Lejeune Deployed : Jacksonville Daily News

Guests tour USS New York

November 6th, 2009, 9:45 pm by Amanda Hickey

USS New York passes under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge in New York City with its crew and Marines from Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 26 manning the rails. (photo by Sgt. Danielle M. Bacon)

NEW YORK CITY (Nov. 2, 2009) - Eyes sparkled and smiles spread wide as approximately a 100 distinguished visitors took an opportunity to tour USS New York and visit with her crew and embarked Marines Sunday.

Among the guests was former Secretary of the Navy, Gordon England, and his wife Dotty , the ship’s sponsor.

“By Naval tradition, the sponsor is always a woman,” explained Dotty. The sponsor also endows the ship with its spirit, she added.

USS New York was forged with 7 1/2 tons of steel from the World Trade Center in her bow and honors the memory of those killed in the attacks of 9/11.

“I really felt like I was giving the spirit of New York to the ship,” Dotty said. “I was very honored to do it.”

As the Englands and other guests checked in, they were greeted by the commanding officer of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 26, Col. Mark J. Desens, as well as USS New York’s commander, Cmdr. F. Curtis Jones. One portion of the tour showcased various types of Marine Corps equipment from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., which was on display for the guests showcasing Marine expeditionary capabilities.

Marines from SPMAGTF-26, a unit formed to support the ship’s commissioning, gave the guests a quick course on the exhibits and allowed the civilians to hold the weapons, try on personal protective equipment, and even climb inside of an M1A1 Main Battle Tank.

“That’s a sophisticated weapon!” exclaimed Jeff Wehrenberg, an airline executive from Queens, N.Y., after getting acquainted with an M16-A2 service rifle with an M203 grenade launcher attachment.

Children at the event smiled ear-to-ear as they tried on flak jackets and helmets while holding M-16s.

England’s grandchildren enjoyed using the gear very much, she said.

Eventually, the guests moved through all of the displays and finished the tour, many awed with what they had just taken part in.

“The weight of what you have to carry is incredible!” said Jennifer Adams, the chief executive officer of the September 11th Families Association, after personally testing some of the gear used by Marines.

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24th MEU trains for 2010 deployment

November 6th, 2009, 9:37 pm by Amanda Hickey

Photo from 24th MEU

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Marines from the Camp Lejeune-based 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted an amphibious assault across the beaches here this morning as part of a combined training exercise with the Navy’s Nassau Amphibious Ready Group.

In tpre-dawn hours Marine infantrymen from the MEU’s Battalion Landing Team 1^st Battalion, 9^th Marine Regiment, loaded Assault Amphibian Vehicles, better known as AMTRAKS, and “splashed” into the ocean from USS Ashland to assault objectives on Onslow Beach and Mile Hammock Bay. Right behind them followed armored HMMWV’s, M1A1 tanks, Light Armored Vehicles, artillery and support personnel loaded aboard Navy hovercraft and landing boats from USS Nassau and USS Mesa Verde, both located miles off the North Carolina coast.

The assault tested the ability of the Marine Corps-Navy team to plan and execute a mission using all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force to move from amphibious ships to objectives ashore, which is a primary skill set for Marine expeditionary units. The training exercise is planned to last approximately three days and will consist of follow-on missions throughout Camp Lejeune’s training areas.

The operation is part of a training exercise called Composite Training Unit Exercise, or COMPTUEX, where Marines and sailors from the 24th MEU work with the Nassau ARG to test their skills in planning and executing a variety of missions over the course of nearly three weeks.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with how everything’s coming together,” said Col. Pete Petronzio, commanding officer, 24^th MEU.

The 24th MEU is slated to be the landing force for the Norfolk-based Nassau ARG, and will deploy early next year on three amphibious assault ships – USS Nassau, USS Mesa Verde and USS Ashland.

More than 2,300 Marines and sailors make up the 24th MEU, which is composed of its command element, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment (the Ground Combat Element), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced) (the Air Combat Element), and Combat Logistics Battalion 24 (the Logistics Combat Element).

The Marines kicked off their pre-deployment training program in June, and before deploying they will complete a host of specialized combat courses, field training exercises and at-sea periods where they plan and conduct missions from ship.

Their final training exercise is called Certification Exercise, and is currently planned for early December, and will put the 24^th MEU back at sea with its Navy counterparts.

