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Heavily armed, ready to go; 13th MEU Surface TRAP Force prep for deployment

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 200334141023
Story by Sgt. Mark P. Ledesma

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(February 19, 2003) -- Masked by gusting wind and crashing waves, the first Light Armored Vehicle stealthily arrives to assess and provide security for its team. Minutes later, a second LAV arrives to assist with security. Soon after, a Landing-Craft, Air-Cushioned storms the beach and begins to unload the remaining Surface Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel Force. With the team in place, the heavily armed convoy begins its search for missing downed aircraft personnel, also known as "evaders."

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Surface TRAP Force launched its first training mission of the week-long Light Armored Reconnaissance TRAP course with Special Operations Training Group at Red Beach here, Feb. 19, preparing it for the 13th MEU's scheduled deployment.

The Surface TRAP Force is one of two special units assigned to the MEU tasked with the mission of recovering and providing medical care to evaders. The mission of the team is similar to its counterpart the Helicopter TRAP Force, which uses aircraft to extract evaders. The difference between the two is the Surface TRAP Force comes to the rescue over land with several LAVs, instead of executing its mission by aircrafts.

"The Surface TRAP Force is the designated TRAP when a recovery is needed and the Helicopter TRAP Force can not take on the mission because of air threat or bad weather conditions," said 1st Lt. Bryon D. Lynn Surface TRAP Force platoon commander.

An advantage the Surface TRAP Force has is the fire power it brings on missions. The LAV is an all terrain, all-weather vehicle with night capabilities. It is equipped with several armaments, such as a M242 25mm chain gun and a M240 7.62mm machine gun. Along with the LAVs the team also brings its small arms weapons, such as M-16A2 service rifles and M-249 Squad Automatic Weapons.

"If the enemy situation is heavy the Surface TRAP Force will be called upon," said Sgt. Joseph E. Laney, SOTG TRAP instructor.

According to Laney, the Surface TRAP also can work hand-in-hand on missions with the Helicopter TRAP.

The course teaches students tactical rescue of personnel, mission planning and medical treatment of personnel. According to Laney, the Surface TRAP Force students are doing well.

The critiques and lessons from the SOTG instructors have provided the team with useful information, which will refine their role in the mission, said 27-year-old Sgt. Rick R. Camacho, Surface TRAP vehicle commander.

"The instructors that we have are really good and knowledgeable," said Camacho.

Following the course, the team participates in several MEU mission scenarios. The exercises will better familiarize the team with their mission preparing the team for operations they may be called on to execute during deployment.