1/3 strikes from the sea with 31st MEU
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 200471502846
Story by Lance Cpl. Joel Abshier



CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan — (July 13, 2004) -- More than 1,000 Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, arrived Okinawa for a six-month Unit Deployment Program tour as the battalion landing team for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The infantrymen will be joined by artillerymen, amphibious assault and light armored vehicles to serve as the ground combat element for the 31st MEU.

“The Marines and sailors are expected not only to train hard, but also to be ready to form a combat-ready cohesive warfighting team as a part of the 31st MEU,” said Lt. Col. Michael R. Ramos, commanding officer.

The Marines and sailors of BLT 1/3 were on Okinawa from April to Nov. 2003, as part of a previous UDP tour where they participated in exercises throughout Asia. From training at the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Camp Gonsalves to training in the blistering terrain at Mount Fuji, the Marines and sailors of BLT 1/3 are preparing themselves for combat, Ramos explained.

“Our great nation is at war and has been since Sept. 11, 2001,” Ramos said. “This war has placed great demand on Marines and sailors, and this battalion landing team is well prepared to fulfill any duty given to us.”

Within a week of being on Okinawa, the unit has not taken a break from training. Going through the gas chamber and achieving their battle sight zeros on Camp Schwab’s rifle range, the servicemembers are aggressively training, said Maj. Adin M. Pfeuffer, operations officer.

“If BLT 1/3 goes to a combat zone, I will feel comfortable because of the training and the Marines in my unit,” said Lance Cpl. Kentrell J. Allen, bulk fuel specialist. “I trust the men next to me, which makes us a family.”

Ramos said his Marines and sailors want to do their part for their country.

“They have been preparing themselves for a long time to reach this moment in achieving combat readiness,” Ramos said. “BLT 1/3 did not come here to go the Post Exchange, the base theater, to enter ourselves into a softball tournament, or to eat yakisoba. We came here because Okinawa is on the way to Iraq.”



CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, Japan – Lance Cpl. Scott M. Gajeski stands alert with his M249 Squad Automatic Weapon here July 13. His battalion, based out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, arrived Okinawa for a six-month Unit Deployment Program tour as the battalion landing team for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Gajeski is a supply administration and operations clerk for 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Joel Abshier

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...8?opendocument


Ellie