New guard for the Marine Corps
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June 12, 2009 - 11:21 AM
By Ken Buday
Havelock News

It's a new guard, literally, in the Marine Corps.

The first aircraft wing military police company in the Marine Corps was activated Friday at Cherry Point.

The unit, part of Marine Wing Support Group 27, includes Marines from bases at Cherry Point, New River and Beaufort, S.C.

"It's a great day," Col. Stephen F. Kirkpatrick, commanding officer of MWSG-27 told those gathered for the formal activation ceremony. "We finally have military police back in operation where they belong, forward on the battlefield."

Marines in the unit will have an expanded role, not only to carry out criminal investigations and control law and order, but also to handle convoy security and security of detainees and detention facilities while deployed to such places as Iraq and Afghanistan.

The four platoons in the company spread out over the three bases will be able to deploy as a support units from their bases and complete missions that will free up other wing Marines who have not had as extensive training in security matters.

"We have extra skills that we can bring to the battlefield," said Capt. Timothy D. Anderlonis, the company's commanding officer.

He told the Marines during the ceremony how honored he was to be in command of the company.

"You have all the skills. You have all the tools," he said. "You all have diverse backgrounds and will bring certain skill sets to the battlefield."

First Sgt. Wilbur Amaker said the 200 or so Marines that make up the company have gone through extensive military training as well as police training with state and federal law enforcement.

He said the company's role would be diverse and could include everything from personal security details and aircraft security to special operations similar to how civilian SWAT teams operate.

"We amount to the infantry, the ground side of the wing," he said.

Sharp salutes and the exchange of the company flag were part of Friday's ceremony. Afterward, the company's Marines and their families participated in a fun day that included drinks, food and games for the children.

As members of the first of what will eventually be nine military police companies in the Corps, the Marines are just getting started on a new journey.

"We're still at the crawling phase," Anderlonis said. "But, we're going to get walking and running."

Ellie