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22d MEU STANDS UP AND BEGINS PRE-DEPLOYMENT TRAINING

Marine Corps News

Release Date: 7/18/2003

Story by Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.(July 18, 2003) -- "E Pluribus Unum" ('Out of Many - One') is a phrase that can be found on both the Great Seal of the United States and the Presidential Seal and is meant to signify the unification of the original 13 colonies into the United States.

Just as this Latin phrase so aptly describes the creation of America, so too does it apply to the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit, yet on a far smaller scale, as the unit recently obtained operational control of the major subordinate elements (MSEs) with which it will deploy.

Beginning in August, the MEU will start its pre-deployment training in earnest with a number of courses sponsored by the II Marine Expeditionary Force's (MEF) Special Operations Training Group (SOTG). Such courses include instruction in helicopter, boat, and mechanized raids, the tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, dynamic entry and close quarters battle, and mass casualty scenarios. SOTG will evaluate the MEU's progress during a series of exercises that will culminate in a Special Operations Capable Exercise (SOCEX).

Commanding the 22d MEU is Col. Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., a 1979 Citadel graduate who assumed command of the unit in October 2002. McKenzie, whose most recent assignment was with the Plans, Policies and Operations Branch at Headquarters Marine Corps, has commanded Marines at the platoon, company and battalion levels, including a stint as a MEU battalion landing team commander.

Many of the 22nd MEU Command Element's Marines and Sailors who deployed with the unit in 2002 will remain with the unit to provide continuity for the upcoming deployment. In addition to its staff sections, the Command Element also consists of the MEU's Force Reconnaissance platoon, counter- and signals intelligence specialists, an Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) detachment, a public affairs and combat camera detachment, and a MEU Personnel Administrative Center.

Since its activation on Dec. 12, 1982, the 22d MEU has seen operational service in Grenada, Beirut, Liberia, the Balkans, Zaire, Congo, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Albania, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and other far-flung locales.

Responsible for delivering the unit's main combat punch will be the 1st Bn., 6th Marine Regiment, commanded by Lt. Col. Asad A. Khan. One of the Corps' oldest units, 1/6 has seen distinguished service in both World Wars, China, the Caribbean, Southwest Asia, and a host of other operations.

The battalion's complement of three rifle, a weapons, and headquarters company will be reinforced with detachments of assault amphibian vehicles, M1A1 main battle tanks, light armored vehicles, combat engineers, and an artillery battery. Collectively, the reinforced battalion is referred to as a battalion landing team (BLT).

Providing the MEU with its air arm is Marine Medium Helicopter 266 (HMM-266), commanded by Lt. Col. Joel R. Powers. Powers is no stranger to the "Fighting Griffins," having served with the unit for some time, most recently as its executive officer. Just as 1/6 is one of the Corps' oldest units, HMM-266 is one of its youngest. Activated in 1983, it has nonetheless racked up an impressive resume having deployed to Southwest Asia, Somalia, Haiti, the Balkans, and Kosovo.

Additional aircraft from the 2d Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) will bolster the squadron's organic CH-46E Sea Knights including CH-53E Super Stallion, AH-1W Super Cobra, and UH-1N Huey helicopters, and AV-8B Harrier II attack jets, as well as myriad ground support detachments.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of the MEU for this deployment is the origin of MSSG-22. In the past, the unit has been staffed by Marines and Sailors from the 2d Force Service Support Group. However, due to personnel constraints caused by the recent conflict in Iraq, the 2d MAW's Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 (MWSS-274) was redesignated MSSG-22 on May 22.

Commanded by Lt. Col. Benjamin R. Braden, MSSG-22 has deployed alongside the 22d MEU for nearly 20 years. Charged with providing maintenance, landing support, military police, health services, motor transport, and a host of other specialized skills, the unit has been an active participant in a wide range of humanitarian, peace-keeping, and combat operations.

The MEU will embark aboard the amphibious ships USS WASP, SHREVEPORT, and WHIDBEY ISLAND. As part of the newly-conceived Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), the MEU will also deploy alongside a small flotilla of Navy combatants including two cruisers, a destroyer, and attack submarine, all with permanent support from P3C Orion surveillance aircraft. Collectively, the unit will be referred to as the WASP Strike Group.