13th MEU Marines help Anaheim community with car wash

ANAHEIM, Calif. - The Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, armed themselves with towels and vacuums during a car wash at the Arco AM/PM in downtown Anaheim, Sept. 9.

Their mission: to help raise donations with the Anaheim 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Adoption Committee. The Marines and the committee finished the day collecting more than $2,700 in funds with 100 percent going directly to “the Fighting 13th” and their families through numerous support projects.

“Right now we are trying to raise money to support upcoming needs, like the Marine Corps Birthday Ball and the Christmas Party,” said Carolyn Walters, chairwoman of the committee. “While the Marines are gone on deployment the funds will help support the families. We never know when there will be a request. Recently we were able to put aside $1,500 for children’s toys and a jump house at a beach bash.”

The Marines and car wash staff spent the day helping vacuum and hand dry dozens of vehicles.

“It was really great seeing all these people come to help the Marine Corps,” said Lance Cpl. Midori Fabricante, a personnel clerk with the Fighting 13th. “Helping our fellow Marines and their families is what we do well, even if it translates to working at a car wash.”

Jerry Zomorodian, owner of the gas station and car wash, dedicated the day’s car wash earnings to the committee.

"I come from the Middle East and I see these young men and women risk their lives …this is the least I can do for them,” said Zomorodian. “I am honored to be a part of this committee and I would like to do this every year.”

People from the community came in droves to show their support, including members of the Anaheim Police Department, Anaheim Fire Department and military veterans.

“It’s good to see the Marines out here in the community doing good work like this,” said Ray White, a former sailor who had his Ford F-250 washed. “My truck wasn’t really dirty, but this is a good cause. Anyone in the military I support.”

Even though the Marines and sailors will be thousands of miles from home next year, the community and committee will continue to support them and their families just as the Fighting 13th will continue to support them as warriors and ambassadors.

13th MEU Corpsmen train to care for Marines in flight

NAVAL AIR STATION POINT MUGU, Calif. – Whenever a wounded Marine needs dire medical attention inside a combat zone, helicopters provide the means to get them to the care they require. However, during this casualty evacuation, each passing minute in flight subtracts from the Marine’s golden hour. During this indefinite time period, prompt medical treatment helps prevent further trauma or death.

Corpsmen from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit have a plan to add minutes to the golden hour on their upcoming deployment. They will bring the medical care en route to the Marines, from inside the helicopters. The 13th MEU will deploy as the first West Coast MEU to have en route medical care during CASEVAC missions.

To begin building proficiency for this mission, a staff of four corpsmen began working together with air crew from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced), to orient themselves with the helicopters during Realistic Urban Training at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif., Sept. 28-30.

“This is going to be the first flights for them and they’ll be getting oriented to the profiles of the aircraft, learning how to work in the aircraft and how to work with the aircrews,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Chris Thorne, the medical planner with the 13th MEU. “We’re having to create this model from scratch because no other MEU’s on the West Coast have been doing it…ever. It is a lost skill set. When we first talked about using the CH-46’s for hoisting the litters it actually took everyone a little bit aback because it’s just not a skill set that’s trained for anymore; to do casualty hoisting into CH-46’s. It’s just a competency that hasn’t been required or utilized.”

Pilots and crew chiefs with HMM-163 (Rein) lifted a 180 pound mannequin on a sked stretcher into CH-46E “Sea Knight” hovering 30 ft off the deck as safely and urgently as possible during the CASEVAC rehearsals.

“To successfully conduct a CASEVAC it all starts with preparation, proper configuration of the aircraft and making sure all the crew members in the aircraft are proficient in CASEVAC missions,” said Sgt. David J. Kelly, a crew chief with HMM-163 (Rein.). “It’s also about being flexible and adapting to missions and making sure everything is in place to get the mission accomplished.”

Once inside the helicopter, the corpsmen moved the mannequins into position to administer medical treatment.

“I’ve already become more familiar with how the air crew operates and as time goes by I’m going to get more comfortable with working in the aircraft,” said Navy Seaman Anthony Weber, a corpsman with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, 13th MEU. “This training is definitely going to impact our ability to take care of Marines in a new way that we’ve never been able to. I’m going to learn new things. It’s definitely a whole different perspective that’s a whole different change of medical care from what we are used to on the ground.”

Thorne and the CASEVAC staff will review the photos and video taken by combat correspondents and combat camera Marines and find ways to improve on the work they did.