–Press Release

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22nd MEU transfers Ospreys to Afghanistan

November 6th, 2009, 7:26 am by Amanda Hickey

An MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare to take off from the flight deck of the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) Nov. 6, 2009 The aircraft were flown to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, where they will be transferred to Marine Medium Tiltrotor squadron 261 and used in support of 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)

ABOARD USS BATAAN - The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit flew 10 MV-22B

Ospreys from multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) to

Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, today 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 2d 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 2d 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.”

The Ospreys flew off in three waves making the 510 NM 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, Exercise

Bright Star 2009 in Egypt.

The Osprey was 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

(Rein). “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 throughout the deployment, has captured lessons learned

to support future tiltrotor squadrons as they begin to deploy with other

MEUs.

The 22nd MEU deployed May 15, 2009, aboard the ships of the Bataan

Amphibious Ready Group. The unit made the transatlantic voyage into the

Mediterranean Sea where it conducted training in Greece and Bulgaria.

The MEU has since supported four theater security cooperation events

with Middle Eastern military partners and conducted sustainment training

in Kuwait.

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

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2nd MAW Marines return

November 4th, 2009, 9:38 am by Amanda Hickey

Nearly 230 Marines from 2^nd Marine Aircraft Wing units are expected to return and reunite with their families here around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to Cherry Point officials. The Marines are returning from a 10-month deployment in Iraq. About 70 Marines out of the group are from Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 and will meet their families at the air station Memorial Chapel.

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Marines, sailors bring USS New York home

November 3rd, 2009, 11:03 pm by Amanda Hickey

Sgt Danielle Bacon

26th MEU Public Affairs

NEW YORK CITY (Nov. 2, 2009) - Eight years, two months and 22 days after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, 7 ½ tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center pulled into port Monday after being forged into the bow of the Navy’s newest Landing Platform Dock, USS New York, which will be commissioned Saturday.

Marines from Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 26 and sailors from the USS New York lined the outer edges of the ship in a time honored tradition as the ship sailed up the Hudson River. Despite light rain and a chilling breeze, the Marines said they were proud to take part in such a historic event.

“Manning the rails was an awesome experience. It was especially humbling when we passed the site of Ground Zero and the Statue of Liberty. That’s when it really hit me, why we are here,” said Sgt. Jennifer Filaro, a radio operator with SPMAGTF-26. “It’s truly an honor to be a part of the ship’s commissioning knowing that it has and will touch so many who were involved in 9/11.”

Alternating between Marines and sailors along the railing symbolized the Navy-Marine Corps team.

“It was an honor to stand side by side with my brothers and sisters in arms,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Lisa Ceron, SPMAGTF-26 corpsman. “Manning the rails was definitely something that I will not soon forget.”

The Navy and Marine Corps have been working together since 1775 and the new ship will help take that teamwork to a new level in the 21st century. Improvements can be found throughout the ship, and it is these changes that will expand the Marine commander’s options when deciding how to execute any given mission.

The larger well deck provides more space and maneuverability for amphibious craft, including two Landing Craft Air Cushioned versus older LPDs, which only had room for one. The ship also has a larger flight deck able to accommodate all Marine rotor and tilt-rotor aircraft, which the older classes could not. USS New York also boasts an aircraft hanger, not available on older LPDs.

There were also improvements to the berthing and living quarters.

“The racks are great because you can sit up and it accommodates more of our personal gear,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Bridgette Jesop, an operations specialist with Command Amphibious Squad 2. “It adds a lot of comfort.”

The ship, the crew and the Marines will be in New York for about a week for commissioning events and public tours.

Posted in: 26th MEU | 1 Comment »

Osprey heading to Afghanistan

November 3rd, 2009, 11:01 pm by Amanda Hickey

With October named the deadliest month of the year for troops after two unrelated helicopter crashes resulted in the deaths of 14 Americans last week, the military is sending a new kind of aircraft into Afghanistan.

Read news here

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3/10 heads to Afghanistan

November 3rd, 2009, 11:00 pm by Amanda Hickey

Nearly 150 troops from the India Company of 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines shipped out from Camp Lejeune early Tuesday morning on a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan’s Helmand province. The artillery battalion will replace troops from 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines, and will be working to support the Second Marine Expeditionary Brigade as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Read the story, see photos and watch video here

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Iraqi Port of Entry to open for Hajj pilgrims

October 24th, 2009, 10:17 am by hhodge

By Cpl. Meg Murray
II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd)

PORT OF ENTRY AR AR — In the Islamic faith, all able bodied Muslims are expected to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, at least once in their lifetime.

