USS Comstock Photos

(left to right) Gunnery Sgt. Jeffery A. Tranberg, Gunnery Sgt. Garald M. Bolfa, Chief Petty Officer Barry N. Floyd and Gunnery Sgt. Sam A. Spade pose for the camera aboard USS Comstock (LSD 45).

Sgt. Sili and Sgt. Mankin with CLB-13 smile for a photo while on liberty in Dubai, April 15, 2009.

CLB-13 staff non-commissioned officers serve chow during a steel beach picnic aboard USS Comstock (LSD 45).

CLB-13 Commanding Officer, LtCol. Keith Reventlow and Sgt. Maj. Rob Baker pin Sgt. Noah Cales with his new rank during the unit’s promotion ceremony, April 1 2009 aboard USS Comstock (LSD 45).

Staff Sgt. Colleen Wilcox with CLB-13 leads a step class aboard the flight deck of USS Comstock (LSD 45).

CLB-13 Military Police Detachment pose after a workout aboard USS Comstock (LSD 45).

Female Marines and Sailors with CLB-13 aboard USS Comstock (LSD 45) celebrate Women’s history month on the mess decks, March 15, 2009.

CLB-13 Commanding Officer, LtCol. Reventlow and Sgt. Jester prepare to pin Lance Cpl. Keely with his new rank, during the unit’s promotion ceremony, April 1, aboard USS Comstock (LSD 45).

CLB-13 Communications Detachment hanging out in Dubai on liberty, April 15.

A Day in the Life of a Combat Cargo Marine

Story and Photos by Lance Cpl. Megan Sindelar

The only noises coming through the thick, camouflage painted door was the feint laughter of Marines singing the chorus to “Yellow Submarine.” Through that door is the Flight Deck Debark office where Sgt. Derrick S. Thompson and his seven-man Combat Cargo team reminisce on their morning wake-up call.

Thompson, a parachute rigger with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is also one of the three team leaders with USS Boxer’s (LHD 4) Combat Cargo flight deck platoon.

It is 7:00 a.m. and Thompson, a Rialto, Calif. native, walks around Combat Cargo’s berthing to wake every Marine with the song, “Yellow Submarine.” After the Marines are awake, showered and moving, they begin morning clean-up.

TIME 7:45 a.m.
After clean-up and berthing inspection, Thompson receives a call with a change of flight-quarter hours. His team is the working flight deck unit for the day. After the call, the team heads toward the office to prepare their float-coats and cranials for the rest of the day’s operations.

TIME 8:00 a.m.
Flight-quarters called over the Public Address System (called the 1MC) signals the Marines to the flight deck for a Foreign Object Debris (FOD) walk-down, which is comprised of Marines and sailors walking the entire flight deck picking up any tools, trash or other objects on the ground that could cause damage to machinery.

“FOD walk-down is a boring, painstaking evolution, but it is necessary because it prevents costly damage to the aircraft,” said a Sebring, Fla. native Cpl. Michael L. McKenna, a member of Combat Cargo and a CH-46E crew chief with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 163 (Reinforced), 13th MEU.

TIME 9:00 a.m.
After conducting the FOD walk down, Thompson and his Marines are able to take turns, two at a time, going down to the mess decks to enjoy breakfast before returning to the office for a long day at work.

TIME 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Their work consists of two major parts, embarking and debarking all gear and personnel being transported by helicopter.

Combat Cargo Marines help unload mail and gear by hand or, if lucky, fork-lifts. They also make a log of each person who comes aboard to file with the ship’s records.

When mail or gear flies out, they pack the helicopters with any items that need to be loaded. When personnel fly out, Marines equip the debarking persons with float coats and cranials, which are safety requirements for any person entering the flight deck. They line the debarking persons on the ramp and when they receive the green light, two members of the team lead them out to their designated helicopter.

“My favorite part of being on Combat Cargo is being able to see what comes on and goes off the ship,” says Lance Cpl. Josbie M. Morris, a Jacksonville, Fla. native and a member of the Combat Cargo team and an aviation electronics technician with HMM-163 (Rein.), 13th MEU.

Thompson’s team has gotten very close. They have been working together for just over six months now and they have learned how to manage their time and know what is expected of them.

“Our team is like one big family and the other flight deck teams are like cousins to us,” said Thompson.