“One of the last missions went really, really well, the Maritime Raid Force did an awesome job packaging and using some hoisting techniques that were creative in moving the patient and getting him up to the flight deck” said Thorne. “The air CASEVAC crew has sharpened their skills and we timed out at over just two minutes from time on hover over the flight deck to when the casualty was onboard the aircraft which is really a great time. It’s a night and day difference between when we started doing these CASEVACS and where we are at now. With that said, now we have lots of reps to go to keep refining that skill and keep on building on it.”

Though the training at RUT highlighted their capabilities, the preparation they do in the months ahead will increase their proficiency, with the documentation of the training benefiting the Naval Medicine community.

Whether wounded Marines spend three minutes or three hours in flight, the corpsmen can help give wounded Marines more minutes on the golden hour as the 13th MEU demonstrates its dedication to putting its Marines and sailors first.

This story is part one of a series chronicling the CASEVAC training 13th MEU corpsmen conduct in preparation for deployment.

BLT 1/1 trains for future with Special Operations Training Group

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - When Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 1st Marines deploys with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit next year, its Marines and sailors could find themselves raiding multiple enemy camps, neutralizing enemy fighters on ships and other various mission sets.

During the months of August and September, BLT 1/1 trained from a wide range courses offered through the Special Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force. Marine Expeditionary Unit’s who have Marines formally trained for these missions, operate not just as a MEU but as a MEU Special Operations Capable.

“In order to get certain Special Operations Capable qualifications, the Marines need to go through specific courses with SOTG,” said Will Redman, the close quarters tactics lead instructor with SOTG. “The benefit is that it gives the MEU that asset that they normally don’t have and a capability for their commanders.”

Aircrew from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced) support helicopter raid training, bringing to bear several CH-53E “Super Stallions” and CH-46E “Sea Knights” for transporting an entire company of Marines. Pilots in AH-1W “Super Cobras” provided simulated close air support and intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance to clear the way for assault support elements.

“This training gives us an opportunity to work with the ground side, understand their capabilities and build a working relationship before we deploy,” said Capt. Justin W. May, a Super Stallion pilot with HMM-163 (Rein).

Marines from throughout the BLT posed as foreign nationals, enemy combatants and high value individuals during the training. The mock combatants fired blank ammunition from AK-47’s while wearing garbs similar to those worn by insurgents. Instructors supervised the use of simulated rocket propelled grenades, improvised explosive devices and mortar fire to bring a safe level of realism to the training.

“During the training we do what the instructors ask us, whether it’s running up and down a trench or fire bursts of blank ammo,” said Lance Cpl. Donall Rowe, a mortarman with Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, BLT 1/1. “But we try and think of ways to confuse or slow down the Marines’ advance during the raids. We do things like planting simulated IED’s or put snipers hiding in the tree line. The better we do our job, the more prepared they will be.”

Since the Marines began the training, they have had the chance to perfect their tactics.

“We’ve gotten some real good training in,” said Lance Cpl. Adam Duerschmidt, a fire team leader with 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, BLT 1/1. “This is some of the best close quarters training we’ve had, especially with the live fire shooting in the shoot house.”

A team of instructors took note of the way the Marines conducted their raids, critiquing how they operated and whether they applied what they learned.

“All the [grading] is critiquing points for them to learn and build off of,” said Staff Sgt. David A. Cleaves, the chief raid instructor with SOTG, I MEF. “This is a flat across the board grading scale for all the companies and raid forces that come down here and it puts everyone on the same sheet of music. It’s not one instructor’s point of view.”

Having completed the course syllabus, the Marines and sailors of BLT 1/1 will not only help make up a Marine Air Ground Task Force but a Special Purpose MAGTF as the 13th MEU becomes Special Operations Capable.

1/1 Marines conclude Exercise Mountain Warrior at Bridgeport

MARINE CORPS MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER BRIDGEPORT, Calif. -- After spending the past two weeks training in the hills of Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, the Marines and sailors of 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, began the final part of Exercise Mountain Warrior 6-10.

Marines from the Battalion’s companies traveled to different areas of the training center to conduct multiple counterinsurgency operations like they might face in Afghanistan or other parts of the globe. The Marines systematically had to gain the trust of the locals, protect them from enemy forces, cut off smuggling operations by enemy supporters, and work to build stability in the region through conventional and unconventional means.

“It was pretty good working face-to-face with the Afghani role players with an interpreter,” said Staff Sgt. Francisco Roman Jr., the platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1/1. “You can’t go in guns raised because the populace will turn themselves off to you. You are coming into their village. Because you are coming into their home the friendlier you are the better off you are. I would want them to treat me the same way if I was in the Afghani’s shoes. Someone comes into my house I would expect them to respect me and my family.”

