13th MEU embarks on final mission of pre-deployment work-ups

United States Marine Corps ^ | 10 June 2005 | Corporal Andy Hurt

[A.A. Cunningham]

13th MEU embarks on final mission of pre-deployment work-ups
Submitted by: 13th MEU
Story Identification #: 2005610134415
Story by Cpl. Andy Hurt

ABOARD THE USS TARAWA (LHA-1) (June 10, 2005) -- The sounds of anchor chains rumbled through the narrow halls of the USS Tarawa Wednesday morning, signaling the final at-sea period for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit during pre-deployment work-up training.

The Special Operations Capable Exercise will determine whether the MEU is qualified to accomplish specialized amphibious operations while they endure the upcoming Western Pacific deployment, scheduled for mid-July through early 2006.

Each element of the MEU, including MEU Service Support Group-13, Battalion Landing Team 2/1, and the reinforced Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 will be executing pre-planned training missions evaluated by the Special Operations Training Group in the hopes of gaining a “SOC” certification, branding the unit “Special Operations Capable.”

Throughout the six-month work-up cycle, which began in January, the 13th MEU has trained in an Urban Environment, worked as a collective force, trained with the Naval Expeditionary Strike Group 1 and employed itself as a fully-functioning Marine Air-Ground Task Force to prepare for real-world situations the unit may face during the deployment as the world’s “911 force in readiness.”

Essentially, the MEU is comprised of four elements that are easily compared to the functions of an individual warrior.

The central nervous system is the Command Element. Sections like S-3 Operations, S-6 Data Systems and S-4 Logistics work out the tedious details of specialized operations, including high-level coordination of the MEU Support Elements. The Command Element also includes the Maritime Special-Purpose Force and 1st Force Reconnaissance Platoon.

The arms, legs and eyes of the MEU is the Air Combat Element, comprised of “Evil Eyes” Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (REIN). HMM-163 is fully equipped with CH-46 Sea Knights, CH-53E Super Stallions and AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters. AV-8B Harrier fighter jets from VMA-211 provide tactical reinforcements for the Squadron.

The blood of the MEU is MEU Service Support Group-13. The MSSG carries much needed supplies, including food, ammunition and medical supplies, to the MEU in forward operating areas. Without the constant movement and flow of MSSG operations, the MEU could not carry out its missions. The MSSG is also the spearhead of Humanitarian Assistance Operations.

The sum of the four elements is a MAGTF, a basic modern warfare strategic force that has become the essence the high-speed Navy/Marine Corps Team. Backed by the Navy’s ESG-1 ships, the MEU, if it succeeds during SOCEX, will be ready for almost anything.

For more information about the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, visit the unit’s Web site at www.usmc.mil/13thmeu.

[A.A. Cunningham]

A landing craft-air cushioned (LCAC) pulls into the well deck of the USS TARAWA (LHA-1) during on-loading operations at the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Special Operations Capable Exercise (SOCEX), while a group of AV-8B Harrier fighter jets wait patiently on the flight deck. SOCEX is the final exercise for the unit before deploying to the Western Pacific.
Photo by: Cpl. Andy Hurt

A VMA-211 AV-8B Harrier fighter jet, piloted by Capt. Timothy A. "Nanners" Foster, lands on the flight deck aboard the USS TARAWA (LHA-1) during the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Special Operations Capable Exercise (SOCEX). The jets from VMA-211 are provided as tactical reinforcements for Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-163 for the upcoming Western Pacific deployment.
Photo by: Cpl. Andy J. Hurt

[tarawa]

fun stuff

[Redleg Duke]

Let's here it for the "Lawn Darts"!

[Redleg Duke]

Correction..."Let's hear it for the "Lawn Darts"!"

[The Shrew]

Great photos. Thanks for the post. I spent 7 months on the Tarawa in 1983 and IIRC my stateroom was right underneath the spot where that Harrier is landing. In spite of that they are fond memories.

Semper FI,

TS