TIME 12:00 p.m.
During a short break from working, Thompson allows his Marines to eat lunch, two at a time, while other Marines pick up the slack.

TIME 1:00 p.m.
After lunch, the Marines continue working until the operation tempo dies down. They break down into groups of two or three to stay in the office in case they are needed. The groups switch out every two hours until flight-quarters end often late into the night. Only then are they able to lock up the office and have the rest of the day to themselves.

When the day is done and the team ‘hits the rack’, they get up again the next morning and start over.

“Being on Combat Cargo has shown me a different aspect of a MEU deployment and it gives me something to do everyday,” says Thompson. “It gives me a sense of accomplishment since we are the working crew who bring the food and mail aboard, bringing joy to awaiting Marines and sailors.”

LAR stands ready at sea

Story and photos by Lance Cpl. Robert C. Medina

The waters were calm as Marines with Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon approached their vehicles chained to the deck of a Landing Craft Air Cushion vehicle (LCAC) in the lower section of USS Boxer (LHD 4). Vehicle hatches and hoods are muscled opened—the maintenance begins.

From the deserts of Iraq to the vast Indian Ocean, Marines with LAR, which is an attachment of Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, are prepared for whatever m
ay come their way.

“My platoon was selected from amongst the battalion when we returned from Iraq in our last deployment,” said Gunnery Sgt. Thomas R. Johnson, platoon sergeant. “We have been a platoon for about 16 months now.”

Johnson, from Elbert, Col., said he only has four Marines who haven’t deployed before and as a whole, his M
arines are as skilled and professional as they come.

“We have been together for a while now and we have grown to know each other very well,” said Cpl. Jorge Rangel, gunner with LAR. “We know each other’s capabilities.”

This year the unit is with the 13th MEU, which is currently supporting counter-piracy operations off the coast of Africa. With this unique deployment comes unique care for their equipment.

“The biggest challenge and the difference for us being aboard ship rather than being on a land-based deployment, is the effect of the salt water on our vehicles,” said Johnson. “The metal is constantly rusting and corroding away, here we have to spend a lot more time conducting preventative maintenance on our vehicles.”

This maintenance is important for operations that could happen at a moment’s notice. Without proper working equipment, the platoon would be ineffective.

“If our vehicles are down then we are not going anywhere,” said Rangel, from San Jose, Calif.

Rangel said life on ship is very different from being on land, but it’s nothing they can’t overcome.

“On the squad level we do tactical decision games,” said Johnson. “Selected individuals do supporting arms training as well.”

The team leaders or vehicle commanders conduct rotary and fixed wing close air support training, as well as artillery and mortarmen training. The crewmen are involved in gunnery training that applies to their job field.

“It’s all stuff that we have done before, we are just sharpening our skills,” said Johnson.

LAR platoon is the main effort for surface TRAP operations (tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel), as well as the motorized raid element.

“A raid is, in essence, a pre-planned attack and a pre-planned withdrawal. We serve as the motorized, light raid element,” continued Johnson.


“We go in and atta
ck what we are raiding, exploit it for information, then leave quickly.”

Traditional LAR tasks would be route area zone reconnaissance, support attacks and assaults.

“We could do a lot because of our skilled scouts and fire-power from our light armored vehicles,” said Johnson. “We have excellent communications and optics; we could call for air support, artillery or mortars, and could operate on our own for extended periods of time as long as we have the fuel.”

Johnson said logistically they are easy to support; the MEU can use them for just about anything.

“The back-bone of the MEU is the infantrymen, the line companies,” concluded Johnson. “Everything in the MEU is built on supporting ‘the grunt on the ground.’ We are part of that. We support his attack.”

Another photo from the week...

Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Jackson

Lance Cpl. Christopher Romero, from Albuquerque, N.M., assigned to HMM-163 (Rein.) embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer, cleans the tire of an AV-8B Harrier aircraft, April 23.

Photos of the Week

Photos by Lance Cpl. Robert C. Medina

Marines and Sailors were lucky to see this rare water spout off the stern of USS Boxer (LHD 4), April 27.

A refueling ship tracks along side USS Boxer (LHD 4) off the coast of Africa, April 26. Unfortunately, this RAS (replenishment at sea) did not contain the much-hoped-for mail that other ships often bring.

