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Forging the 22nd MEU's 'Blue-Green' Team

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 200342475212
Story by Capt. James M. Chittenden

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (April 24, 2003) -- The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) recently took one of its first steps in the long phase of preparation for its upcoming deployment when members of the unit's primary staff made a liaison visit to Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia.

MEU deployments require extensive advance planning and coordination among both the Marines and the Sailors who will deploy with the MEU and its Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). The 'Blue-Green' team, as it is commonly referred to, must function as smoothly as possible, therefore, the pre-deployment training plan (PTP) includes extensive interoperability training, which is designed to bring Marines together with their Navy counterparts up and down the command structure.

During the liaison visit, the MEU representatives met with members of the Amphibious Squadron 4, the unit whose ships the MEU and its major subordinate elements (MSE)s will embark upon for deployment.

The MEU, with its command element, reinforced infantry battalion, aviation element, and support assets cannot do its job without an Amphibious Squadron, also known as a PHIBRON.

"We are excited to work with PHIBRON 4 and to get started on the PTP," said Lt. Col. Joseph E. George, 22nd MEU Executive Officer.

For several months now, the command element (CE) has been actively preparing for deployment. The CE has emphasized administrative and individual training, readiness, and staff decision-making training. The latter is done using real-world case studies, detailed Professional Military Education classes, and field exercises.

"We are now well ahead in relation to the normal MEU cycle as far as coordination of the PTP," said George. "The operations officer and communications officer have conducted detailed coordination with their Navy counterparts that will greatly enhance our PTP in terms of efficiency and safety."

According to Captain John Costello, the MEU's assistant operations officer, the liaison visit laid the initial framework for executing the PTP, and helps ensure the CE is mission capable in every functional area relating to the future deployment.

The MEU is scheduled to obtain operational control of its major subordinate elements and join the PHIBRON in the upcoming months. The MEU will then begin the extensive training program culminating in its deployment.