PHIBRON/MEU Integration Training Underway

 

U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment (BLT 1/6), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU)and Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) simulate launching a heavy package aviation raid with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 (Reinforced). The 22nd MEU and Amphibious Squadron Six (PHIBRON-6) are underway for PHIBRON/MEU Integration Training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan G. Coleman/Released)

Bataan ARG Begins Composite Training Unit Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gary Prill

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors from the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and Marines from 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed Naval Station Norfolk for a two-week underway in order to complete Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the East Coast of the United States.

COMPTUEX affords the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group the ability to interact with other ships including the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group and smaller ships like the guided-missile destroyers USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), USS Truxtun (DDG 103) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), among others.

During the exercise each ship will be assessed on command and control techniques, situational response, and a series of scenario-driven exercises including anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare and maritime interdiction operations aimed at integrating the ships with the rest of the strike group.

Each scenario tests a different aspect of each ship's ability to face the possible challenges the strike group and the support ships might face while operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet area of responsibilities. Sailors will be testing nearly every action involved in the normal operation of a Navy vessel at sea, to include intelligence collections and response, visit board search and seizure, along with air and surface defense.

This exercise will test nearly every Sailor aboard the ship in one method or another. And testing will be the last step to fully certify and prepare Bataan for its upcoming deployment scheduled for early 2014.

"These exercises are extremely important for our Sailors and the ship while preparing for deployment; we need to knock this out of the park," said Bataan Command Master Chief Kevin M. Goodrich. "The evolutions we will see during the exercise are the same scenarios currently deployed ships are seeing in their normal operations. "

This exercise is scheduled as the last underway for Bataan's Amphibious Ready Group prior to her deployment and the last opportunity for the ships in her group to interact in a training environment prior to be tested by actual foreign interactions throughout the world.

Bataan Sailors, 22nd MEU Marines Begin Preparations for Upcoming Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicholas Frank Cottone

NORFOLK (NNS) -- More than 1,300 Marines of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and almost 1,000 Sailors from USS Bataan (LHD 5) departed Norfolk Sept. 20, 2013 to begin PHIBRON-MEU Integration (PMINT) off the coast of eastern North Carolina.

The PMINT exercise allowed the Sailors and Marines to work with each other to begin forming a "blue-green" team in preparation for the Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group to deploy in early 2014.

"PMINT allows Sailors and Marines to demonstrate the high level of versatility the Navy and Marine Corps team generates within our amphibious fleet" said Bataan's Commanding Officer, Capt. George Vassilakis.

PMINT began during the week of Sept. 16-20 when more than 1,000 Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) began moving equipment aboard Bataan in Norfolk in preparation for the first underway period in a series of exercises. Bataan's Combat Cargo department supervised the movement dozens of cargo boxes from the pier to the hangar bay to support the Marines land, sea and air operations.

"This is our first chance to work aboard ship with the Navy," said Maj. Steve Gaugler, 22nd MEU future operations officer and native of Allentown, Pa. "We're learning a lot of basic shipboard operations, to include loading the ship, living aboard the ship and conducting flight operations on the ship."

The 22nd MEU consists of land, sea and air operations that allow Bataan to conduct amphibious operations and project power ashore. Even though seasoned veterans comprise most of the MEU, for many of the Marines it is their first time to be on a ship and live in such close quarters.

"It's really not that bad, you just have to stay busy," said Lance Cpl. Jonathan Stapley, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (Reinforced) 263, 22nd MEU, ground support equipment mechanic and native of Carey, Ohio. "They're tight quarters, but it could be worse. Working on the equipment is a little more hectic now, with all the rocking. That takes some getting used to."

The exercise also allowed Bataan and its crew an opportunity to remain proficient in flight operations, well deck operations, ballasting, and numerous deck operations to ensure Bataan's success.

"I've been impressed these past last two weeks watching our blue-green team come together," said Vassilakis. "These Sailors and Marines prove everyday they represent our nations' finest. I look forward to continuing through our workups and ultimately, our upcoming deployment."

Bataan and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Groups Turnover Duties

USS BATAAN, Gulf of Aden (NNS) -- Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Group (MEU) were relieved of their duties in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) by the Makin Island ARG and the 11th MEU, Jan. 6.

The Bataan ARG deployed March 23, 2011 and since then has conducted maritime security operations, theater security cooperation actions, and joint military exercises with regional partners in both 5th and 6th fleet AORs.

"I am extremely proud of these outstanding Sailors and Marines and their dedication to mission and sustained support during these past several months," said Capt. Steve Yoder, commander, COMPHIBRON Six. "Regardless of the task assigned, they performed all duties with great professionalism, pride, and integrity."

