thedrifter
08-24-04, 06:10 AM
Suez Canal passage marks first milestone of 22nd MEU's journey home
Submitted by: 22nd MEU
Story Identification #: 20048234213
Story by - 22nd MEU (SOC) Public Affairs
ABOARD THE USS WASP IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Aug. 23, 2004) -- Five months after threading its way through the Suez Canal into the Central Command area of operations, the WASP Expeditionary Strike Group and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) has once again passed through the narrow waterway.
The passage through the Suez Canal, or 'ditch' as its informally known, is the first major milestone on the Marines and Sailors' voyage home. Operationally, it marks the end of the MEU's duties in the Central Command, which includes the Middle East, Horn of Africa, and portions of south Asia, including Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Their passage into the European Command theater has had several tangible impacts on the 22nd MEU (SOC). The scorching sun that has baked the unit since late March has given way to cool Mediterranean breezes, and the tri-color desert uniforms are now tucked away in lieu of green woodland or digital camouflage utilities.
The change is a welcome one for the Marines, as it indicates that they are one step closer to home.
"Everyone's happy to be in green cammies," said Sgt. Brian Kettler, of Waterloo, Ill., an expeditionary air field technician with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 (Reinforced). "We know there's less than a month to go."
For those who have done more than one deployment, the sight of the Suez Canal in the rear view mirror continues to be a motivating sight.
"I've done this four times," sad Cpl. Antuane Walker, a heavy equipment operator with MEU Service Support Group 22 from Walterboro, S.C. "I love this sight. It means I'm going home."
The 22nd MEU (SOC) and ESG-2 will continue to steam home west through the Mediterranean toward proposed port visits, and then the final leg of their journey home across the Atlantic.
While the Marines and Sailors of the MEU eagerly look forward to their expected homecomings, the reality of our nation being at war is at the forefront of their minds.
"Just as suddenly and unexpectedly as terrorists attacked on 9-11, another attack by our enemies could radically alter any or all of our plans to return the United States," said Col. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., the MEU's commanding officer.
The 22nd MEU (SOC) is expected to return home in mid-September.
In addition to HMM-266 and MSSG-22, the 22nd MEU (SOC) consists of its Command Element and Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marines.
For more information on the 22nd MEU (SOC), visit the unit's web site at http://www.22meu.usmc.mil.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20048234364/$file/Leaving_CentCom_Low.jpg
Marines and Sailors aboard the USS WASP (LHD-1) congregate on the front of the ship to catch their first glipse of the Mediterranean Sea as they exit the Suez Canal, thus leaving the Central Command theater and entering the European Command area of operations. The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) and ships of the WASP Expeditionary Strike Group spent nearly 160 days in CentCom supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Photo by: Cpl. Robert A. Sturkie
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/93F461005B089C6885256EF9002DDF61?opendocument
Ellie
Submitted by: 22nd MEU
Story Identification #: 20048234213
Story by - 22nd MEU (SOC) Public Affairs
ABOARD THE USS WASP IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Aug. 23, 2004) -- Five months after threading its way through the Suez Canal into the Central Command area of operations, the WASP Expeditionary Strike Group and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) has once again passed through the narrow waterway.
The passage through the Suez Canal, or 'ditch' as its informally known, is the first major milestone on the Marines and Sailors' voyage home. Operationally, it marks the end of the MEU's duties in the Central Command, which includes the Middle East, Horn of Africa, and portions of south Asia, including Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Their passage into the European Command theater has had several tangible impacts on the 22nd MEU (SOC). The scorching sun that has baked the unit since late March has given way to cool Mediterranean breezes, and the tri-color desert uniforms are now tucked away in lieu of green woodland or digital camouflage utilities.
The change is a welcome one for the Marines, as it indicates that they are one step closer to home.
"Everyone's happy to be in green cammies," said Sgt. Brian Kettler, of Waterloo, Ill., an expeditionary air field technician with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 (Reinforced). "We know there's less than a month to go."
For those who have done more than one deployment, the sight of the Suez Canal in the rear view mirror continues to be a motivating sight.
"I've done this four times," sad Cpl. Antuane Walker, a heavy equipment operator with MEU Service Support Group 22 from Walterboro, S.C. "I love this sight. It means I'm going home."
The 22nd MEU (SOC) and ESG-2 will continue to steam home west through the Mediterranean toward proposed port visits, and then the final leg of their journey home across the Atlantic.
While the Marines and Sailors of the MEU eagerly look forward to their expected homecomings, the reality of our nation being at war is at the forefront of their minds.
"Just as suddenly and unexpectedly as terrorists attacked on 9-11, another attack by our enemies could radically alter any or all of our plans to return the United States," said Col. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., the MEU's commanding officer.
The 22nd MEU (SOC) is expected to return home in mid-September.
In addition to HMM-266 and MSSG-22, the 22nd MEU (SOC) consists of its Command Element and Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marines.
For more information on the 22nd MEU (SOC), visit the unit's web site at http://www.22meu.usmc.mil.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20048234364/$file/Leaving_CentCom_Low.jpg
Marines and Sailors aboard the USS WASP (LHD-1) congregate on the front of the ship to catch their first glipse of the Mediterranean Sea as they exit the Suez Canal, thus leaving the Central Command theater and entering the European Command area of operations. The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) and ships of the WASP Expeditionary Strike Group spent nearly 160 days in CentCom supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Photo by: Cpl. Robert A. Sturkie
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/93F461005B089C6885256EF9002DDF61?opendocument
Ellie