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New England's Own Activated

Story by Cpl. Lana D. Waters
Story Identification Number: 2003130122019

AYER, Mass.(January 30, 2003) -- More than 740 reserve Marines of 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division, said good-bye to their loved ones before leaving here Jan 23.

These Marines from Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, who call themselves "New England's Own," were activated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Jan 15, and reported to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC, on Jan. 24 for duty with 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

According to Lt. Col. Mark A. Sullivan, officer in charge, Peacetime Wartime Support Team, 1/25, the Reserve Marines will provide operational tempo relief and will be ready to respond to possible future contingencies.

"They are expected to be on active duty for at least a year and can be extended for another year," Sullivan said. "We do not know what, if any, follow on mission they will have."

The infantry battalion specializes in cold weather operations, and has trained in arctic climates such as Canada, Norway, and Estonia for their two-week annual training.

The reserve Marines of 1/25 last saw combat during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where they fought on the front lines as part of 1st Marine Division.

"Mobilization is our number one priority in training. The Marines at 1/25 train for mobilization year in and year out, so they are always ready to go," Sullivan said. "What's more, the tremendous support of their families, employers, and friends of the Marine Corps enhance their readiness. This external support is a force multiplier for the battalion because it reduces distractions for the Marines, which allows them to accomplish their mission more effectively."

Reserve Marines with 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines, another 25th Marine Regiment battalion, participated in a similar activation last year. While at Camp Lejeune, 2/25 trained extensively as a battalion in numerous exercises while some companies deployed to the Balkans to participate in operations there. They also rotated with active duty units as the air contingency battalion, a standby force ready to react to crises anywhere in the United States.