Following the turnover, Bataan ARG will depart the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR and return to their respective homeports of Norfolk and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story, Va.

"This has been an epic deployment," said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric Steidl, commanding officer, 22nd MEU. "Not just in terms of duration, but for flexibility and adaptability the amphibious forces provide the combatant commander."

"The Sailors and embarked Marines of USS Bataan have worked hard during this deployment, which will be ten-and-a-half months long by the time we get home," said Capt. Erik M. Ross, commanding officer, USS Bataan. "After such a long and challenging at-sea period, it's good to know we're getting relieved by the exceptional Sailors, Marines and ships of the Makin Island ARG and 11th MEU."

This is the maiden deployment for USS Makin Island (LHD 8), the Navy's newest amphibious assault ship and the only U.S. Navy ship with a hybrid electric propulsion system.

"Since departing San Diego, our Navy and Marine Corps team in the Makin Island ARG has been executing a critical role in facilitating international maritime security cooperation," said Capt. Humberto L. Quintanilla II, PHIBRON 5 commander. "We have completed multiple ground centric theater security cooperation exercises from the sea with our regional partners in Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore prior to arriving in the 5th Fleet."

Embarked on the Makin Island ARG, the 11th Marine Expeditionary Units major subordinate elements consist of Battalion Landing Team 3/1, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion 11.

"We take the guideon from the Bataan ARG and 22nd MEU, ready to assume the watch as a forward deployed Marine air-ground task force," said Col. Michael Hudson, 11th MEU's commanding officer. "We wish our friends fair winds and following seas as they head home after a very successful deployment.

The Bataan ARG includes PHIBRON 6, with detachments from Naval Beach Group Two (CNBG) 2, Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 21, Fleet Surgical Team Six (FST) 8, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 det 2, Beach Master Unit (BMU) 2, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2 and ACU 4. ARG ships include the Norfolk-based Bataan, amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), and dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story, Va.

The 22nd MEU is a Marine Air Ground Task Force comprised of the Command Element, Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, and Combat Logistics Battalion 22.

The Makin Island ARG includes PHIBRON 5, with detachments from TACRON 11, FST 5, HSC 23, BMU 1, ACU 1 and ACU 5. ARG ships include San Diego-based amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52).

The 11th MEU is a Marine Air Ground Task Force comprised of the Command Element, Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 11.

Marines Embark on Haiti Response Mission

Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) prepare to depart the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) after completing a seven-month deployment with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelvin Edwards/Released)

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- About 2,000 North Carolina-based Marines are making final preparations Jan. 15 to embark to earthquake-ravaged Haiti Jan. 16 to provide disaster-relief efforts.

The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) will bring a multi-mission capability to Haiti to provide disaster relief and, if necessary, security assistance, a spokesman for the unit said during a telephone news conference Jan. 15 from Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The Marines expect to provide direct support for the ongoing relief efforts there, although they haven't been given a specific mission yet. But they're well prepared for any number of challenges, said Marine Corps Capt. Clark Carpenter.

"We foresee this mission as however our assets can best be applied to the situation," said Carpenter. "We will be able to support any number of things that will be asked of us. I think the key is to get down there and figure out how our assets are going to best support the mission."

Carpenter said the 22nd MEU is well suited for this type of operation because of its amphibious capability - supplies, aid, equipment and manpower can be moved by sea and air. And while the infrastructure in Haiti already is under stress, the Marines can base their operations from the sea, getting their food, water and shelter from ships rather than tapping into the limited supplies ashore, he added.

"We don't know if we're going to sea-base or not, [but it] reduces the strain on an already strained infrastructure," he explained. "We have a great flexibility from those ships. We can sea-base, push people to shore and run operations."

The force is deploying aboard three Navy ships – USS Bataan (LHD 5), USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) – with CH-35 Chinook and UH-1 Huey helicopters. They're leaving their tanks and artillery equipment at home for this deployment, but will bring additional trucks and earth-moving equipment, the captain said.

Also, the 22nd MEU will deploy with additional French- and Creole-speaking interpreters, public affairs specialists and possibly more medical personnel and engineers from other Marine units. Carpenter praised the support the 22nd MEU has been given from fellow Marine units at Camp Lejeune and throughout the Marine Corps.

"The great thing about his whole process is that all the Marines here have bent over backwards to make sure we get what we need," he said. "It's been fast-paced organizing and getting ready to get on the ships, but it's been made a lot simpler by the singular focus of Marines on this base."

The Marines expect to depart by ship Jan. 16 and arrive in three to four days. The length of their deployment is uncertain for now, but the Marines are preparing to be gone for at least 30 days, he said.