This training benefited all levels of the battalion, from private to lieutenant colonel.

“It has definitely been a learning experience working in the mountains using survival techniques and combining it with Afghani role players,” said Sgt. Benjamin Israel, 1st Squad leader, 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, 1/1. “It’s something I’ve never done in the eight years I’ve been in. It was a work up that was needed.”

Hiding amongst the villagers, role players posing as enemy fighters tested the Marines capabilities as warriors and added complexity to the training.

Evaluators and instructors traveled with the various companies to critique and gauge the actions of the Marines to ensure that the battalion could not only learn from their mistakes but strengths as well. They evaluated them on warfighting functions and their ability to operate in a counterinsurgency environment.

“The Marines definitely thought outside the box during the [Final Exercise],” said 1st Lt. Benjamin Brewster, an evaluator for FINEX and Operation Enduring Freedom veteran.

One company developed a village assistance platoon, added Brewster. By taking individuals with personalities that were friendlier to dealing interpersonally with the people and had a little bit more of a perspective toward counterinsurgency. They could help the locals while they let the other Marines focus on conventional and tactical roles of securing the village and the outlying land.

“I was pleasantly surprised in what I saw and certainly what I saw evaluating, concluded Brewster. “There are plenty of Marines that went above and beyond what we’d expect them to do in this situation. The battalion is definitely ready to operate in Afghanistan or wherever they are called to while on the MEU.”

The Marines systematically disabled the enemy forces. Aerial surveillance provided by aircraft gave Marines the intelligence they needed to locate enemy forces. By relaying information quickly amongst the companies and the command operations center, the Marines could surgically strike at training camps, supply routes and enemy patrols.

“The [13th Marine Expeditionary Unit] is going to get a Battalion Landing Team that’s as well trained or better trained than any BLT that’s gone out in recent times,” said Lt. Col. Craig R. Wonson, the commanding officer of 1/1. “That’s not because we train hard, which we do. It’s also because we’ve had longer pre-deployment period. We haven’t slowed down and we don’t intend to. When you are the first of the first you have to live up to that moniker.”

Having completed the exercise, the Marines will leave for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, where they will have a few days to rest and relax before they begin other training events and work-ups with the Marines and sailors of the 13th MEU.

This concludes the series highlighting 1/1’s training at MCMWTC.

1/1 Marines ramp up Exercise Mountain Warrior at Bridgeport

MARINE CORPS MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER BRIDGEPORT, Calif. -The Marines and sailors of 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment tested themselves during the first week of Exercise Mountain Warrior 06-10 when learned the basics of mountain survival such as rappelling down cliffs, traversing steep terrain and knot tying.

The second week of the exercise included the basics with key leader engagements, live fire ranges, platoon attacks, defensive positions and other scenarios to test the Marines’ ability to use their counterinsurgency tactics.

“Bridgeport has always been the best location for building camaraderie and unit cohesion,” said Lt. Col. Craig R. Wonson, the commanding officer of 1/1. “That is why Mountain Warrior is ideal for us to use as a [Battalion Landing Team] forming event. Mountain Warrior also serves as a mission rehearsal exercise, which will provide our battalion an assessment of our conventional and counterinsurgency skill proficiency…in this case at 10,000 ft.”

The companies rotated between different training areas, often hiking up and down the steep mountains to gain the tactical advantage.

“I saw a huge strategic advantage going downhill after contouring the ridge,” said 1st Lt. Evan Fairfield, the platoon commander of 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1/1, after hiking down a 1,000 foot hill to participate in a key leader engagement. “By taking the ridgeline area we were covered and concealed the entire way and avoided an [improvised explosive device] threat while maintaining the high ground. We don’t sacrifice security so we’ll take the hard way anytime we can.”

Afghan nationals, hired by the Tatitlek Corporation, role played as villagers and spoke Pashto to help add to the realism of what Marines face in country. Interpreters assigned to the platoons within each company aided the Marines in identifying problems and concerns such as enemy in the area, water shortages and disease.

“I want to be a good citizen and help the Marines learn the culture of Afghanistan,” said Zack, a 24-year-old interpreter who fled Afghanistan when he was a boy. “The least I can do to help my people and my fellow Americans is to teach [the Marines] what I know. If I can help the Marines to communicate better, then my people and the Marines will be better off.”

Instructors supervised each training scenario and provided input on how the Marines performed, from fire team to command level.

