thedrifter
02-06-06, 06:18 PM
24th MEU underway in ESGINT exercise
24th MEU
Story by Lance Cpl. Jeffrey A. Cosola
USS IWO JIMA (Feb. 6, 2006) -- Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit set sail from Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Feb. 6, signaling the beginning of Expeditionary Strike Group/MEU Integration Training off the coast of North Carolina.
The ESGINT marks the final evolution of individual and collective training in the 24th MEU work-up cycle and provides tenet units the opportunity to develop and refine integrated planning and coordination in support of contingency operations.
For many of the Marines and Sailors the trip to sea was among their first and offered a chance to train in a real time environment, said Cpl. Nicholas A. Cox, 24th MEU Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, nuclear, biological, chemical specialist and native of Erlanger, Ky.
“It’s good to get away from the base and work some hands-on training,” said Cox. Sometimes it’s hard to find time to get certain things done back at base and this exercise allows us the time to work. For an NBC specialist, this allows us to get some enhanced training we couldn’t normally do.”
“Getting underway with the exercise shows our progression in the training cycle,” added Cpl. Aldo A. Castaneda, also with BLT, 1/8 and an NBC specialist from Ft. Worth, Texas. “We’re finally doing what we’ve been talking about, getting out and working.”
The ESGINT will feature aviation qualification, shipboard driver training, rapid response planning process exercises or integrated “raids” to offload personnel and shipboard familiarization for all MEU personnel.
“I’m excited to get out on this exercise,” said Lance Cpl. Bradlee T. Smith, BLT 1/8 ammunition technician from Nazareth, Pa. “This is one of the last exercises and we get to see the MEU come together. Who else gets a chance to see the cool stuff we get to see?”
The 24th MEU is set to participate in their premier training event later this month, a two-week Training in an Urban Environment exercise or TRUEX in Hampton Roads, Va. The Marines and Sailors began their pre-deployment training Nov. 30.
“It’s better to feel like the deployments on the way,” said Lance Cpl. Christopher M. Oakley, BLT 1/8 embarkation logistics specialist from Archbald, Pa. “The ESGINT gives me a chance to get some more hands-on training, especially with the larger movements. We’re all excited to get started – everything’s going to start to happen.”
The 24th MEU is composed of its Command Element, Ground Combat Element - Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Aviation Combat Element - Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365 (Reinforced), and Combat Service Support Element - MEU Service Support Group 24.
The 24th MEU is scheduled to deploy this spring to the European and Central Command theaters of operations.
24th MEU
Story by Lance Cpl. Jeffrey A. Cosola
USS IWO JIMA (Feb. 6, 2006) -- Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit set sail from Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Feb. 6, signaling the beginning of Expeditionary Strike Group/MEU Integration Training off the coast of North Carolina.
The ESGINT marks the final evolution of individual and collective training in the 24th MEU work-up cycle and provides tenet units the opportunity to develop and refine integrated planning and coordination in support of contingency operations.
For many of the Marines and Sailors the trip to sea was among their first and offered a chance to train in a real time environment, said Cpl. Nicholas A. Cox, 24th MEU Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, nuclear, biological, chemical specialist and native of Erlanger, Ky.
“It’s good to get away from the base and work some hands-on training,” said Cox. Sometimes it’s hard to find time to get certain things done back at base and this exercise allows us the time to work. For an NBC specialist, this allows us to get some enhanced training we couldn’t normally do.”
“Getting underway with the exercise shows our progression in the training cycle,” added Cpl. Aldo A. Castaneda, also with BLT, 1/8 and an NBC specialist from Ft. Worth, Texas. “We’re finally doing what we’ve been talking about, getting out and working.”
The ESGINT will feature aviation qualification, shipboard driver training, rapid response planning process exercises or integrated “raids” to offload personnel and shipboard familiarization for all MEU personnel.
“I’m excited to get out on this exercise,” said Lance Cpl. Bradlee T. Smith, BLT 1/8 ammunition technician from Nazareth, Pa. “This is one of the last exercises and we get to see the MEU come together. Who else gets a chance to see the cool stuff we get to see?”
The 24th MEU is set to participate in their premier training event later this month, a two-week Training in an Urban Environment exercise or TRUEX in Hampton Roads, Va. The Marines and Sailors began their pre-deployment training Nov. 30.
“It’s better to feel like the deployments on the way,” said Lance Cpl. Christopher M. Oakley, BLT 1/8 embarkation logistics specialist from Archbald, Pa. “The ESGINT gives me a chance to get some more hands-on training, especially with the larger movements. We’re all excited to get started – everything’s going to start to happen.”
The 24th MEU is composed of its Command Element, Ground Combat Element - Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Aviation Combat Element - Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365 (Reinforced), and Combat Service Support Element - MEU Service Support Group 24.
The 24th MEU is scheduled to deploy this spring to the European and Central Command theaters of operations.