This great movement is known as the Hajj, and it is the fifth pillar of Islam, set into place by the prophet Muhammad. In 2008, about 1.7 million Muslims from around the world made the journey to Mecca, and the number has been rising every year.

Security improvements here have made this sacred journey safer for Iraqi Muslims. In southern Iraq, Port of Entry Ar Ar stands on the border between Iraq and Saudi Arabia and is a main route for pilgrim caravans. It is opened each year during the Hajj season, and this year, Iraqi Soldiers and Police are working together to keep the pilgrims and their country safer than ever.

“No matter how good security is, it can always be better,” explained Iraqi Lt. Col. Khalil Meflik Hamad, the deputy commander of operations at POE Ar Ar, speaking through an interpreter. “We will be paying special attention to details like passports, vehicles … you name it.”

Border security will be especially important this year, because the Hajj falls just before the Iraqi national elections. Iraqi Army and Police are beefing up security not only at the POE, but also along the entire Hajj route through Anbar province. Among their plans are various checkpoints and 24-hour route security.

“We are confident all around with everyone’s joint effort to secure the roads from here to Ramadi,” said Hamad.

U.S. forces will play only a miniscule part in security for the Hajj. They will help the Iraqi Soldiers at POE Ar Ar clear a parking lot for busses, move cement barriers and clear sand that has accumulated on the road. Once the POE opens for business, the U.S. military’s only role will be standing by in case they are called on for help.

Iraqi forces have been communicating with their Saudi counterparts across the border, and they expect about 8,500 pilgrims to pass through POE Ar Ar.

While the pilgrims’ vehicles are searched and their passports are checked, Hamad said the POE will be able to provide the pilgrims with water and health services. But, he stresses that above all, security is priority.

Soon, POE Ar Ar will be assessed to see if it is capable of remaining open year round, not just during the Hajj. Hamad said he would be elated to see that happen, but for now, he and his fellow Soldiers and Police are solely focused on keeping this year’s Hajj pilgrims safe as they make their journey to Mecca.

Posted in: II MEF (fwd) | Post a Comment »

Soldier connects Iraqi, U.S. children

October 24th, 2009, 10:13 am by hhodge

Sgt. Jonathon Chambers, a Streator, Ill. native with 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, helps separate supplies during a delivery to the Baghara Elementary School in Hawijah, Kirkuk province, Oct. 18. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Douglas, 1st Cav. Div.

KIRKUK

— Seeing a disparity in the quantity and quality of school supplies in some Iraqi primary schools, one U.S. Soldier here decided to do something about it.

Staff Sgt. Jared Wiegand, a Fort Wayne, Ind. native with 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, was home last March on leave during his deployment to Kirkuk province, and decided to visit J.E. Ober Elementary School in Garrett, Ind., where his sister-in-law teaches.

After spending roughly an hour speaking with the children and showing them photos of Iraq, Wiegand mentioned how Iraqi children were less fortunate and did not have the same opportunities to achieve the same levels of education as children in the U.S. In response, Mrs. Alecia Pfefferkorn created a competition at the school to gather school supplies such as pencils, notebooks and markers for the Iraqi children.

Following the competition, the school supplies were sent to Wiegand in Iraq with the assistance of the local Garrett, Ind. American Legion chapter.

Wiegand said his scout platoon waited until after the Muslim holiday of Ramadan and the start of the school year to begin, and then distributed the supplies to the Baghara Elementary School in Hawijah, Oct. 18.

According to Capt. Scott Akerley, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 8th Cav Regt., it wasn’t just U.S. Soldiers who participated in the school delivery. The Hawijah Emergency Services Unit was on hand for the occasion as well.

“The ESU has always gone out of its way to support [our] missions inside the city of Hawijah,” Akerley said. “We wanted to thank them for their continued support by having them assist in the school supply distribution, which will not only serve to improve our relationship with the ESU but also bolster their position within the community.”

For Wiegand, the delivery of school supplies goes beyond relationship building; it means the future of Iraq.

“Iraq will succeed based on the success of the Iraqi children, they are the future of Iraq,” Wiegand said. “Their memories won’t include memories of a dictator and personal achievements limited to your family name and tribal affiliation.”