The Marines here are doing pretty well today, explained Staff Sgt. Brandon Miller, an instructor with Unit Training Group MCMWTC. The Marines set a good atmosphere through smiling and shaking hands with locals. Through the key leader engagement, the company commanding officer was able to get information on suspected enemy from the village elder.

Some squads engaged the local populace, while others in separate areas performed squad and platoon attacks on Marines posing as enemy fighters. The enemy role players trained a week at MCMWTC before the rest of the Battalion arrived to become familiar with the training area.

“This is a 360-degree battlefield,” said Cpl. Phillip M. Dust, a fire team leader with 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1/1. “We had [role players] firing blanks at us from trees 20 feet off the ground. You can’t forget that the enemy will hide and will use the terrain to their advantage. We still were able to neutralize them and gain intelligence, but you have to use your team to ensure the enemies can’t get the drop on you.”

Other training opportunities existed for the Marines and sailors two hours away from the training center. The Marines from each company travelled to Hawthorne Army Depot to conduct drills with live ammunition. They performed platoon attacks, military operations in urban terrain, and tables three and four of Marine Corps marksmanship.

“When you train, you try to train your Marines in the hardest possible conditions that safety allows you to so that way if they ever come up against the enemy you want it theoretically easier than training,” said Gunner Shelby Lasater, the battalion’s gunner. “But if it does come up to where it is the toughest thing, we’ve exposed them to that training already so they’re used to it, they know what to expect. This is definitely testing their limits. This is great because they’re coming from sea level at Camp Pendleton and within two weeks they’re at 5,000 feet elevation conducting live fire attacks uphill with 600 feet gaining in elevation in half a mile period. And trying to take that good clean shot is tough.”

After completing this week of the training, their readiness will determine the success of the final exercise where the battalion will conduct a fictional counterinsurgency operation that covers 46,000 acres and involves the execution by more than 1,100 Marines, role-players, civilian contractors and instructors throughout four days.

This story is part four of a series highlighting 1/1’s training at MCMWTC.

1/1 Marines use low-tech options to thrive in mountain terrain

MARINE CORPS MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER BRIDGEPORT, Calif. - The Marines of 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment 1st Marine Division trained at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport with high-tech gear such as night vision goggles, computers and rifle combat optics.

However, with low-tech equipment such as compasses, ropes, pack animals and alternative communication equipment the Marines of 1/1 were able to operate and thrive in the rugged environment of Exercise Mountain Warrior 06-10 during the month of July.

During the first week of the exercise, the Marines learned to rappel down sheer cliffs, cross wide gorges and traverse steep terrain.

“Learning something as simple as tying a military repel seat with six feet of rope and a carabineer, you can get around the terrain efficiently,” said Cpl. Brad P. Warren, the training noncommissioned officer with Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company. “That rope has multiple uses and weighs next to nothing. The simpler it is the better. If you have too much gear it will slow you down and hurt the mission more than help.”

The mountain terrain combined with the tall trees created obstacles for radio operators seeking constant communication with the command operations center. Their remedy was no more than, string, a plastic spoon from a Meal-Ready-to-Eat and some wire.

“You can make a field expedient antenna by taking copper wire and splicing the ends,” said Lance Cpl. Randy R. Groves, the senior radio operator with Alpha Company, 1/1. “Take a MRE spoon poke a hole into it and combine it with 550 cord and the wire and hang the field expedient antenna in anything not conductive to electricity. Before you know it you are back in business communicating with higher. As far as field radios go, it’s actually the best antenna we have in the Marine Corps and it can reach the farthest as far as signal goes.”

The compass, a tool used by Marines for generations proved useful when the Marines needed to get degrees for sectors of fire in a defensive position.

“The compass is extremely reliable,” said Lance Cpl. Andrew M. Lewis, a squad automatic weapon gunner with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company. “Using the compass and the necessary math, it helps me get the exact degrees of my whole area where my rounds will travel. You use that to correspond with other Marines. That way you have interlocking fields of fire and 360 degrees covered by weapons. Of course the compass is good to use for navigation too.”

While using a compass helps Marines know where they are, getting their gear from point A to B can require a skill that dates back to before the Corps had global positioning systems, satellite phones or all terrain vehicles.

For the Corps, it’s nothing new, using older low technology to accomplish the mission in the mountains.

“Here we teach some units and Marines how to pack animals,” said Staff Sgt. Ernesto Hernandez, an instructor with Unit Training Group, MCMWTC. “We teach Marines how to pack horses and mules like they did in the Banana Wars. They can carry your chow, water, gear and weapons. Sometimes you won’t have a helicopter and hiking with those animals is what it takes.”

