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 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."

Kearsarge ARG Completes Integrated Training

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cristina Gabaldon, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4 and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted PHIBRON-MEU Integrated Training (PMINT) with the Kearsarge Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) off the coast of North Carolina April 20-May 5.

PMINT was a 16-day exercise that included many evolutions the ARG and MEU would execute during real-world operations. It began with the embark of nearly 900 Marines and all of their vehicles and equipment on USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), and the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21)

"PMINT gave us the opportunity to integrate with the 26th MEU and conduct operations with the ARG," said Capt. Baxter Goodly, Kearsarge's commanding officer. "This was the first time we've had a full MEU embarked in over two years and we were able to train with the MEU in everything from well deck to flight deck operations."

PMINT lays the groundwork for the ARG and the MEU to create a "Blue-Green" team and to work through the initial challenges faced when integrating Marines on board a ship.

"This training period is almost like a practice run for the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) the ARG will be doing in July," said Cmdr. Christopher Korn, operations officer on board Kearsarge. "We weren't graded for PMINT, but we were able to successfully run through several war-time missions of delivering Marines and their equipment to theater."

Capt. Larry Grippin, PHIBRON 4 commodore, was pleased with how well the operations went.

"We exceeded all standards and we were able to accomplish all the Blue-Green training we needed," said Grippin. "We were able to successfully integrate with the 26th MEU and we established a good working relationship in the process."

Commander of the 26th MEU Col. Mark Desens thanked the Kearsarge crew for the success of PMINT.

"I would like to compliment and congratulate the crew of USS Kearsarge," said Desens. "[The] 26th MEU came into PMINT with a long list of tasks and we were able to complete them on time, even exceeding expectations. PMINT was a great success, and I look forward to upcoming exercises and the deployment with the Kearsarge ARG."

Kearsarge will continue training with the ARG and the 26th MEU leading up to COMPTUEX in July and an upcoming deployment this fall.

Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group Conducts PMINT

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Omar A. Dominquez, USS Peleliu Public Affairs

USS PELELIU, At Sea (NNS) -- Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 3 and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted PHIBRON-MEU Integrated Training (PMINT) Feb. 22-March 5, off the coast of Southern California.

PMINT is the first stage of training where more than 1,800 Sailors comprised of USS Peleliu (LHA 5), USS Dubuque (LPD 8) and USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) integrated with more than 1,600 Marines from 15th MEU, in preparation for their upcoming Western Pacific deployment.

The exercise enhanced operability between the Sailors and Marines during the 10-day underway period.

"PHIBRON and MEU integration allows us to get underway with the Marines, and operate together for the first time," said Capt. Dale Fuller, commander, PHIBRON 3, "We go through all our standard operating procedures, whether they be air operations or well deck operations."

PMINT allows Sailors and Marines to work with each other to begin forming a "blue-green" team.

"For the Marines, the integration is more significant because they need to find where their berthing is located, how to move their equipment around the ship, how to do egress procedures on the ship, how to learn the ship's policy, gym hours, and store hours," said Fuller. "It's truly an integration process in which we learn how to operate together and work as a team."

According to Lance Cpl. Ron Meier, assigned to the 15th MEU, the Sailors aboard the Peleliu have been very welcoming.

"The Sailors aboard the ship are very helpful and friendly. If we have questions, they are sure to point us in the right direction," said Meier, "I enjoy ship life. You get to see your friends and meet a lot more people."

Since the 2008 deployment, many new faces have arrived on both sides of the blue - green team.

"It's important the Marines come aboard the ship because many of us don't have any prior experience in working together," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Buress, operations chief for the Air Combat Element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced). "In order to prepare ourselves to go forward and conduct operations, we need to know the Navy's training techniques aboard a ship to create a more advanced fighting force."

With PMINT complete, the Sailors and Marines look to push forward to the remaining exercises.

"Being the commodore of PHIBRON 3 and working with the 15th MEU has been a fantastic experience to start this integrated training phase for the Amphibious Ready Group," said Fuller. "This advanced training will form us in to a formidable force to be used as a national asset for the United States.