander with LAR. “A lot of the gunners are also new and we wanted them to move up as vehicle commanders when we return from deployment.”

“This was a confidence builder for the crew,” said Dyer, from Kalamazoo, Mich. “When they get into any situation they will know exactly what to do.”

The exercise ended with an all out simulated assault on their targets, shooting every weapon system they had at targets down range.

Dyer said for many, it was what everyone was looking forward to doing.

Lance Cpl. Matthew I. Sherman, from Weast Allis, Wis., a scout with Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, runs down a hill to join his fire team during a live-fire exercise in the Middle East. The training refined and refreshed the Marines’ fire and maneuvering skills, fire movement and combat marksmanship skills.

Lance Cpl. Phillip A. Fowler, from Nacogdoches, Texas, scout team leader with Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, runs down a hill during live-fire exercise in the Middle East. The training refined and refreshed the Marines’ fire and maneuvering skills, fire movement and combat marksmanship skills.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Peter T. Wells, from Copperas Cove, Texas, corpsman with Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to load a rocket during a live-fire exercise in the Middle East. The training refined and refreshed the Marines’ fire and maneuvering skills, fire movement and combat marksmanship skills.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Peter T. Wells, from Copperas Cove, Texas, corpsman with Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to load a rocket during a live-fire exercise in the Middle East. The training refined and refreshed the Marines’ fire and maneuvering skills, fire movement and combat marksmanship skills.

Lance Cpl. Kevin P. Herron, a Checotah, Okla. native and fire team leader with Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon, shouts out commands to his fire team during a live-fire exercise in the Middle East. The training refined and refreshed the Marines’ fire and maneuvering skills, fire movement and combat marksmanship skills.

Corporal Brady L. Gossett, scout team leader from Warrenton, Mo., and Lance Cpl. Curtis Shirey, scout and Flint, Mich. native, both with Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, assembles an M82A1 Special Application Scoped Rifle (SASR) during a marksmanship portion of their training in the Middle East. The training refined and refreshed the Marines’ fire and maneuvering skills, fire movement and combat marksmanship skills.

Sergeant DeAndray L. Dyer, from Kalamazoo, Mich., vehicle commander with Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, spots his gunner as he shoots a 25 millimeter chain gun round down range during a training exercise in the Middle East. The training refined and refreshed the Marines’ fire and maneuvering skills, fire movement and combat marksmanship skills.

EOD strengthen relations with regional partners

The following article was submitted by Staff Sgt. Andrew K. Kral, explosive ordinance disposal technician for Combat Logistics Battalion 13, highlighting experiences while conducting training in the Middle East.

From 22 May – 28 May, U.S. Navy and Marines Corps servicemembers and regional partners conducted Exercise Nautical Union ‘09 at a country in the Middle East.

Nautical Union is a combined naval surface, maritime air and EOD exercise to improve maritime capability and enhance interoperability with regional partners. Staff Sgt. Andrew K. Kral, Staff Sgt. Jacky R. Brewer and Hospitol Corps Men 2nd Class Andrew A. Baust from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) section of Combat Logistics Battalion 13, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit provided the EOD support for the event.

The land-based EOD training focused on EOD missions and capabilities, improvised explosive device (IED) defeat tools and techniques, Combat Lifesaver first aid, unexploded ordnance identification and render safe procedures, and specialized demolitions charges. Thirteenth MEU EOD and regional partners conducted scenario training that encompassed the spectrum of EOD tools and capabilities. The scenario included the use of bombsuits, explosives detectors, Hook and Line techniques, disruption tools, and specialized charges to locate, access, remotely move and render safe improvised explosive devices placed inside a vehicle.

The EOD team also gave a brief on their mission and specialized equipment. Hospital Corpsmen 2nd class Baust gave Combat Lifesaver first aid classes on blast injuries, hemorrhage control, burns, airway control and first aid gear followed by practical application using medical gear.