Seaman Adam A. Torres from Oxnard, Calif., with USS Boxer (LHD 4) security team, looks out over calm waters, April 23.

Lance Cpl. Jorge A. Flores, warehouse clerk with CLB 13, organizes a storage container in the lower parts of USS Boxer (LHD 4), April 20. Flores’ mission, along with other Marines within CLB-13 supply, is to provide support to the entire 13th MEU with various materials including military clothing and gear, meals ready-to-eat (MREs), petroleum, oils and lubricants, and repair parts.

Personality Profile

Photo by Lance Cpl. Robert C. Medina




Name: Lance Cpl. Zachary W. Varga

Unit: CLB-13, "Lucky 13"

Home Town: Riverside, Calif.

Job Title: Supply Clerk

Varga pokes his head out of a

storage container after retrieving

a box stashed deep inside.

Why did you join the Marine Corps? "I wanted to join the Marine Corps after I noticed a commercial on TV. I wanted to be in the avionics field, I thought it would be cool to work on planes and helicopters."

What do you do in the Marine Corps? "My job is receiving and issuing items to sections of CLB-13. Every day is different because everyone has different needs.”

What are some of your hobbies when you are not at work? "I'm interested in rock climbing, I wanted to start some sort of rock climbing event here on ship...maybe some sort of slack lining."




The overall mission for CLB-13 supply is to provide support to the entire 13th MEU with various materials including military clothing, gear, meals ready-to-eat (MREs), petroleum, oils and lubricants, and repair parts.

Photos of the Week

Photos by Lance Cpl. Robert Medina



Lance Cpl. Jack B. Stone from Boynton Beach, Fla., and airframes mechanic with HMM 163, prepares a drill in order to remove panels off the wing of an AV-8B Harrier in the hanger bay of USS Boxer.




Airframe mechanics from HMM 163 work on an AV-8B Harrier in USS Boxer’s hanger bay.

Rendezvous at Sea

Photo by Lance Cpl. Megan Sindelar
(As seen on CNN)


INDIAN OCEAN (April 13, 2009) The guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) tows the lifeboat from the Maersk Alabama to the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), in background, to be processed for evidence after the successful rescue of Capt. Richard Phillips. Phillips was held captive by suspected Somali pirates in the lifeboat in the Indian Ocean for five days after a failed hijacking attempt off the Somali coast.

Let it be known...

This video was, in fact, shot by 13th MEU’s very own Cpl. Oscar G. Garcia, Combat Camera Videographer. Initial reports from the media incorrectly tagged the video as U.S. Navy footage.

B-roll of Maersk-Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips, being welcomed aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4), April 12, after being rescued by U.S Naval Forces off the coast of Somalia. Philips was held hostage for four days by pirates. Produced by Cpl. Oscar G. Garcia.

New Section!

A quick new update has been added to the 13th MEU blogsite, "Mom's Ask;" located on the right-hand column. You, as family members and friends, are now able to suggest ideas or comments on stories you would like to read about from here on the USS Boxer, Comstock, New Orleans, or wherever else we may be. Please note that not all requests may be answered, but we'll do our best as operations allow.

A New Group of Martial-Arts Instructors Emerge from USS Boxer

Story by Lance Cpl. Megan Sindelar

Photos by Lance Cpl. Robert Medina and MC1 Timothy Hall

USS BOXER, At sea (April 8, 2009) -- From a room blocked off by curtains and boards in the gloomy, lower parts of USS Boxer (LHD-4), came yelling, pounding and the noises of someone beating on barrels. Not one person was allowed in for two hours until the next group’s transition into the ‘secret room’.

With a sigh of relief and grim memories of the ‘secret room’ behind them, 27 students from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit proudly graduated the Marine Corps Martial-Arts Instructors Course aboard USS Boxer April 8.

The course was 15 training days which included 10 hours of training every day. Course requirements allow no students to miss more than two days. Three instructor trainers’ used all the time they could to push the Marines toward their breaking points.

Gunnery Sgt. Juan Ynfante, an instructor trainer and communications security manager with 13th MEU said everyday was harder than the previous; pushing them to and past their limits brought mental stress to the students as well, which is part of combat conditioning.

“Although the course is both physically and mentally challenging, it has gotten me more into a combat mindset,” explained Sgt. Gabrielle G. Reynoso of Nampa, Idaho, a student in the course and switching chief with 13th MEU.

