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STARTING DOWN THE PATH TO DEPLOYMENT: 22d MEU COMMAND ELEMENT 'STANDS UP'

Marine Corps News

Release Date: 11/21/2002

Story by Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC (Nov. 20, 2002) -- Less than three months after returning from its successful deployment as the landing force for the U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleets, the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) has taken the first step down the long path toward its next deployment.

A series of briefs Friday marked the first of many milestones in the 22d MEU's pre-deployment training when its major subordinate elements (MSEs) reported to the unit for planning sessions in preparation for their assignment to the MEU. Starting Dec. 15, the MEU will obtain operational control of its MSEs that include the 1st Bn., 2d Marines, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 162, and MEU Service Support Group 22.

At the helm of the 22d MEU is Col. Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., a 1979 Citadel graduate who assumed command of the unit in early October. McKenzie, whose most recent assignment was with the Plans, Policies and Operations Department at Headquarters Marine Corps, has commanded Marines at the platoon, company and battalion levels, including a stint as a MEU battalion landing team commander.

Friday also marked the 'standing up' of the MEU Command Element (CE) when the unit was brought to nearly full strength through manning of its staff sections and assignment of detachments from throughout the II Marine Expeditionary Force.

The attachments bring a host of specialized skills to enhance the warfighting capabilities of the MEU. Among them is a Marine Liaison Element led by Capt. Michael Deardorf, a team of communicators and forward observers whose mission is to coordinate fire support issues with Marine, allied or joint forces.

Commanded by Capt. Jeff Buffa, a Force Reconnaissance platoon provides the MEU with a unique deep reconnaissance and raid capability that includes the ability to conduct seizure of ships at sea. Electronic warfare specialists and radio reconnaissance Marines from Radio Battalion, led by 1st Lt. Dave Dower, provide intelligence gathering capabilities to the MEU.

Operating in relative anonymity is the HumInt Exploitation Team (HET). Warrant Officer Christopher Milligan leads that team of counter-intelligence specialists and human intelligence specialists. Contrary to the HET mission is that of the Public Affairs/Combat Camera team, run by Capt. Jim Chittenden, whose purpose is to promote the MEU story and the efforts of the MEU's Marines and Sailors.

1st Lt. Atiim Phillips and his Marines of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Enabler form an integrated, multi-spectrum communications package that allows the MEU to establish a headquarters ashore virtually anywhere in the world. Providing the MEU with enhanced personal administrative support is the MEU Personnel Administration Center (MPAC), a new concept that first deployed with the 22d MEU earlier this year. MPAC is led by Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Plocica.

When the time comes next year, the 22d MEU will embark aboard the amphibious ships USS Saipan, Ponce, and Gunston Hall. As part of the newly-conceived Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), the MEU will also deploy with additional Navy combatants including a cruiser, destroyer, frigate, and attack submarine, all with permanent support from P3C Orion surveillance aircraft.

During its most recent deployment, the 22d MEU undertook a number of counter-/anti-terrorist operations in the Horn of Africa, Persian Gulf, and south Asia regions, and also missions in Afghanistan, a regional stability tasking, and extensive humanitarian operations in Djibouti, now a hotbed of II MEF activity.