"We're looking at a minimum of 30 days, but we're prepared to support the mission as long as we're asked to be down there," he added.

Despite returning in December 2009 from a seven-month deployment sailing through the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command areas, morale among the deploying Marines and their families is high, Carpenter said.

Many of the Marines were on post-deployment leave when they were recalled, he noted, but they're eager to help in relieving the Haitian people's suffering.

"We did just get back a month ago, but the morale is off the charts here," he said. "We are absolutely ready to go. The images we've been seeing on the news, it's catastrophic, and it's very sad.

"Marines are definitely warriors first, and that is what the world knows the Marines for," he continued, "[But] we're equally as compassionate when we need to be, and this is a role that we'd like to show - that compassionate warrior, reaching out with a helping hand for those who need it. We are very excited about this."

Bataan ARG Returns from Deployment

Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) prepare to depart the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) after completing a seven-month deployment with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelvin Edwards/Released)

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) completed a successful seven-month deployment Dec. 8 when USS Bataan (LHD 5) and USS Ponce (LPD 15) arrived at Norfolk Naval Station and USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) returned to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Va.

"Completing a successful deployment and bringing all of the Sailors and Marines safely back home to their families accomplished one of my major goals," said Capt. Paul McElroy, commander of the Bataan ARG. "The support of our families is the foundation that has carried us through these seven challenging months, so it's great to reunite with them before the holidays."

"It's hard being out at sea for such a long time, but my wife has been the core of my support," said Information Systems Technician 1st Class Michael Spicer, from Virginia Beach, Va. "She has handled all of the responsibilities I had at home and has done an exceptional job."

The Bataan ARG began its deployment May 13 with a primary mission of conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility while the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), embarked on the ARG ships, served as the theater reserve force. They also engaged in seven theater security cooperation engagements and exercises, including Bright Star 2009, 5th Fleet's largest multinational exercise.

"Every mission, every exercise and every port visit conducted by these Sailors and Marines made a lasting impact throughout the maritime domain," said Bataan's commanding officer, Capt. Sam Howard. "I'm extremely proud of their performance, professionalism and accomplishments."

The Bataan ARG and 22nd MEU was the first ARG/MEU to deploy with the MV-22B Osprey, a tiltrotor aircraft with the ability to fly and hover like a helicopter or tilt its wing-mounted propellers forward to fly like an airplane. Bataan launched 10 MV-22B Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), 22nd MEU, to fly into Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, Nov. 6, marking the first time the aircraft were used in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Bataan ARG/22nd MEU also had the opportunity to host several distinguished visitors while they were deployed, including the 75th secretary of the Navy, Raymond Maybus, who visited Fort McHenry and Bataan, and the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead, who attended a reception held in his honor aboard Ponce.

The Bataan ARG is composed of the Bataan, who served as the flagship for the ARG, Ponce, Fort McHenry, Amphibious Squadron 2, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22 Detachment 4, Fleet Surgical Team 6, Tactical Air Control Squadron 21 Detachment 1, and detachments from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4 and Beachmaster Unit 2.

Bataan ARG/22nd MEU Departs 5th Fleet

A video report on this story is available by clicking here

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) officially departed 5th Fleet and entered 6th Fleet's Area of Operations when the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) transited the Suez Canal and entered into the Mediterranean Sea recently.

The Bataan ARG, which had been conducting maritime security operations in 5th Fleet's Area of Operations, and the 22nd MEU, which served as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command, participated in several theater security cooperation engagements and exercises, including Bright Star 2009, 5th Fleet's largest multinational exercise, held every two years.

"The 5th Fleet Area of Operations is one of the most critical regions in the maritime security environment," said Capt. Paul McElroy, commanding officer of Bataan ARG. "The operations we conducted and the exercises we participated in were all geared towards strengthening our regional partnerships and improving security and stability within the region."

5th Fleet's Area of Responsibility encompasses 2.5 million square miles of water and includes the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean.

The Bataan ARG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 2, Bataan, the flagship for the ARG, amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15), Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Fleet Surgical Team 6, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4 and Beachmaster Unit 2.

The 22nd MEU, led by Col. Gareth Brandl, is a scalable, multipurpose force of more than 2,200 Marines and Sailors. It is composed of its Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; and its Command Element.

Ospreys Launch From Bataan to Support OEF

An MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). The aircraft were flown to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, where they will be transferred to VMM-261 and used to support the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. This is the first time the aircraft will be used in Afghanistan. The 22nd MEU is serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Julio Rivera/Released)

By Bataan Amphibious Ready Group/22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, At sea (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) launched 10 MV-22B Ospreys from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit to fly into Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, Nov. 6, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The aircraft, part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), will be transferred to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 and serve as part of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade's Aviation Combat Element.

