22d MEU completes second at-sea training exercise

[thedrifter]

22d MEU completes second at-sea training exercise
Submitted by: 22nd MEU
Story Identification Number: 2003102054053
Story by Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Miks



ABOARD THE USS WASP (Oct. 16, 2003) -- The 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) has taken another step toward deployment with the wrap-up of its Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON)/MEU Integration Training (PMINT), the unit's second at-sea training evolution.

During the eight-day training evolution, the 22d MEU Command Element and its major subordinate elements embarked aboard the amphibious assault ships WASP, SHREVEPORT, and WHIDBEY ISLAND, the three ships the MEU will deploy aboard early next year.

The primary purpose of PMINT is to help foster a working relationship between the Navy and the embarked Marines of the MEU Command Element, Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 6th Marines, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 (Reinforced), and MEU Service Support Group 22. Normally during this period, issues relating to communications, berthing, and shipboard rules and regulations are resolved, and the Marines are introduced to shipboard life.

However, in September, the MEU embarked aboard the ships for Type Commander's Amphibious Training (TCAT) that helped iron out many of these basic issues. This way the MEU was able to use PMINT to practice introducing forces ashore for a variety of operational scenarios.

Highlights of PMINT included HMM-266 (Rein) continuing the certification of its pilots for shipboard flight operations, a fire support exercise including Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS), the establishment of a humanitarian assistance camp ashore by MSSG-22, and raids involving the boat, mechanized, and helicopter-borne companies from BLT 1/6.

"We're further along in training than most other MEUs at this point," said Col. Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., 22d MEU Commanding Officer. "Eventually, no one will be standing between us and the bad guys, and the training we do now will bring us home alive."

When the 22d MEU deploys early next year, it will do so as part of the WASP Expeditionary Strike Group/22d MEU, a unit that combines the three amphibious assault ships on which the MEU will embark with several other Navy combatant ships including two cruisers, a destroyer, and an attack submarine.

For more information on the mission, organization, and status of the 22d MEU, visit the unit's web site at www.22meu.usmc.mil.



An AV-8B Harrier II from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 (Reinforced), the aviation combat element of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, lands aboard the USS WASP during the unit's recent PHIBRON/MEU Integration Training.
Photo by: Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks

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


Sempers,

Roger