Reconnaissance Marines Test New Boat Engines

[thedrifter]

Reconnaissance Marines Test New Boat Engines

13th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Story by Lance Cpl. Robert C. Medina
Date: 05.06.2009
Posted: 05.06.2009 06:37

USS BOXER, Indian Ocean – Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft operations were conducted today by Marines with Reconnaissance and Surveillance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard USS Boxer to test the reliability of new boat engines.

The goal of the day was to fully submerge new test engines and get them to start.

"We have new multi-fuel experimental engines from Marine Corps Systems Command," said Staff Sgt. Scott R. Young, platoon sergeant with Recon. "We were having problems with dropping them in the water and getting them to start."

The Marines successfully launched the vessels into the water by means of a helo-cast, pushing their boats out of the back of a CH-46E helicopter and jumping in after them.

Young, from San Diego, said the platoon was anxious for the opportunity to test their new engines and are always ready to get off ship for any training they can get.

In addition to testing the engines, the Marines also practiced high-speed cast and recovery from small craft, confined space maneuvering, linking up and breaking away, as well as landing drills on the back of the landing gate of the Boxer.

These skills are just a few of which Recon Marines are capable of performing.

"The reconnaissance battalions have a long mission essential task list; it encompasses operations from amphibious to ground to airborne missions," said Capt. David Van Dam, officer in charge of Recon platoon.

In order to uphold levels of proficiency in their unique skill sets, continuous training evolutions in the water and on land are vital to success.

"Being on the ship for an extended period of time makes it really difficult for us to train to the standards that are expected of us," said Van Dam. "So anytime we have an opportunity to train, we jump on it."

Ellie