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USS IWO JIMA, At Sea — The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit
began a fresh chapter by embarking on its 2015 deployment
Dec. 16, 2014. The MEU's crisis response mission is
scheduled to last around seven months and remains similar to
those of the last several decades—to provide the President
with a forward-deployed, flexible, sea-based force tasked
and ready to respond to wherever it may be called. As the
MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group steam east across
the Atlantic, it's appropriate for current MEU Marines and
Sailors to look back at those who have gone before.
The 24th MEU story began during the Vietnam era, when in
1971 it was branded the 34th Marine Amphibious Unit and
focused on operations in the Atlantic Ocean and the
Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas. Throughout the 70s and
80s, the MEU provided a continued presence throughout these
three bodies of water. In 1982, it was re-designated as the
24th MAU before being re-designated again in 1988 as the
24th MEU.
Lance Cpl. Sawyer W. Marchand, a
radio operator with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd
Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit,
fires an M16-A4 service rifle during a weapons calibration shoot at
Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 7, 2014. The Marines conducted the training
to ensure all weapon systems are working properly and are ready for
the upcoming deployment at the end of the year. (U.S. Marine Corps
photo by Lance Cpl. Austin A. Lewis) |
“I am
excited to deploy with the 24th MEU,” said Sgt. Kody R.
Seemann, a bulk fuel specialist with Combat Logistics
Battalion 24, 24th MEU. “I like knowing we can react to any
crisis or situation at any climb or place in a moment's
notice.”
After participating in combat operations
during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, components of the
24th MEU took part in Operation Provide Comfort, delivering
food, supplies and medicine while transporting ethnic Kurds
from northern Iraq and Turkey to safe havens and short-term
tent cities. In the late 90s, 24th MEU AV-8B Harrier IIs
joined a NATO air campaign against Yugoslavia and supported
a no-fly zone over Iraq. In the winter of 1998, MEU Marines
provided security at the U.S. Embassy in Albania.
“This is a great opportunity to train with and visit many
different countries,” said Cpl. Dylan J. Jeffery, a Light
Armored Vehicle repairman with Light Armored Reconnaissance
detachment, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine
Regiment. “I am excited to see what lies ahead for us for
the months to come.”
In August 2002, during the
Global War on Terror, the 24th MEU embarked from Marine
Corps Base Camp Lejeune. During its nine-month deployment,
the MEU contributed in Operation Dynamic Response in Kosovo
and Operation Iraqi Freedom before returning home in May
2003.
In July 2004, the MEU departed for Iraq again.
The MEU's deployment marked the first time in recent history
that a MEU did not deploy as part of an Amphibious Ready
Group. Arriving in Iraq by cargo, troop transports, and
aircraft, the MEU served as part of the 1st Marine Division.
The MEU was responsible for stability and security in
northern Babil and southern Baghdad provinces, reported
“safe havens” for insurgents. The 24th MEU also helped
secure the "Triangle of Death" for the first free Iraqi
elections.
“This unit has been through a lot ever
since its birth,” said Jeffery. “I'm glad to be a part of a
unit that plays a vital role in our Marine Corps history.”
In February 2008, the 24th MEU began deploying its
Marines and Sailors to Kandahar, Afghanistan. They began
their combat operations in April 2008. Marines of the 24th
MEU flooded into the Taliban-held town of Garmsir, April 29,
2008, in Helmand province, in the first major American
operation in the region in years. By 1 June 2008, the
Taliban were pushed out of Garmsir.
In 2010, After
the Haiti earthquake on Jan. 10, the MEU diverted from its
scheduled Middle East deployment to provide humanitarian
assistance and disaster relief to Haiti, as part of
Operation Unified Response, bringing with it the first V-22
Ospreys to be used for a humanitarian mission.
“We
are getting back to our amphibious roots, we are working
together with the Navy and it feels great to be a part of
this blue/green team,” said Seemann.
After the MEU's
2012 deployment in which the unit handled numerous potential
crisis response contingencies, the unit revised its logo to
include the words “Crisis Response Force” on the logo to
highlight the MEU's long-time mission as America's Premier
Crisis Response Unit and is current to this day.
This
unit, ever since its creation 44 years ago, has been a
reliable and quick response to crises and occurrences around
the world. This 24th MEU's 2015 deployment is ready to do
the same and completed its full training package in early
November 2014, receiving its certification to respond to all
these situations that have occurred over the numerous years.
“We are the tip of the spear,” said Seemann. “My Marines
and I are ready for whatever the MEU needs us to do.”
More photos available below
By U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Devin Nichols
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2015
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