Classes were given on Landmine Identification, functioning, detection and render safe procedures. This was followed by a practical application exercise where the techs had to locate, uncover and clear an anti-tank mine of booby traps. Afterwards, the EOD techs received a class on mortar recognition, functioning and render safe procedures.

Training culminated with live-fire of four specialized EOD charges on the demolitions range and certificate presentation to the participating EOD techs. Exercise Nautical Union strengthened relations with our regional partners and provided an exchange of knowledge of techniques and operational experience, as well as sharpening skills over a variety of disciplines.

Soccer in the Middle East

Editor's Note:
The following event took place during the USS Boxer's last training and wash down event in the Middle East. The following text is a summery of the soccer game from one of the participants.

"Good day to all,
As you know, yesterday [8 June] we played an exhibition soccer match against [our regional partners]. It was a well fought match, but in the end we came up a little short (8 to 9). The 13th MEU made a strong showing despite the loss: A loss that was dwarfed by the excitement surrounding the soccer match. There was a strong crowd that supported both teams with shouts of Arabic mantras, Oley Oleys, and "go defensive." The "GO SHORT" supporters (had to be there) were in full effect, and significantly contributed to the spirit of the event. In the end, while we came up a little short for the win, we were long on a good time and comradeship. Thanks to all those that came out and supported us.
- 1st Lt. Ryan Martin

Photos by Cpl. Robert C. Medina

Sheriff supports Weapons Company through vehicle maintenance

Story and photos by Cpl. Robert C. Medina

When Marines conduct convoy operations their equipment must be dependable for the mission’s success. One Marine who does his part in keeping the convoys running is Cpl. Jesse M. Sheriff, motor transportation mechanic attached to Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

“I follow convoys with my contact truck just in case their vehicles break down,” said Sheriff, from Coggon, Iowa. “My main priority is to make sure the vehicles are up for the mission.”

During Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise (MEUEX) near Camp Lemonier Djibouti, May 19-26, ship-to-shore operations were conducted to strengthen Navy and Marine Corps amphibious capabilities in unfamiliar terrain and included service members from USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Comstock (LSD 45) and 13th MEU.

Sheriff said on this mission he was in charge of maintaining three companies worth of humvees, which equals about 40-to-50 vehicles under his charge.

“On our first day of operations we conducted a road march to break in our vehicles—the good thing was that we had Sheriff and his team out here from maintenance,” said Staff Sgt. Steven E. Williams, from Alton, Ill., platoon sergeant for Weapons Company. “They know exactly what’s wrong with them. It’s hard to tell if there is something wrong with our vehicles if they are just sitting on the ship.”

Sheriff got his first experiences with fixing cars at a young age.

“When I joined I wanted to be a mechanic, I have been working on cars ever since I could remember. My dad had me working with him on cars and my grandpa was also the same way,” said Sheriff. “We would always buy junk cars, fix them up and sell them, it was something that I got into and enjoyed.”

Sheriff says getting dirty is the best part of his job. He is not the type of person to just sit around and wait for something to go wrong with a truck. He likes to stay active and prevent things before they become a real problem.

“I like to be able to meet the Marines, whose vehicles I work on, to help them understand the importance of preventative maintenance and answer any questions they might have,” said Sheriff. “I guess you could say I’m like the neutral Marine that everybody comes to when they need help.”

Photos of the Week

Photos by Lance Cpl. Megan Sindelar


Sergeant Scott D. Schamber, a Green River, Wyo., native and aerial observer with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 163 (Reinforced), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, keeps a close eye on the ground as the UH-1Y Huey conducts flight operations June 3.

Members of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 163 (Reinforced), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, maneuver a UH-1Y Huey in order to load ammunition safely to conduct flight operations June 3.

Sergeant Scott D. Schamber, a Green River, Wyo., native and aerial observer with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 163 (Reinforced), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, keeps a close eye on the ground as the UH-1Y Huey conducts flight operations June 3.

