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thedrifter
05-28-03, 03:26 PM
Article ran : 05/28/2003
Community hails a job well done
DAILY NEWS STAFF
"Our flag's unfurled to every breeze

From dawn to setting sun;

We've fought in every clime and place

Where we could take a gun;

In the snows of far off northern lands

And in sunny tropic scenes;

You will find us always on the job

The United States Marines."

- Second verse of The Marines' Hymn


Camp Lejeune's 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit made its final landing this week bringing to a close an odyssey that began nearly a year ago and completing one of the most comprehensive and lengthy deployments in modern military times.

The MEU's 2,300 Marines and sailors officially deployed in August, 2002. Of course, as the personnel and families know all too well, the months leading up to departure are often just as hectic as the actual deployment itself. Troops undergo months of work, preparation and exercises before the naval vessels sail over the horizon.

And in the case of the 24th, the pace only picked up after it departed from Camp Lejeune. It is a testament to the leadership, training and quality of Marines and sailors that they are returning with all personnel after such an active deployment.

Starting with operations ashore in a wintry Kosovo, the 24th MEU moved on to conduct exercises in Djibouti and Kenya. During this nine-month deployment the 24th MEU utilized virtually every capability in its arsenal from peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance to combat/support operations in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Throughout its deployment the 24th MEU - comprised of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, HMM-263, and MEU Service Support Group 24 - displayed its expertise and professionalism in joint and combined operations. Flying the colors of the New York City Port Authority police, the 24th MEU, not to mention its families back home exceeded all expectations and demands. The 24th MEU executed missions with the competence and enthusiasm most Americans have come to expect from their superbly trained Marines and sailors.

Maintaining such a high state of readiness requires long hours of planning and practice and involves everyone from the MEU commanding officer to the most junior Marine. To sustain this level of effort for nearly a year is an arduous task and highlights the dedication and professionalism of the 24th MEU and its supporting organizations - consummate professionals all.

It is also important to understand that the organizations that deploy from military bases today are full of young Marines and sailors affectionately referred to as "strategic corporals." It's a nickname that says at any given moment, the entire foreign policy of the United States, indeed, the outcome of a war could come to rest on the training, skill, character and judgment of a young Marine or sailor calling the shots at a critical moment.

It is the effort required to make sure every man or woman in the organization is prepared and capable of performing that task that makes this deployment so remarkable.

Today, as the 24th MEU's troops settle in at home they should know that this community is very proud of how they have performed on the world stage.

To the Marines, sailors and their families: Job well done and thank you.


Sempers,

Roger