Light Strike Vehicles expand Helo Company’s capabilities, range

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 22:31:00 GMT

ARTA BEACH, Djibouti – When the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s helo-borne assault force receives the call, a specialized vehicle could help them complete the task at hand. The Marines with Weapons Platoon, Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th MEU, practiced working with the unit’s light strike vehicles, or LSVs, during the unit’s

Super Bowl party held at-sea

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 19:00:53 GMT

USS PELELIU – The time on deck was 1:30 a.m. when Marines and sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group started gathering in the ship’s hangar bay to watch Super Bowl XLVII, Feb. 3. The ship hosted a Super Bowl party for its Marines and sailors as a way to help them decompress and enjoy some of the comforts

Marines, sailors test strength during arm wrestling tournament

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

USS PELELIU – Sweating palms, grunting noises and cheering ran rampant during an arm wrestling tournament held on the troop mess decks of the USS Peleliu, Feb. 6.The challenge was the 10th competition of the Campbell Cup, a bi-monthly challenge that pits teams within the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group against each

Saratoga, Calif. Marine meritoriously promoted

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan— Every servicemember strives for promotion throughout their career.For one Marine, his deployment in Afghanistan brings with it something special: a combat meritorious promotion.Corporal Scott McKenzie, an administrative clerk with Regimental Combat Team 7, was combat meritoriously promoted to his current rank, Feb. 2,

1st Marine Division Band members reinforce ‘every Marine a rifleman’

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:21:01 GMT

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines serving with the 1st Marine Division Band work around the clock to keep up with the high tempo of the many ceremonies and events held by the division.For a few of the band members, playing their instruments was not their only duty while serving with 1st Marine Division. Sergeant Alex Garcia, a

Detroit Marine honored to deploy, raise flag

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 22:05:00 GMT

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan— At places like a Marine Corps Recruit Depot, drill and ceremony are commonplace to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served this nation. In Afghanistan, however, the necessities of war often leave behind these ceremonial traditions. A Marine with Regimental Combat Team 7, keeps one of those traditions

Wife of Marine commandant visits Camp Pendleton spouses

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:44:00 GMT

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - An unorthodox post-Afghanistan deployment brief took place aboard Camp Pendleton Jan. 31.Bonnie Amos, the wife of Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos, met with Marine spouses at the Marine Corps Family Team Building Center here to talk about her recent travels overseas to visit troops at the

Marines, veterans honor 72nd anniversary of 1st Marine Division

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines serving with 1st Marine Division celebrated the division’s 72nd anniversary during a battle colors rededication ceremony here, Feb. 1.Major General Ronald Bailey, the commanding general of 1st Marine Division, fastened the streamers to the battle colors signifying the many campaigns, expeditions,

Dodgeball tournament hosted at-sea

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

USS PELELIU – Adrenaline flowed through the bodies of Marines and sailors, dressed in true dodgeball-style uniforms, for what turned out to be the most exciting tournament during the Westpac 12-02 deployment, Jan. 24.The challenge was the tenth competition of the Campbell Cup, a bi-monthly challenge that pits teams within the 15th Marine

Face of Defense: Former USO Performer Deploys to Afghanistan

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:03:14 GMT

Three years ago, Marine Corps Cpl. Rocio Sanchez was entertaining troops in Iraq with her vocals during USO shows. Now she is serving as an electronic key management systems clerk here.Sanchez, from South Gate, Calif., already had made her decision to join the Marines before the tour. She joined the Marine Corps delayed entry program earlier that

1st Sgt. receives Bronze Star for actions in Sangin District, Afghanistan

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

USS RUSHMORE, At Sea – Servicemembers stationed around the world make sacrifices every day for their country. Some expense time away from their families and a number risk their lives to protect their brothers in arms. It is always a special occasion when one is recognized for their actions.First Sgt. Bradley G. Simmons took his place in front of

Kilo 3/5 Marines fire weapons at-sea

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

USS PELELIU – The sharp pops of weapons firing could be heard throughout the ship as the helo-borne rifle company of Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted a familiarization shoot on the flight deck of the USS Peleliu, Jan. 23. The shoot allowed more than 100 Marines with Kilo Company to hone the basic skills required

