By Lt.j.g. Jennifer Womble, Expeditionary Strike Group 5 Public Affairs
Arabian Gulf (NNS) -- The exercise was a culmination of the training conducted during the weeklong exercise which included host nation Marines training alongside the aviation combat element, ground combat element and logistics combat element of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris, commander ESG-5 commended the interoperability demonstrated during the exercise.
"The impressive skills exhibited by the host nation Marines ensured the success of this exercise," said Harris. "The relationships we are able to form during this annual exercise are invaluable, and we look forward to future training with them."
Harris also observed the Fleet Shock Trauma Platoon of Combat Logistics Battalion 11, the logistics combat element of the 11th MEU, instructing host nation Marines on basic lifesaving techniques. The surgical team is the first with shock trauma capability to be deployed with a MEU, and consists of two emergency medical physicians, a physician's assistant, a critical care nurse and about 20 corpsmen.
"There is a period known as the golden hour, which is the first 60 minutes following an injury for the medical team to stabilize the victim. That is where we excel by providing advanced care during the first moments following battlefield injuries. Once the patient is stabilized we are able to transport them to a full care hospital where they receive further treatment," said Lt. Brian Downing, emergency response doctor with the Shock Trauma Platoon.
The Marines and Sailors, part of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, came ashore from amphibious transport dock USS Cleveland (LPD 7) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), which departed San Diego Sept. 18, on a deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East.