The 22nd MEU was the first Marine Expeditionary Unit to conduct a ship-based deployment with the tiltrotor aircraft. VMM-263 (Rein) attached to the MEU in September, 2008, and was also the first squadron to deploy with the aircraft to Iraq in 2007.

"It is a great honor for us to support 2nd MEB, and we are proud to be the first unit to bring this aircraft into Afghanistan," said Col. Gareth F. Brandl, 22nd MEU commanding officer. "We have spent more than a year working with the MV-22B and know that the added capabilities this aircraft brings will benefit the Marines currently engaged against the enemy."

"This historic mission has been one of the highlights of our deployment," said Capt. Sam Howard, Bataan's commanding officer. "We did all we could to make sure they had all the material and logistic support necessary to have a safe and successful fly-off."

The Ospreys launched in three waves making the 510 nautical mile flight in just over two hours. During the aircraft's first amphibious deployment, it flew in support of theater security cooperation events in three countries, including U.S. Central Command's largest exercise, Bright Star 2009 in Egypt.

The Osprey was also used to conduct multiple medical evacuations from ship to shore and was employed to conduct logistics flights to Rota, Spain; Naval Air Station, Sigonella (Sicily); Djibouti, Africa and Bahrain. For more than a month, the squadron supported desert training when the MEU trained ashore in Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

"The men and women of the squadron performed admirably in support of this mission," said Lt. Col. Paul P. Ryan, commanding officer of VMM-263. "I am convinced that this weapon system will serve the operating forces well for decades to come."

Ryan added that the MEU has learned a great deal about operating with the Osprey and has captured lessons learned throughout the deployment to support future tiltrotor squadrons as they begin to deploy with other MEUs.

The 22nd MEU, led by Brandl, is a scalable, multipurpose force of more than 2,200 Marines and Sailors. The unit is composed of its Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22 and its Command Element.

The Bataan ARG is composed of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), the amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15), the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 6, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4 and Beachmaster Unit (BMU) 2.

The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the 22nd MEU embarked, deployed May 13, 2009 to conduct maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations.

Bataan ARG/22MEU Participate in Bright Star 2009

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) began participation in an Egyptian and U.S. Central Command-sponsored exercise near Alexandria, Egypt Oct. 10.

Exercise Bright Star is a major, joint/coalition training exercise that encompasses naval surface and amphibious operations, command and control training, aviation operations, combined arms training and several other multilateral training events Oct. 10-20. The exercise is designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships and improve readiness and interoperability between U.S., Egyptian and coalition forces.

Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is scheduled to participate in a number of coalition events throughout the naval exercise portion of Bright Star.

"Exercise Bright Star will provide the ARG/MEU another important opportunity to reinforce positive relationships and gain experience in operating with coalition counterparts," said Col. Gareth F. Brandl, commanding officer of the 22nd MEU. "Since May, the MEU has participated in five bilateral training events with countries in Europe and the Middle East. Bright Star is will be another chance for us to showcase the naval character, amphibious expertise and flexibility of the Navy and the Marine Corps."

For the first time, the MV-22B Osprey will appear at Bright Star. The aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced) are scheduled to provide assault support lift. Today, the aircraft were part of an amphibious assault demonstration.

Bright Star, the longest running exercise in the United States Central Command's Area of Operations, was established in 1981 as a result of the Camp David Peace Accords. Highlights of this year's exercise will include a naval exercise, a multinational amphibious assault demonstration, a multinational paratrooper jump involving 600 Soldiers and a combined arms live-fire exercise.

"The presence of Bataan Amphibious Ready Group will provide a fitting backdrop for the events of Bright Star as the U.S. continues to show its commitment and resolve for regional security and cooperation with our partner nations," said Capt. Jack Sotherland, commanding officer of Amphibious Squadron 2. "Having U.S. and coalition units train together will enhance future interoperability, develop better understanding between both land and maritime forces, and most importantly, strengthen bonds between nations."

The Bataan ARG, led by Sotherland, is composed of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), the amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15), the amphibious dock-landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Fleet Surgical Team 6, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4 and Beachmaster Unit 2.

The 22nd MEU, led by Brandl, is a scalable, multi-purpose force of more than 2,200 Marines and Sailors. The unit is composed of its Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment (commanded by Lt. Col. Robert C. Fulford); Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced) (commanded by Lt. Col. Paul P. Ryan); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22 (commanded by Lt. Col. Gary F. Keim); and its Command Element.