Operation New Hope clears insurgent stronghold

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:56:04 GMT

During a time when insurgent forces typically bed down until the spring poppy harvest, Afghan National Security Forces, aided by a small group of Marine advisors, engaged multiple enemy forces during Operation New Hope, Kajaki, Afghanistan, Jan. 16 through 19.Afghan National Army soldiers led the main assault with supporting forces from the Afghan

Shir Ghazay school receives much needed supplies

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 19:43:00 GMT

Marines and Georgian soldiers delivered much needed supplies to a local school in Shir Ghazay, Afghanistan, Jan. 17.The Marines are with Georgian Liaison Team 6, Regimental Combat Team 7, Regional Command Southwest, and directly support the soldiers of the 32nd Georgian Battalion.The school falls within the area of responsibility for the Georgians,

For High Mobility Rocket Artillery System Marines: 400 a Magic Number

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:22:41 GMT

During previous years, Marine artillery has been an important part of supporting Marines on the battlefield. During 2012, rocket artillery fired a record number of rounds in support of those Marines. The High Mobility Rocket Artillery System batteries of 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, fired approximately 400 rockets in Helmand province during

Marine’s career leads him to path outside Corps

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan— Marine Security Guard is a special duty during which Marines provide internal security at designated U.S. diplomatic and consular facilities to prevent the compromise of classified material vital to the national security. Serving in this capacity gave one Marine the desire to continue work with a U.S. Embassy after

Long Island Marine shoulders heavy responsibilities

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

AFGHANISTAN - One of the easiest ways to supply Marines in combat with essential gear and equipment are vehicle convoys. These logistics trains can carry more supplies than a helicopter and reach areas that may not be feasible to reach by air.The responsibility of orchestrating these multiple vehicle trips usually doesn’t fall upon the shoulders of

Division Marines adjust to new uniform policy

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines in garrison are now required to wear the seasonal service uniform each Friday.Last December, Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos directed the wear of the uniform starting Jan. 4. Exceptions are given for those training and missions requiring other uniforms.Many Marines who served

Marine Combat Controllers provide crucial service for Marine air

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

DJIBOUTI - A 12 by 6 mile former lake bed, comprised of dry vegetation and compact sand, may seem to be useless ground. However, the Marines from Marine Mobile Air Traffic Control Team see this barren land as an opportunity to create a runway for aircraft as large as a Marine KC-130.This six-man team from the Marine Mobile Air Traffic Control Team,

15th MEU stays current on fast-roping qualifications

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

USS PELELIU – Whenever U.S. Marines of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepare to conduct a mission, a special team of Marines is identified to provide emergency recovery assistance of aircraft or personnel. Often times, these recovery missions require that these Marines fast-rope into hectic situations.More than 50 Marines of Weapons Company,

Marine steps out of box, works with heart

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan— As a Marine begins his daily assignments here, he knows that most men his age are not making the same sacrifices he makes each day on a deployment. For one Marine even most Marines are not doing what he does.Lance Cpl. Adam Henderson is a chaplain’s assistant with Regimental Combat Team 7 and is filling a position

California Marine takes leadership by example to heart

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan— Most Marines are familiar with the concept of leadership by example. One Marine lives it.Sergeant Christopher R. Contreras, currently deployed with Regimental Combat Team 7 as the assistant chief for the communication electronics maintenance section, isn’t satisfied by leading his

Helo Company conducts raid in Djibouti

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Djibouti, AFRICA – The dark night wouldn’t allow the human eye to see anything further than two feet ahead, but that didn’t stop the Marines of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit from conducting their mission.After three months at sea, the infantryman of Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, loaded CH-46E Sea

15th MEU finishes sustainment training in Djibouti

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

DJIBOUTI – After an extended period at-sea, the west coast’s forward-deployed sea-based Marine Air Ground Task Force stretched its legs for some sustainment training in Djibouti, Africa. Dec. 3-21.The training provided the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit an opportunity to motivate its Marines and sailors by getting them off ship for some time on a

USS Peleliu

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 01:58:00 GMT

USS PELELIU – The faces of the competitors turned red as they gave all of their effort to push out

USS Peleliu

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 15:58:00 GMT

USS PELELIU – The faces of the competitors turned red as they gave all of their effort to push out the most repetitions possible, during a ship-wide Bench Press Competition, Dec. 29.The challenge was the seventh competition of the Campbell Cup, a bi-monthly challenge that pits teams within the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Peleliu Amphibious