Sergeants Anthony J. Petro and Bradford W. Jungers, snipers with Reconnaissance and Surveillance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, walk back to ship after spending the day in a UH-1Y Huey conducting sniper June 3.

Sergeant Bradford W. Jungers, a San Diego native and sniper with Reconnaissance and Surveillance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, sights in from inside a UH-1Y Huey during sniper training June 3.

Sergeant David L. Cahill Jr., a Mayview, Mo. native and special equipment non-commissioned officer with Reconnaissance and Surveillance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), jumps into the water with fellow Marines during dive training while USS Boxer (LHD 4) is at a port in the Middle East for a scheduled agricultural wash down June 1.

Sergeants Dustin J. Benoit and David L. Cahill, Jr., both members of Reconnaissance and Surveillance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, carry the last of their diving equipment from USS Boxer (LHD 4) to stage on the pier in preparation for dive training while USS Boxer is at a port in the Middle East for a scheduled agricultural wash down June 1.

First timers from the 13th MEU awarded GWOTEM

Story and photo by Cpl. Robert C. Medina


The Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal was awarded to Marines serving with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit at a ceremony pier side in the Middle East, June 1, representing the entire MEU spread across the Middle Eastern region.

Colonel David W. Coffman, commanding officer of the 13th MEU, presented the award to the Marines in a mass formation.

“Most of 13th MEU’s Marines joined up after 9/11. They signed up knowing they would go in harm’s way,” said Coffman. “I am sure the Marines who earned their GWOTEM today see it as a fulfillment of the commitment they made when they volunteered to serve in the Global War on Terrorism.”

The one-time award is given to those service members who served in a pre-designated specific geographical area, by the Department of Defense, for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days in support of Global War on Terrorism Operations on or after September 11, 2001.

Coffman said, “13th MEU Marines and sailors earned this award as a sea-based Marine Air-Ground Task Force, forward deployed into the critical theater of operations for our time, United States Central Command. We are here as the theater reserve for the USCENTCOM Commander, which means we are ready, relevant, and responsive to his needs as he prosecutes the Global War on Terrorism across this region. We are always just a phone call away from moving immediately into decisive combat operations.”

Coffman reminded the Marines and sailors that they are war fighters who came from afar to support operations against terrorism.

“I am tremendously proud of the work we have done so far and especially of the agility and adaptability of this MEU to a dynamic operating environment and unique mission sets, while still remaining true to our enduring focus as a sea-based MAGTF,” he said.

New CLB-13 Fleet Marine Force Warriors

Story and Photo by HMC (FMF) Barry N. Floyd

After many months of hard work and dedication, seven sailors aboard USS Comstock (LSD 45) were awarded the coveted Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Enlisted Warfare Specialist Insignia, May 15th.

This qualification insignia of the United States Navy can be earned by enlisted members of the Navy assigned to the Fleet Marine Force of the Marine Corps who complete the required steps of the program.

This program, or the Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist (EFMFWS) Program, involves passing a written test and oral test, spending one year with a Marine Corps unit, passing the Marine Corps physical fitness test and demonstrating the knowledge of breaking down weapons, land navigation, and combat communications.

The Corpsman aboard USS Comstock have constantly been pushing themselves and each other throughout pre-deployment work-ups and participating in theater security cooperation (TSC) exercises while deployed.

To wear the insignia shows that determination, hard work and teamwork are still important in reaching their goal.

They would like to say thank you to the following personnel that assisted with the selection board: CDMMC (SW/FMF) Kel Carter, HMCM (SW/FMF) Phil Nafus, HMC (FMF) Barry N Floyd, HM1 (FMF/SW/PJ) Reggie Demapelis, HM1 (SW/FMF) Jennifer Bowman, HM2 (FMF) Richie Secody, HM2 (SW/FMF) Jayson Lazaro.