Instructor trainers’ goal while coaching students is to improve techniques, skills, and endurance. In turn, this improves their mental character and combat mindset.

Students spent 18 to 25 hours in a classroom environment learning how to be an instructor, taking quizzes, and having one-on-one weekly counseling with the instructor trainers. Marines spent the remaining time drenched in sweat during physical conditioning, which weaved Marine Corps Martial-Arts Program (MCMAP) skills into multiple squad building exercises.

Physical training was the easy part—the instructor trainers stressed on pushing these Marines to learn control and be able to stay in the fight, said Ynfante, a Mathis, Texas native.

“The hardest part for the Marines is combat cohesion,” he said, when speaking on events that occurred in the ‘secret room’.

Not one of the Marines gave up after spending two hours expending all their energy as they fought to survive the combat cohesion events—an exclusive rite-of-passage which all instructors-to-be must experience.

Even though combat cohesion was tough, Reynoso said it was her favorite part and brought her squad closer together.

“Marines will take what they’ve learned in this course and be able to teach their Marines how to effectively use MCMAP as a weapon of last resort,” she said.

Gulf of Aden

Photos by Lance Cpl. Robert Medina

Staff Sgt. Bryan E. Campbell, from Melbourne, Ark. and UH-1Y crew chief with HMM-163 (Rein.) “Evil Eyes,” prepares an M2.50 caliber machine gun during flight operations in support of counter-piracy surveillance operations. Sgt. Anthony Petro, from Des Moines, Iowa, BLT 1/1, accompanied the crew during their operations. Air crews from HMM-163 (Rein.) patrol the open seas near the horn of Africa conducting counter-piracy surveillance for merchant shipping in the internationally recommended transit corridor in the Gulf of Aden.

Sgt. Alex J. Azcuenaga, from Boise, Idaho and UH-1Y aerial gunner with HMM-163 (Rein.) “Evil Eyes,” patrols the Gulf of Aden conducting counter-piracy surveillance for merchant shipping in the internationally recommended transit corridor.

13th MEU Participates in Eastern Maverick

Story by Staff Sgt. Matthew O. Holly

Photos by Staff Sgt. Matthew O. Holly / Lance Cpl. Jesse Leger

Elements of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), began conducting Exercise Eastern Maverick 2009, alongside Qatari military forces on March 28, a bilateral training exercise designed to build and improve cooperation between both military forces.

During the exercise, U.S. Marines and Sailors will work alongside the Qatari military for approximately two weeks, conducting a number of training exercises, to include small-unit vehicle training and live-fire exercises, as well as pilot training with the Qatari Air Force.

Lt. Col. Tye R. Wallace, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 1/1 assigned to the 13th MEU, said he looks forward to the operating with the Qatari military during the exercise.

“Exercises like this one provide important opportunities for us to work more closely together with our friends in the region, thereby helping to enhance understanding, security and stability throughout the Middle East,” he said. “Understanding and communication are vital to a strong friendship, and these exercises are an excellent opportunity for us to further develop both of these with our Qatari friends.”

The first day of the exercise consisted of several classes covering sniper training, grenade handling and the use of a Global Positioning System. Each subsequent day will build upon the skills learned from earlier days.

“They picked it up quickly,” said 1st Lt. Jesus S. Mendez, platoon commander with Combined Anti Armor Team 2, Weapons Company, BLT 1/1. “It was a good opportunity to work with the Qataris to see how our friends operate.”

The exercise also allows opportunities for athletic interaction and competition between the two nations. U.S. Marines and Sailors participated in a friendly game of volleyball on the first night of the exercise with several Qataris.

“It is good for integration and to get to know each other in one way or another,” said Maj. Adel Ali Al Saadi, a maintenance officer for the Qatar Maintenance Corps. “It’s a way to break down the barriers.”

“We should do this every time during exercises – it builds unity and friendship,” said Staff Sgt. Steve D. Oldham, 3rd platoon sergeant for Company B, BLT 1/1. “This helps strengthen relationships with our host nation, which is important.”

“I think it was a great game,” said Pfc. Abdul Rahman, a rocketman in the Qatari Amiri Land Forces. “This created a good team environment for the upcoming training between us and the Marines.”

The 13th MEU is embarked aboard Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG) ships deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to conduct Maritime Security Operations.