Expeditionary team holds New Year’s celebration on flight deck

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

USS PELELIU – The area that is home to CH-46E Sea Knights and a host of other aircraft was used for a different purpose, Jan. 1.Marines and sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group held a steel beach picnic on the flight deck of the USS Peleliu, which was an opportunity for the blue-green team to relax at

Paris, Texas, native follows in ancestors' footsteps, defends country on second deployment

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Coming from a rich military family history, Cpl. Wesley Giddens knew he wanted to serve his country as his ancestors had done.Giddens’ grandfather liked to study their family’s genealogy as a hobby. Through his studies, he was able to learn their family’s ancestors had served in both the Revolutionary War and the

Commandant of the Marine Corps visits 15th MEU at-sea

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:19:00 GMT

USS PELELIU – Leaders at the helm of the Marine Corps spent their holiday with the Marines and

Commandant of the Marine Corps visits 15th MEU at-sea

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 14:19:00 GMT

USS PELELIU – Leaders at the helm of the Marine Corps spent their holiday with the Marines and sailors of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group, Dec. 28.The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen James F. Amos; the First Lady of the Marine Corps, Mrs. Bonnie Amos; the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj.

Marines, sailors take studying abroad to another level

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

USS RUSHMORE (Dec. 28, 2012) The time on deck aboard the USS Rushmore is 1800 hours as Marines arrive with textbooks in hand. Inside a small room, servicemembers squeeze together, sitting behind a screen-projector. Class is in session.Marines and sailors aboard the USS Rushmore took advantage of the Marine Corps’ Tuition Assistance Program and

CMC, SMMC spend Christmas with servicemembers in Afghanistan

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 10:00:00 GMT

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos, Sergeant Major of

Deployed Marine follows grandfather’s footsteps

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan— A few things have survived the passage of time from World War II until now. Cpl. Stephen Cook, a legal services specialist with Regimental Combat Team 7, has a “Soldier’s Prayer” book his family carried in battle during WWII. In fact, that book has been passed throughout his family and has now been to nearly every

Deployed Marine follows grandfather’s footsteps

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan— A few things have survived the passage of time from World War II until now. Cpl. Stephen Cook, a legal services specialist with Regimental Combat Team 7, has a “Soldier’s Prayer” book his family carried in battle during WWII. In fact, that book has been passed throughout his family and has now been to nearly every

Marines, sailors mourn for national tragedy

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

U.S. 5th FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY - Deployed Marines are often alienated from news back home, but tragedies that shock and wound a nation are not left unseen by service members half-a-world away from their country.Such a tragedy caused Marines and sailors assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, to pause during

Improving core strength, flexibility, balance one pose at a time

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:04:00 GMT

USS PELELIU – A new class began in the ship’s main medical space, Dec. 7, when Marines and sailors took part in a exercise routine that strives to enhance not only their spiritual and mental well being, but also their fitness levels. PITAIYO, an acronym for Put It Together All In Your Orbit, is a fusion of Pilates, tai-chi and yoga blended into one

Expeditionary Unit selects Sailors of the Year

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 15:58:00 GMT

USS PELELIU – Corpsman up! Many Marines do not realize the hard work their unit’s corpsmen put in day in and day out. Three sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit were recently recognized for their superior achievement over the past year as hospital corpsmen.Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Ryan G. Hachez, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Wendell

Obstacle course

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 15:17:00 GMT

CENTRE D’ENTRAINEMENT AU COMBAT ET AGUERISSEEMENT, Djibouti – After an extended period at-sea, Marines and sailors from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit stretched their legs in Djibouti on Dec. 4.The training, led by instructors from French forces of the French CWTC in Djibouti, involved obstacle courses different from ones Marines and sailors

U.S. Marines, Kuwait Armed Forces snipers train along-side one another

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:45:00 GMT

KUWAIT – Marines shielded their eyes the best they could as a sand storm moved across the firing-range. Wind-speeds reached more than 30 miles-per-hour, which made a dead-center shot at more than 500 yards seem impossible. What may have seemed unfeasible was made achievable by the scout snipers of Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th Marine

Logistics Combat Element makes transition from shore to ship possible

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

CAMP PATRIOT, Kuwait – The U.S. Marines are known as America’s expeditionary force in readiness; a balanced air-ground logistics team ready to deploy to any part of the world at a moment’s notice. What is sometimes overlooked is their ability to return all personnel and equipment back to amphibious shipping, after completing a mission or training