Wiegand said it’s critical to the long-term success of the country for the children to receive an education and improve themselves.

“This school supply delivery was just a very small attempt to help steer them in the right direction and provide them some tools they will need to get there,” he said.

And as far as the Hawijah ESU goes, Wiegand says they have always assisted his unit whenever they’ve asked for anything.

“We wanted to give them an opportunity to positively impact the children of Baghara, while at the same time build respect and trust in the local community.”

For Abu Naji, the Baghara village leader, visits to the village are a welcome sight, especially when combined with Iraqi forces.

“The people of Baghara like it when U.S. and Iraqi forces come to their village,” Naji said. “These children will remember this as a good day and they will remember you [U.S. forces] and the Iraqi Police made it possible for them.”

(By Staff Sgt. Jason Douglas, 1st Cavalry Division)

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Al Asad Classic becomes main event for deployed service members

October 19th, 2009, 1:58 pm by Amanda Hickey

Brittnie Pettiford, a civilian firefighter aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, executes a pose during the Al Asad Classic Oct. 3, 2009. This month's Al Asad Classic had the most female competitors to date with a total of eight.

Cpl. Triah Pendracki

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – Throughout the course of a deployment, many service members find themselves spending countless hours in the gym aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, but some take their training to the next level.

For those few service members and civilians, volunteers put together the Al Asad Classic, a bodybuilding competition where the competitors have the chance to show off all their hard work on stage in front of judges and peers.

“The Al Asad Classic is open to all branches of service as well as civilians,” explained Susan Slaughter, the event coordinator and figure competitor in the U.S. “We have three divisions for competitors: lightweight, heavyweight, and of course, women’s.”

The Al Asad Classic has become a well-known event throughout U.S. bases within the Al Anbar province and Iraq.

“My brother is currently in Baghdad and he heard announcements over the [American Forces Network] radio for the Al Asad Classic,” added Slaughter. “It has become a huge event thanks to advertising and also our guest posers.”

Even if the competitors have no experience showing off their “guns” to large crowds, Slaughter offers help with everything from basic poses and nutrition to routines. For some competitors, however, strutting themselves across the stage is familiar.

“I am a figure and bikini competitor back in the United States,” said Brittnie Pettiford, a civilian firefighter aboard Al Asad. “To train for this competition though, I had to start two-a-days. I would do cardio in the mornings and lift weights in the afternoon or evening.”

“Looking back at the last five shows I have been a part of, we have made so much progress,” said Slaughter. “We have gone above and beyond anything expected when it comes to the competitors and even the audience.”

With the popularity of the Al Asad Classic growing at a rate comparable to the competitors’ muscles, there are still a few setbacks for competitors.

“Sometimes we have potential competitors who have to redeploy back to the states or they can’t make it to Al Asad from their [forward operating bases] in time for the competition,” explained Slaughter. “It’s always hard to know that people who are extremely dedicated to the sport can’t make it out.”

But, for those who do make it out, the competition helps give both the competitors and the audience something to look forward to.

“I think this is awesome for the men and women out here,” said Pettiford. “It’s a morale boost and so motivational for anyone interested in fitness and strength training.”

“It’s very positive for everyone involved,” concluded Slaughter, giving a smile just before the competitors took the stage. “To see how far the people have come is just amazing.”

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Guests tour USS New York

24th MEU trains for 2010 deployment

22nd MEU transfers Ospreys to Afghanistan

2nd MAW Marines return

Marines, sailors bring USS New York home

Osprey heading to Afghanistan

3/10 heads to Afghanistan

Iraqi Port of Entry to open for Hajj pilgrims

Soldier connects Iraqi, U.S. children

Al Asad Classic becomes main event for deployed service members

Brittnie Pettiford, a civilian firefighter aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, executes a pose during the Al Asad Classic Oct. 3, 2009. This month's Al Asad Classic had the most female competitors to date with a total of eight.

Cpl. Triah Pendracki

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Brittnie Pettiford, a civilian firefighter aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, executes a pose during the Al Asad Classic Oct. 3, 2009. This month's Al Asad Classic had the most female competitors to date with a total of eight. Cpl. Triah Pendracki

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Brittnie Pettiford, a civilian firefighter aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, executes a pose during the Al Asad Classic Oct. 3, 2009. This month's Al Asad Classic had the most female competitors to date with a total of eight.

Cpl. Triah Pendracki