The Marines of today have improvised and learned valuable lessons from previous generations who had to adapt to the ever changing battlefield.

“I think being a Marine means being resourceful,” said Groves. “You have to think outside the box. I try and think of new ways to tackle problems whenever I go into the field.”

Deploying as part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 1/1 will execute a variety of missions in austere conditions, using their ingenuity to get the job done after tempering their skills in the mountains of MCMWTC.

This is part three of an ongoing series highlighting the training 1/1 is conducting at MCMWTC.

1/1 Corpsmen keep Marines ready to train, ready to fight

MARINE CORPS MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER, Calif. - Late at night, all remains quiet inside a field tent except for the humming sounds of fluorescent lights and generators.

Radio chatter alerts the corpsmen on duty and they begin prepping the battalion aid station for patients they will soon receive.

The corpsmen of 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, will spend much of the night treating Marines who have hypothermia, Acute Mountain Sickness, and other injuries while at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center.

As the Marines of 1/1 operate during Exercise Mountain Warrior 06-10 during the month of July, their corpsmen remain ready to ensure everyone makes it down the Sierra Mountains alive and ready to deploy in complex and chaotic operating environments.

“The corpsmen’s performance has been excellent,” said Navy Lt. Michael K. Sracic, the medical officer for 1/1. “I’m always impressed by our corpsmen. We did a lot of training so we could be prepared if there were any altitude issues, they’d be vigilant and remain safe and overall help the Marines here.”

The Marines of 1/1 continuously trust their corpsmen with their lives and have first hand seen their work in combat.

“I put the upmost faith in my corpsmen and it feels good to know someone is there to look after us,” said Sgt. Timothy L. Glaze, a squad leader with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company. “I’ve witnessed them save lives before and they’ve saved my buddies lives in combat.”

Medical staff with 1/1 has been at MCMWTC for more than a week and have dealt with heat cases, minor injuries and a few cases of AMS.

“From what I’ve experienced out here, Marines go up to a higher elevation, they start experiencing the symptoms of AMS, they start having panic attacks, shortness of breath, feeling freaked out, dizziness, feeling drunk,” said Navy Seaman Brandon J. Potters, a corpsman with 1/1. “It’s what a lot of the corpsmen are taught to tell their Marines about, if you have a buddy that starts acting funny you need to get a corpsman over there to see what’s going on.”

Marines who start feeling the symptoms of AMS, heat injuries or other problems are brought to the battalion aid station if problems persist.

“A few nights ago, seven patients came in and we had to utilize our skills, using IV’s, keeping them warm and giving them oxygen and medication,” added Potters.


The staff has many tools at their disposal to keep patients stable and alive if serious illness or injuries occur to the 1,041 Marines and sailors.

“We’ve been really fortunate not to have any broken legs or arms,” said Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert W. Staton, a corpsman with 1/1. “Because of some of the injuries we have seen, we’re really lucky. No battalion before has brought up some of the [resources]. Because the fact that we did and we’ve come fully prepared with all our stuff, we’re the first battalion that’s been self reliant on the BAS here, and rarely use the clinic here. It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.”
As weeks go by and Marines continue to train, the corpsmen know injuries can happen at any time.

“It takes six weeks to fully acclimatize to the altitude, we are here for only three,” said Potters. “We can’t fully acclimatize and we are still out there training, giving 110 percent. We may feel like we are used to it but we quite aren’t.”

Having treated the Marines’ injuries, the corpsmen try and get some rest as the sun rises over the mountains and a new day begins for the Battalion. They know their sleep could be interrupted at any moment by more Marines in need of their care. Lack of sleep is a price they are willing to pay to ensure every Marine makes it home from any mission any time.

This is part two of an ongoing series featuring the training 1/1 is doing during Exercise Mountain Warrior.

1/1 Marines Begin Exercise Mountain Warrior at Bridgeport

MARINE CORPS MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER BRIDGEPORT, Calif. - Since 1951, Marines throughout the Corps have tested their endurance and learned how to brave harsh climates at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Brideport, Calif.

Marines and sailors 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division began the first phase of Exercise Mountain Warrior 06-10, as the latest unit to train here. The Marines started the week learning basic mountain survival skills to include how to tie knots, traverse terrain and survival diet.

“We’ve already learned how to pack our packs for hiking properly, some of the knots and other survival tactics,” said Pfc. Bryan K. Greer, a mortarman with Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel Platoon, Weapons Company. “It’s a lot to take in, but thank God for practical application. All the training we do will add up as the weeks go by.”