Marines and Sailors Volunteer at Children’s Center

NAVCENT PRESS RELEASE

Release # 054-09

By Staff Sgt. Matthew O. Holly

Marines and Sailors assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (BOXARG) spent the day playing with children from the Alia School for Early Intervention in Bahrain March, 24.

Approximately 15 Marines and Sailors from USS New Orleans (LPD 18) spent time socializing with special needs children, gardening and playing with children during gym class.

Staff Sgt. John J. Ankney, data chief for Battalion Landing Team 1/1 assigned to the 13th MEU, said that the selfless work being done at the school is very uplifting.

“I was really impressed with the program’s success in integrating the children with special needs into the primary education gym classes,” said Staff Sgt. John J. Ankney. “The teachers have an amazing talent connecting with the children.”

The center was set up in 2004 by the Bahrain Society for Children with Behavior and Communication Disorders and helps students with communication, social, emotional and physical development problems.

“I wanted to volunteer so I could give back,” said Ankney, a Mission Creek, Idaho native, explaining his reasons for volunteering. “More importantly, I wanted to make a difference.”

The Marines and Sailors also helped plant flowers with the children.

“It was nice to have the opportunity to sit down and garden with the kids,” said Hospital Corpsmen 3rd Class Eli Y. Hernandez, assigned to the 13th MEU’s Battalion Landing Team. “It gave us a chance to connect in a one-on-one environment. Spending time with these children was the bright point of my day!"

The 13th MEU is embarked aboard Boxer USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS Comstock (LSD 45) and USS New Orleans (LPD 18) ships deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to conduct Maritime Security Operations.

Photos of the Week

Photos by Lance Cpl. Megan Sindelar



Lance Cpl. Raymond L. Romo and Lance Cpl. Kristopher L. Funke, motor-transportation technitions, CLB-13, smile as they get some air while taking a break from work.


Sgt. Derrick S. Thompson II (left) Jump Master with 1st Radio Reconnaissance Platoon, , Lance Cpl. Joshua A. Krejci (center) rifleman with Company C, BLT 1/1, and Pfc. Jeffery B. Jackson Jr. (right) aviation electronic technition with HMM-163 (Rein.), pose after playing a game of 3-on-3 basketball.

Tae Kwon Do Instructor to United States Marine

Story by Lance Cpl. Megan Sindelar

Photos by Lance Cpl. Megan Sindelar/Lance Cpl. Jesse Leger

Kicking and punching his way to five international martial-arts championships, Justin now continues his training in the Marine Corps.

Lance Cpl. Justin T. Stewart has 13 years of training in Korean martial-arts and just about two years as a United States Marine.

Stewart, 20, was born in Augusta, Ga., but moved to Jackson, Miss. only two years later because his mother was a traveling nurse, whose contract bound them into moving often.

“I was always into Batman, Ninja-Turtles and of course the Power Rangers, so my parents thought [martial-arts] would be good for me,” said Stewart.

When Stewart turned five he went to his first martial-arts class.

“Little did I know then, that it would be a huge part in my life,” he said.

Tae Kwon Do is the martial-arts path he followed, which translated means, ‘the art of kicking and punching.’

In 2001, he moved to Meridian, Miss. where he found the International Tae Kwon Do Alliance (ITA).

He trained with the ITA and traveled to Houston, Texas where he became a certified martial-arts instructor.

Though he studied with multiple Tae Kwon Do federations as he moved around with his mother, his passion for martial-arts never faded. By the time he was 16, Stewart had already become a 2nd degree black-belt and traveled to Seoul, South Korea with one of his instructors to train with the World Tae Kwon Do Federation.

After returning from Seoul, his mother’s contract sent them to Riverside, Calif.
“I stayed in the ITA, I just trained with a different instructor because the organization has schools all over the country,” said Stewart.

He trained with that instructor for only six months before he was able to test for his 3rd degree black-belt.

At 17 years old and a senior in high school, his mother’s contract moved them to Rio Rancho, N.M. where, since there was no ITA school around, he trained with the Action International Martial-Arts Association until his early graduation in December 2006.

After graduating he moved to Corona, Calif. on his own to start teaching full-time at a studio where he used to train.