From left to right: HN (FMF) Langsteiner, HM3 (FMF) Sansone, HM3 (FMF) Griffith, HM2 (FMF) Bumbard, HMC (FMF) Floyd, HN (FMF) Mielcarek, HM1 (FMF/SW) Gundino, HM1 (SW/FMF) Bowman and HMCM (SW/FMF) Carter.
Kneeling: HM2 (FMF) Secody

HMM-163 (Rein.) “Skid Kidz” provide 13th MEU with Combat Ready Aircraft

Story and Photos by Lance Cpl. Megan Sindelar

A small group of Marines with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 163 (Reinforced), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, spend most of their days out on the flight deck of USS Boxer (LHD 4) conducting maintenance on AH-1W Super Cobras and UH-1Y Hueys, referred to as skids.

These Marines, known as the “Skid Kidz”, are all H-1 flightline mechanics and are constantly repairing and maintaining the skids to keep them prepared for flights at a moment’s notice.

“They are the backbone of the squadron,” said Staff Sgt. Andrew E. Calime, a Chino Hills, Calif. native and AV-8B Harrier powerline division chief, with HMM-163 (Rein.).

Calime says that the skids are a vital part of the 13th MEU’s operations and these flightline Marines are the main reason why the aircraft are able to perform.

Flightline Marines are responsible for cleaning the aircraft and freeing the skids of rust. Their day is full of inspections, both pre-flight and post, as well as repairing and maintaining the aircraft.

“We take pride in our aircraft, when you see the orange rust on it, that’s not good,” said Sgt. Thomas J. Campbell, a Linwood, N.C. native and H-1 flightline mechanic with HMM-163 (Rein.).

Handling every major piece of equipment inside the aircraft, these Marines have no room for error. If they pass over any small discrepancy, it could easily cause an aircraft to malfunction.

Campbell says that pilots perform pre-flight inspections to look over the aircraft and give a second pair of eyes to catch anything that may have been overlooked, but the flightline Marines are the last to look at the aircraft before it flies.

“My favorite part of this job is to be able to take a major piece of equipment, like the engine out, repair it, put it back and watch the bird fly,” said Campbell.

Knowing the importance of their responsibilities, the “Skid Kidz” have day and night shifts that work through harsh weather conditions ranging from high winds to temperatures rising above 100 degrees.

The Marines spend the little time they have off to catch up on college classes and enjoy a couple of laughs.

“We like to have fun, but when it comes down to it, we handle our business,” said Campbell.

The 13th MEU and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group are currently on a deployment in support of regional and Maritime Security Operations (MSO). In addition to HMM-163 (Rein.), the MEU is composed of its Command Element, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 and Combat Logistics Battalion 13.

13th MEU Conducts Wash Down Before Heading Home

Story and Photos by Lance Cpl. Megan Sindelar

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is scheduled to conduct an agricultural wash down, sustainment training and cultural awareness tours for Marines and sailors of USS Boxer (LHD 4) while at a port in the Middle East June 1-8.

After four months of being at sea, dirt and salt water build up on vehicles throughout operations within various areas of U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility.

The wash down ensures no contaminated vehicles or gear will enter the United States upon the 13th MEU’s arrival in San Diego. Pulling the gear off the ship also serves as a good tool to help alleviate maintenance issues that would otherwise be difficult to resolve while on ship. This gives USS Boxer and the 13th MEU the readiness to return home, but more importantly restores all capabilities to conduct missions in any area of responsibility that may arise throughout the remainder of the deployment.

While Marines wash down the vehicles and gear, other elements of the 13th MEU are able to participate in training, both unilateral and bilateral with the host nation.

As Combat Logistics Battalion 13 takes the lead on all wash down procedures, members of Battalion Landing Team 1/1 are scheduled to conduct weapons training in various terrain while the Reconnaissance Platoon refreshes their diving capabilities. Members of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 163 (Reinforced) will provide air support throughout the exercise and conduct live fire training. The Command Element will control the unit’s movement to ensure success of the training exercises that are planned around the area.

Service members will be given a break and an opportunity to participate in cultural awareness tours. The tours give the Marines and sailors a chance to experience one of the most culturally rich areas areas the world.