thedrifter
01-06-07, 08:13 AM
26th Marine Expeditionary Unit Sets Sail On Unknown Mission
Posted: 7:59 PM Jan 5, 2007
Last Updated: 9:04 PM Jan 5, 2007
Imagine being told you are boarding a ship, sailing out into the open sea, all while having no idea where you're headed. That's the reality for over 2000 Marines and Sailors from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit at Camp Lejeune. The shipped out Friday. Their destination and mission are not clear yet, but officials say they could end up in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa. The Marines and Sailors have no idea what they'll be doing either during their six month deployment, but insist their morale is high and are ready for combat. They are scheduled to return to Camp Lejeune in six months.
Ellie
thedrifter
01-06-07, 08:58 AM
Fog shrouds 26th MEU trip
January 06,2007
JOE MILLER
The skies over Riseley Pier at Camp Lejeune were thick with fog Friday morning, making it hard to see in the distance.
When fog is that thick, it’s often hard to know what to expect. For the members of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, it’s hard to know exactly where their travels will take them.
About 2,200 Marines and sailors from the unit began leaving Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station this week on the normally scheduled six-month MEU deployment cycle. An advance party left Lejeune on Wednesday, and more left Thursday and Friday.
Where they’ll eventually wind up is anybody’s guess.
The unit will take over responsibility as the nation’s ready reserve force within the European and Central Commands areas of responsibility.
The unit may be sent to Iraq, Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa, unit leaders say. They are replacing their fellow Marines in the 24th MEU who returned in December after a number of assignments, which included evacuating Americans from Beirut.
Two years ago, the MEU served in Iraq and other countries. This is the second MEU deployment for Sgt. Randy Jewett.
“Every deployment is different,” he said. “I’m hoping it will be easier.”
Large hovercraft called landing craft air cushion, or LCACs, towered high over the beach carrying men and machines out to the ships several miles off the coast.
The Marines waited patiently in their trucks as they pondered what the next six months would bring.
“The Marines are ready to go,” said Chief Warrant Officer Todd McAllister, an 18-year Marine veteran from Oregon. “We want to get it over so we can get back home to the families.”
McAllister is leaving a wife and five children behind to serve America. He’s been deployed two other times to Iraq, but he said serving is a privilege.
“A lot of people take for granted what they have,” he said. “Once they go to other countries, they realize how good they have it.”
The unit is made up of a command element, a ground combat element called the Battalion Landing Team 2/2, an aviation combat element called Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-264 Reinforced and a combat logistics element called the Combat Logistics Battalion-26.
The unit is utilizing the USS Bataan, Shreveport, Oak Hill, Nitze, Vella Gulf, Underwood and Scranton.
Despite the execution of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein one week ago, Marines remain committed in their efforts to defend the homeland and maintain order.
“There’s still a mission out there,” said Capt. Will Klumpp, a MEU spokesman. “I would venture to say a lot of people share my sentiment.”
Lance Cpl. David Cloutier, 22, said serving in the military is a good learning experience.
“It will make you grow up real fast,” he said.
Contact staff writer Joe Miller at jmiller@freedomenc.com or at 353-1171, ext. 236
Ellie