After spending the first couple days learning through classroom instruction, the Marines traveled to Sardine Rock and the Leavitt Training Area to apply their training.

Each Marine brought with them carabineers and six-foot length rope to create the multiple knots that aided them in training. The Marines created an around-the-bowline knot to safely fasten themselves to a rope acting as a fixed lane for them to pull themselves up steep slopes.

“I love doing the knot tying, that stuff is real cool,” said Cpl. Brad P. Warren, the training non-commissioned officer with Weapons Platoon, Company C. “I’ve never done things like this with rope before. With knots you got to learn how to master it, you can’t just half learn it. You have to learn it, to know it, your life is going to depend on it when you are hanging off a cliff face.”

The Marines also successfully created a swiss-seat-harnesses out of rope and rappelled dozens of feet off Sardine Rock’s cliff face.
Instructors from Unit Training Group, MCMWTC, supervised the training to help ensure safety and coach Marines through the process of knot tying, fixed lane ascent, descent and rappelling.

“In order to get over steep terrain they need to be able to move on fixed lanes,” said
Staff Sgt. Ernesto Hernandez, an instructor with MCMWTC. “Rappelling is a just an easier and faster way of getting down from a mountain, faster than maybe walking around to find a less steep route. This training is also another way for Marines to build confidence, there’s Marines out here who are afraid of heights, this helps them get over that fear.

While Marines learned how to rappel and traverse steep terrain at Sardine Rock, guidance from instructors at Leavitt Training Area helped the Marines learn to cross gorges and streams, while working together. The Marines also learned what plants are edible, such as wild onions, dandelions and cattails.

“I want our Marines to understand they can do their normal job, whether it’s conventional find the bad guy counterinsurgency type role, meeting with the civilian population and local leadership or any combination of that,” said Capt. William Simpson, company commander of Charlie Company. “I want them to realize they can do that in any environment. If they can do it in the harsh environment of the mountains of Bridgeport, they can do it in Afghanistan or any other place we get sent.”

The Marines will spend the next few days combining their newfound survival skills into patrolling and setting up defensive positions during the exercise. This exercise will help temper the Marines and prepare them mentally and physically for operations across the spectrum of conflict anywhere they deploy with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

This story is part one of a series highlighting 1/1’s training in Bridgeport.

By Cpl. Christopher O'Quin

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Marines and sailors from Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-13, I Marine Expeditionary Force held loved ones and friends for the first time in more than a month, during their return from Exercise Native Fury 2010 in the Middle East, May 30.

The exercise brought together more than 200 Marines and sailors to train with military forces in the region and build interoperability.

"It made me more proficient since we used different radios than we are used to," said Cpl. Carlos Velazquez, a multichannel radio operator with Special Purpose MAGTF-13. "Right now I'm glad to be home and I'm just gonna enjoy the weekend."

Shortly after returning from deployment, Special Purpose MAGTF-13 became re-designated as the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit command element and Combat Logistics Battalion 13.

"We were tasked to go to Exercise Native Fury, which is in United States Central Command, to demonstrate and practice maritime prepositioning of ships," said Col. David W. Coffman, the commanding officer of 13th MEU. "It enables us to get the training camp repetition in to make sure we are all prepared to start our full work-ups later this summer. We used this exercise to ensure access to ports and airfields and to work with our partners in the region. We had great success moving Marines and materials from ship to shore. It was a great opportunity to develop relationships with our partners."

"They did fabulously well and we look forward to getting all the Marines and materials back home," finished Coffman.

Marines and sailors from the 13th MEU command element and CLB-13 will spend the next month taking leave and preparing for the months ahead as they train and complete the requirements to make them a force in readiness.

