Long Range Helo Raid Exercise Caps off 22d MEU (SOC)'s Stint in CENTCOM
Marine Corps News
12/6/2002
Story by Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks
CAMP LEJEUNE, NC(July 27, 2002) -- In the waning days of its deployment as the landing force for the U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleets, the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) conducted a long-range helicopter raid exercise deep into a country in the Central Command area of operations.
The operational rehearsal brought together Marines and Sailors from the MEU Command Element and each of its major subordinate elements; Battalion Landing Team 2d Bn., 6th Marines, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (Reinforced), and MEU Service Support Group 22.
Transported in CH53E Super Stallion helicopters, the assault and blocking forces endured four hours of low-level flying before reaching the objective. Mid-way, the helicopters conducted aerial refueling with a KC130 Hercules from Marine Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR-452), while another KC130 refueling an accompanying flight of AV8B Harrier II attack jets.
Force Reconnaissance Marines, assisted by members of BLT 1/2's Weapons Company, were inserted to conduct the raid on the isolated building complex while Fox Company served as the blocking force, quarantining the area. All the while, AV8B Harrier II attack jets and AH1W Super Cobra attack helicopters provided overhead coverage while the CH53Es loitered nearby.
After less than 30 minutes on the ground, the Marines in the assault and blocking elements egressed to their CH53Es who subsequently returned the forces to the USS Wasp waiting offshore.
In order to give the AH1W Super Cobras the 'legs' to reach the objective, HMM-261 (Rein) established a refueling point mid-way to objective using the Tactical Bulk Fuel Dispensing System (TBFDS) from a CH53E.
In an era where threats may arise hundreds of miles inland, the long-range helicopter raid perfected by the 22d MEU (SOC) during its pre-deployment training, and executed during its time overseas, gives the MEU a greater warfighting capability than previously known.
This raid came on the heels of nearly five months of duty in the Central Command area of operations, a vast region encompassing the Horn of Africa, South Asia, and Persian Gulf regions. While there, the 22d MEU (SOC) undertook several counter-/anti-terrorist operations and exercises, including duty in Afghanistan and ashore during a regional stability mission.
For more information, on the 22d MEU (SOC), visit the unit's website at www.22meu.usmc.mil.
(NOTE: The release of this story was delayed due to the need for release authority)
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