Marine Unit Prepares for Persian Gulf

[thedrifter]

Mar 1, 8:17 AM EST

Marine Unit Prepares for Persian Gulf




WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Marine Corps combat unit which saw action in Afghanistan and recently trained to counter biological and chemical attacks will leave Tuesday for the Persian Gulf, the military announced Friday.

The 2,300 members of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., are being sent to the region as part of the Amphibious Ready Group formed around the USS Iwo Jima. All told, the ready group has more than 4,000 sailors and Marines.

The expeditionary unit is trained for quick strike missions and includes a reinforced infantry battalion and a helicopter battalion. Its troops are trained to move quickly from their ships at sea to forward combat areas on land.

The 26th MEU will join a similar unit, the 24th MEU, which is already in the Persian Gulf. That second expeditionary unit had been scheduled to return to the United States this month but has been held in the Persian Gulf for six weeks as the U.S. troop buildup for a possible war with Iraq continues.


Sempers,

Roger