Working at the studio for almost a year, Stewart decided he wanted to see the world. After a few encouraging words from his brother who is in the Marine Corps, he decided to join the service as an infantryman. He now serves as part of Scout Sniper Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

“He is very good [at Tae Kwon Do] and gets as much support from his parents as he does from the platoon,” said Sgt. Jonathan F. Herrera, assistant team leader, Scout Sniper Platoon, BLT 1/1, 13th MEU.

“The Marine Corps has challenged me both mentally and physically which, in turn, has made me a better martial-artist,” said Stewart.

He spends his time working out on his own to refresh his techniques and also practices Tae Kwon Do by teaching the art to his peers.

“He has become a valuable addition to our platoon,” said Herrera. “He has shown us a few of the basic fundamentals of Tae Kwon Do, which we can mix in with MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program).”

Though Stewart is an asset to his platoon and the Marine Corps, he does not plan to make it a career.

“I will not reenlist because of the fact I’m a martial-artist at heart and miss it too much, but I will continue to better myself and my techniques in the Marine Corps until that time comes,” said Stewart.

Developed by his passion and heart, Stewart said his inspiration to succeed, in both Tae Kwon Do and the Marine Corps, comes from a famous Chuck Norris quote.

“There are no limits for the person who refuses to accept them.”

13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Conducts Exercise Sea Soldier

Story by Staff Sgt. Matthew Holly
Photos by Staff Sgt. Matthew Holly and Lance Cpl. Jesse Leger


Elements from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted bilateral training with regional partners, March 5-17, to strengthen relationships and improve interoperability.The exercise included military operations in urban terrain training, urban tactics, techniques and procedures training and tactical vehicle capabilities demonstrations.

“The exercise provided us with a valuable training opportunity and was our first exercise since arriving to the region,” said Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Pineda, platoon sergeant for the Combat Engineer platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th MEU. “We had the chance to hang out with, train and learn from our new friends during this exercise.”

In addition to bilateral training it was an opportunity for the 13th MEU to enhance their operating skills.The exercise not only consisted of military training, but presented an opportunity to test the interoperability between the regional civilian medical facility and the MEU’s casualty evacuation capabilities.

“It’s important to ensure we’re tied in with different civilian medical systems,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Reginald A. Demapelis, assigned to Headquarters and Support Company, BLT 1/1 and a Chula Vista, Calif. resident.

“I was very impressed with the knowledge they had and care they’re able to provide,” added Petty Officer 2nd Class Curtis L. Null, assigned to Headquarters and Support Company, BLT 1/1 and a Knoxville, Iowa native. “They kept me updated throughout the whole process - in the event of a real casualty I’m confident they would be able to provide appropriate care to our Marines and Sailors.”

During the training, there was plenty of time for Marines and their new friends to interact. Whether it was through conversation, food or fellowship they were constantly taking the time to get to know one another.

“A great deal of friendship has been built up very quickly between us and them,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Andres Velasco. “We share a mutual admiration and have gained a parallel trust between our regional partners.”

The 13th MEU is embarked aboard Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group ships deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to conduct Maritime Security Operations. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment and complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment to transport personnel and weapons or serve as a venue for attack.

Marines stepping it up with Corporal’s Course on the USS Boxer

Story and photos by Lance Cpl. Megan Sindelar


About 30 Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Boxer spent the last month learning and improving the skills needed to become more efficient noncommissioned officers during Corporal’s Course; receiving their diplomas March 11.

The course is a little over three weeks long and the Marines were able to learn and succeed in the development of their leadership skills, said Staff Sgt. Oscar S. Ornelas, Corporal’s Course guest speaker and platoon sergeant with Company C, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

“The instructors gave us the right information with the right instruction,” said Cpl. Robert L. Thatcher, honor-graduate of Corporal’s Course and squad leader with Company C, BLT 1/1, 13th MEU.

Marines received many classes over counseling, war gaming, hip-pocket training and leadership, just to name a few. They also practiced sword manual and trained in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program once to twice a week, with the last week training everyday, said Thatcher, a Huntington Beach, Calif. native.

Picking the guest speaker is something the students of Corporal’s Course enjoyed.

“We picked Staff Sgt. Ornelas because he made an impact,” said Thatcher.

Ornelas taught only one class, Marine Corps Customs and Courtesies, but the Marines took to his motivation and passion so well, they chose him as their guest speaker.