13th MEU Families, Friends Bond During Family Day

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Under a bright sun, service members and their families squared off against each other, shooting gobs of green paint from makeshift cover as their younger children played in inflatable playhouses.
After playing several team matches, the intelligence section pummeled operations, administration, logistics and communications in a paintball "capture the flag" style tournament.
"It was freaking awesome," said Cpl. Chris Papson, an intelligence systems administrator with the 13th MEU. "We had a good team. I've been in dozens of games, so I brought my technique, which is shooting as many rounds down range as possible while moving fast. The funniest part was getting shot up by the little kids."
For some of the kids, this day marked the first time they shot with a paintball gun, which is often called a paintball marker by enthusiasts.
Members of Calvary Chapel, San Juan Capistrano, decorated children's faces at an arts and crafts booth. They also catered the event complete with hotdogs, hamburgers and barbecued chicken.
"We have a heart for service members, and we're glad to be out here today," said Jon Rogers, one of the coordinators of the event. "We're here to support those who support us keeping the home front secure."
In addition to volunteer work from Calvary Chapel, many of the Marines helped set up and supervise the various events.
"I've worked with kids at horse ranches and volunteer events and when they're happy I'm happy," said Pfc. Blake Johnson, a radio operator with the communications section of the 13th MEU. "Seeing them happy makes it all worth it."
A watermelon eating competition concluded the day's events when Pfc. Omar Brown, a radio operator from the communications section, cleaned out a watermelon half and defeated the Marines from each section. Representatives from the Anaheim Marine Adoption Committee provided gift cards for the winners in the competitions.
"This family day has been very successful with great turnout," said Bryan Vaughn, the family readiness officer for the 13th MEU. "We've had great support from the Marines and their wives."
The 13th MEU plans to hold another family day in August, as they begin the "meat and potatoes" of their work-ups for deployment. Just as this family day brought the MEU together, future family days will help strengthen not just the bond between Marines but their loved ones as well.

Sgt. Maj. Hines retires after 30 years of honorable service

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Apr. 9, 2010)—After more than 30 years in the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Enrique X. Hines, former sergeant major of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, bid farewell to the Corps aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., during his retirement ceremony today.
Hines, who moved to the Bronx, New York from Costa Rica when he was four-years-old, said he knew he wanted to join the military when he was only 16. After talking to his uncle, a captain with the Army 82nd Airborne Division, he made his decision to joined the few and the proud. His uncle’s insight from working with Marines and Hines’ strong determination to finish all things through to the end are unswervingly accountable for the place he is at today.
In the 11th grade Hines enlisted in the Marines with a military occupational specialty of combat engineer. However, for Hines doing his job and nothing more, was not quite enough. He used his background in martial arts to learn and teach every form of hand-to-hand combat he encountered during his career.
By the time he achieved the rank of sergeant, he was sure he wanted to do at least 20 years and retire from the Marine Corps.
“Sgt. Maj. Hines is the best combination of power and love I have ever seen in a Marine,” said Col. David W. Coffman, commanding officer, 13th MEU. “He is the example of everything we want our warriors to be.”
Hines said it was the Marines he served with that made him most proud during his 30 years. He described how it means much more to get appreciation from someone who served under you than from someone senior in rank.
For Hines, it was the magnitude of people he met that made the Corps enjoyable for the 30 years he was in.
“People make the Corps,” said Hines, “we should never forget that.”
Today, the Corps continues to drive on one sergeant major short of yesterday. The contributions Hines left behind will be remembered by all those who have served with him—his service will not be forgotten.

13th MEU sergeant major departs unit after four years, new man fills his shoes

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s command element gathered at Artillery Firing Area 15, Camp Pendleton, Calif., today in formation to bear witness to the departure of Sgt. Maj. Enrique X. Hines, outgoing sergeant major, 13th MEU, and to welcome his replacement, Sgt. Maj. Juan M. Hidalgo.

After more than four years with the 13th MEU and 30 years in the Marine Corps, Hines relinquished his final position and bid farewell to the last Marines he would ever lead—April 9 marks his retirement date.

Following the traditions of the Marine Corps, a symbolic noncommissioned officer’s sword was passed from the outgoing sergeant major to the incoming recognizing the passing of responsibility from Sgt. Maj. Hines to Sgt. Maj. Hidalgo.

“It’s been a good ride,” said Hines who hails from the Republic of Costa Rica. “It’s bitter sweet, I’m happy to be leaving, but it’s tough.”



Hines addressed the senior leadership, his peers and Marines while reminiscing on all the good times he would miss.

He left his soapbox shortly after stepping on it, but not without leaving a few words of wisdom for the man who now claims the title of 13th MEU sergeant major.

“You will definitely see the spirit of the ‘Fighting Thirteenth’,” said Hines to Hidalgo. “You’re coming into a great unit.”

He told the incoming sergeant major that he could not have asked for a better replacement and that his reputation preceded him.

Hidalgo, formerly the command sergeant major for 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion and native of San Diego, said he looked forward to serving with the Marines of the 13th MEU and answered a question that was running through all the Marines’ heads. What kind of sergeant major was coming to lead them? His answer was short, simple and to the point.

“We’re going to follow the Marine Corps standard,” said Hidalgo.