Bataan Sails Into CERTEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jeremy Grisham, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines from the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., are conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) through March 24 off the Atlantic coast.

CERTEX is the last of three pre-deployment exercises designed to evaluate and train Amphibious Ready Groups (ARG) before the ARG deploys overseas. The exercise will fully certify Bataan and the 22nd MEU as the BATARG/22MEU.

While similar to prior pre-deployment exercises, CERTEX is designed to strengthen the "green" team's ability to operate with the Navy and respond to various tasking, which they may be called upon to conduct while forward deployed.

"It is a green focus event," said Capt. Jack Sotherland, Amphibious Squadron 2's commodore. "Our focus is on making sure the 22nd MEU is able to achieve all their goals and return back to New River (N.C.) and Camp Lejeune fully certified for major combat operations."

The "blue" side will still be hectic, as the ships will not be working on a certain timeline and have a more reactive focus, said Sotherland.

The training evolutions will be evaluated by the Special Operations Training Group (SOTG) stationed at Camp Lejeune, based on planning, execution and timeliness.

The exercise builds off the lessons learned from prior exercises and includes additional training that will prepare the BATARG/22MEU for deployment.

"The event is going to consist of a number of different evolutions," said Col. Gareth F. Brandl, commander of the 22nd MEU. "From occupying an embassy with a fallen command element to conducting raids and mass casualty events to tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel."

Once CERTEX is complete, Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force, and Vice Adm. Melvin Williams, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, will fully certify BATARG/22MEU as a deployable unit.

The BATARG/22MEU is a scalable, multipurpose force of Marines and Sailors.

The 22nd MEU, commanded by Brandl, consists of its Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; and its Command Element.

The Bataan ARG consists of amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43).

Bataan is the fifth ship of the Navy's Wasp-class ships. She was commissioned Sept. 20, 1997, and is the second U.S. Navy warship to bear the name. CVL-29 was an Independence-class light aircraft carrier that was commissioned in November 1943. After serving in both World War II and the Korean conflict, CVL-29 was decommissioned in 1954.

Gunston Hall, 22nd MEU Complete Exercise with Djibouti Navy

The amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and embarked elements of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) (Special Operations Capable [SOC]) completed bilateral exercise Image Nautilus 2007 with the Djibouti Navy, Dec. 18.

The exercise provided an opportunity to enhance interoperability and tactical proficiency between Djiboutian and U.S. forces, and demonstrated U.S. commitment to security in the region.

"Exercise Image Nautilus 2007 was a significant and important training opportunity for U.S. and Djiboutian forces," said Capt. Frank L. Ponds, Commander, Kearsarge Strike Group. "Not only did our forces maintain operational readiness and improve command, control, communications and intelligence interoperability, we also strengthened our relationship and demonstrated our resolve to regional security."

During the exercise, joint training and proficiency demonstrations were held in weapons firing; visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) techniques; and small-boat handling. Marines and Djiboutians trained side-by-side, conducting vehicle mounted patrols, foot patrols, fin-swim training, and desert familiarization training.

"The training between the Marines and Djiboutians is important, because it not only sharpens our military skills, it fosters friendships and provides a greater understanding of how we can better operate together," said Capt. Dennis O'Donnell, company commander for Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 22nd MEU (SOC). "The Marines were glad to have this unique opportunity to train with a professional military like the Djiboutian forces."

Off the coast of Djibouti, the U.S. Navy and Djibouti Navy practiced VBSS procedures. These types of techniques are important to keeping international shipping lanes safe from criminal use and further enhancing the prosperity and stability in the region.

"U.S. and Djiboutian forces gained a lot from working with one another," said Ens. Eric Handal, Gunston Hall's VBSS training officer. "All the participants were eager to share their experiences and knowledge, and I'm certain our ability to work together on any future military mission improved because of this training."

In local Djiboutian communities, Marines and Sailors from the 22nd MEU (SOC) and Gunston Hall also conducted several community relations events. They installed a water tank in Nagad, built a sun shade in Chabellier, painted a school in Douda and repaired the school's electrical boxes.

"Whenever there is an opportunity to assist those in need, we are glad to help," said Lt. Col. Mark R. Hollahan, commanding officer, Combat Logistics Battalion 22, 22nd MEU (SOC). "The Djiboutians were very receptive to our assistance, and we know our efforts were appreciated – it was evident in the smiling faces of the local Djiboutians."

Gunston Hall and 22nd MEU (SOC) are currently on a regularly-scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations (MSO) with the Kearsarge Strike Group.

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.