“I was very passionate and I meant everything I told them,” said Ornelas. “I motivated them and if something I say has an effect on an NCO and they learn something, that is great.”

The Marines, and now graduated members of Corporal’s Course, will be able to put their skills to use, said Thatcher.

Corporal’s Course gave these Marines the ability and knowledge needed to become first-class leaders; following and enforcing customs and courtesies of the traditional Marine Corps – the Marine Corps that has captured America’s hearts and minds for the past 233 years.

USS Boxer Becomes Flagship for CTF 151

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class T.S. Hall
Combined Task Force 151 Public Affairs

USS BOXER, At sea – USS Boxer (LHD 4), home ported in San Diego, Calif., assumed the role as flagship for Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151), March 8, after arriving in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations as part of a regularly-scheduled deployment.

Established in early January, CTF 151’s mandate is to deter and disrupt piracy in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea and currently includes naval forces from the U.S., UK, Denmark and Turkey.

“We’ve had a great deal of success in deterring piracy to this point,” said Rear Adm. Terence McKnight, commander, CTF 151. “We’ve conducted counter-piracy operations on the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio, two guided-missile cruisers, USS Vella Gulf and USS Monterey and now we’re going to continue our mission on Boxer, which continues our line of extremely flexible platforms. Boxer has a lot to offer in the fight against piracy.”

McKnight said that CTF151 has coordinated with many nations to help thwart piracy in the region.

“Piracy isn’t a problem that affects one or two nations,” he said. “It’s a problem that affects the whole world and the free flow of commerce in the world’s waterways. Piracy requires an international solution.”

Capt. Mark Cedrun, Boxer’s commanding officer, said amphibious assault ship provides an exceptional and diverse array of options to commanders in tracking, identifying and deterring piracy at sea.

“We bring unique and very effective tools to the theatre to accomplish any mission or assignment,” he said. “Whether it’s humanitarian assistance or counter-piracy operations, we’re ready.”

Boxer’s embarked units include the Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 Detachment 3, Naval Beach Group (NBG) 1, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, ACU 1, Beach Master Unit (BMU) 1, Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 5 and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

The 13th MEU is comprised of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 163 (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 13 and Battalion Landing Team 1/1.


Links to external articles:

THE TENSION - http://thetension.blogspot.com/

http://www.military.com/news/article/navy-news/uss-boxer-becomes-flagship-for-ctf-151.html?col=1186032311124

http://www.eaglespeak.us/2009/03/somali-pirates-uss-boxer-now-ctf-151.html

Super Stallion detachment leaves 13th MEU for Iraq

Story and photos by Lance Cpl. Megan Sindelar

USS BOXER, At sea (March 3, 2009) – The CH-53E detachment of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced), with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit left for Al Asad, Iraq March 3 to aid in missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in response to a request from United States Central Command to augment air forces in the region.

Once attached to Marine Aircraft Group 26 of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) at Al Asad Airbase, the detachment will be used for heavy lifting missions, moving combat gear, escorting foreign officials and moving the quick reaction force, in addition to other operations as needed.

“This is bittersweet. Bitter because we fight with them and we don’t want to give them up, but sweet because for those Marines to actually get in a combat theater, is an honor,” said Sgt. Maj. Enrique X. Hines, sergeant major of the 13th MEU.

OIF is a dynamic environment; the situation is constantly changing and will be a good learning and positive experience for every Marine in the detachment, said Maj. Timothy A. Sheyda, Operations Officer for HMM-163 (Rein) and CH-53E detachment officer in charge.

“The Marines in the MEU are envious but full of pride for those Marines to be the first out,” said Hines.

Sgt. Elizabeth L. Wigger, the HMM-163 (Rein.) Intelligence Chief, said that she is sad but jealous to see them go, and wishes she could accompany her friends on their mission.

“They are going to go out there and do great things,” said Wigger.

The detachment will be working 12-14 hour shifts per day, seven days a week while they are in Al Asad, but everyone is confident and excited to employ the training they have received, said Sheyda.

As they left on March 3, the powerful Super Stallions flew past the ship and over onlookers on the flight deck in a side-by-side formation, filling the USS Boxer with their thunderous rotor sounds as the detachment’s ‘farewell fly-by’.

In the meantime, the13th MEU continues current operations in US Central Command in support of regional security and stability, and looks forward to the CH-53E detachment’s return.