The history of the “Fighting Thirteenth” now rests in the hands of their new sergeant major, and their future of outstanding service will be based on his ability to lead the command element to success; a concept not unfamiliar to the Marines now under his charge.

“I’m losing my battle buddy,” said Col. David W. Coffman, commanding officer, 13th MEU. “I had the best battle buddy in the Marine Corps and I’m gonna miss him.”

Turning to his new battle buddy, Coffman welcomed Hidalgo to the unit and said he looked forward to the many good times to come.

13th MEU turns 25

Story and photo by Sgt. Jimmy Green

Monday, Feb. 1, marked the 25th anniversary of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit's inception.
Exactly 25 years ago here, the formerly named 13th Marine Amphibious Unit was activated.
Approximately three years later, the name changed to its current title.
From 1990 to 1995, the 13th MEU participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Southwest Asia, and Operation United Shield in Somalia.
From 1996 to 2007, the MEU participated in Operation Southern Watch, Southwest Asia; Humanitarian Assistance Operations in East Timor; Operation Determined Response, Yemen; Maritime Interception Operations, Northern Arabian Gulf; and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
The 13th MEU's few returning veterans this year include Lt. Col. Ronald A. Stephens, the unit's future operations officer.
"I did two floats from 1993 to 1995," Stephens recalls. "I first came to the MEU as a replacement for a lieutenant who was medically evacuated."
During his time with the 13th MEU, Stephens served as the Engineer Detachment officer in charge. He participated in Operation United Shield, Operation United Nations in Somalia and Operation Continued Hope.
After Stephen's first float, he extended his contract to deploy a second time, which departed U.S. soil only six months after his first deployment with the MEU ended.
Ironically enough, Stephens deployed on the USS Comstock, a ship that was a part of the 13th MEU's most recent deployment.
Even with the changes in the MEU from then to now, Stephens is eager to get out again for a third time with the "Fighting Thirteenth."
"It seems like we had a lot more liberty back then, even when we were operationally committed," said Stephens. "But I will say that today's MEU is a lot more capable."
Through the various changes over the last 25 years, the 13th MEU still remains 'most ready when the nation is least ready' and is currently preparing for their 2011 deployment.
Stephens, along with the rest of the 13th MEU team, is optimistic and excited to see what the next float will bring to the table.

Exercise Iron Fist Kicks Off Joining US and Japanese Forces

Story and photos by Sgt. Jimmy Green

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit welcomed the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force to Camp Pendleton today for the fifth iteration of Exercise Iron Fist.

Exercise Iron Fist is a three-week bi-lateral training event between the Marine Corps and JGSDF designed to increase the interoperability between the two services while aiding the Japanese in their continued development of amphibious capabilities.
Senior officers participating in the exercise expressed their appreciation and excitement for the upcoming training.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to train with and learn from our friends in the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force," said Col. David W. Coffman, commanding officer for the 13th MEU.
Coffman, a native of Eustis, Fla., said he was delighted to have the opportunity to host the JGDSF and repay them for the tremendous hospitality they have long-offered American forces in their country.
The JGSDF and Marine Forces Pacific share a common virtue of increasing bilateral training and exercises. Exercise Iron Fist will allow both services to focus on amphibious operations and Marine Corps-JGSDF interoperability.
"We are able to operate functionally back at home," said Lt. Col. Hironobu Tanaka, officer in charge of the JGSDF attending the exercise. "This is a great chance for us to operate jointly with another organization and practice interoperability skills."
Tanaka said he is very excited to train in southern California and looks forward to learning from the Marines and sailors.
"This is a big facility, we don't have the infrastructure to do this in Japan," said Tanaka.
Maj. Anthonol Neely, assistant operations officer with the 13th MEU, said this exercise will allow the Japanese to work processes and tools in a different environment to help in their nation's self defense.
The JGSDF prepared for ship life, honed their marksmanship skills and practiced amphibious landings before coming to participate in Iron Fist.
Along with the skills already possessed by the JGSDF, Marines working beside them will offer new tools for their toolbox. The JGSDF will train in amphibious staff planning, execution of amphibious operations, limited offensive and extensive defensive tactics, techniques and procedures.
"The skills they will gain will aid them in preparing for what they hope will never happen," said Neely who hails from Nashville, Tenn.
While this is Neely's first time participating in Iron Fist, he said he feels it will be rewarding.
"Anytime we get a chance to work with coalition forces is beneficial because we get an opportunity to facilitate working with them in the future," said Neely. "It makes us more well-rounded. It presents an opportunity to learn about different cultures and it will be a learning experience for all involved."