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Kearsarge ESG, 26 MEU Complete Integrated Training

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS041123-06
Release Date: 11/23/2004 11:46:00 AM

By Chief Journalist (SW/AW) Dave Nagle, USS Kearsarge Strike Group Public Affairs

ABOARD USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) trained together for the first time at sea as the Kearsarge ESG prepares for its upcoming scheduled deployment.

The Kearsarge ESG completed PHIBRON-Marine Integrated Training, or PMINT while underway Nov. 15-23. PMINT is the initial training for the ESG that includes the Marines of the 26 MEU.

"Our objectives for PMINT were to fully integrate 26 MEU with the Kearsarge ESG, while training across all warfare areas with our cruisers and destroyers, amphibious ships and submarine," said Cmdr. Paul McElroy, operations officer for the Kearsarge ESG.

PMINT lays the groundwork for the ESG and the MEU to create a 'Blue-Green' team and to work through some of the initial challenges that arise when integrating the Marines aboard ship.

"This is a dress rehearsal of sorts for us," added Master Sgt. Kerry Dunlap, combat cargo assistant for USS Kearsarge. "This allows us to see what changes need to be made before we get into the real-life situation."

The eight-day exercise included many of the evolutions the ESG and MEU would execute during real-world operations, beginning with the onload of more than 900 Marines, vehicles and equipment of the 26 MEU at Onslow Bay, N.C. by landing craft air cushion (LCAC) and helicopter. Other training events included daily flight operations with Marine helicopter and AV-8B II Harrier jets, LCAC and amphibious assault vehicle operations and beach assaults via LCAC and helicopter.

"As a staff, we integrated in planning and executing a variety of missions," said McElroy. "However, more interestingly, we integrated with the MEU, utilizing their aircraft for traditional Navy missions like identifying aircraft and surface shipping. Conversely, we are trying to support the Marines with our cruisers and destroyers and submarine."

In addition to integrating and training with the Marines, PMINT was also an opportunity for the ships of the ESG to continue training with each other, improving communications and interoperability that began with the ESG Group Sail in October.

"We accomplished several exercises involving anti-submarine warfare, exercises against enemy ships, air defense and offloading Marines," said McElroy.

Commodore Edward Barfield, commander, Kearsarge ESG, felt PMINT was a successful evolution and was pleased with how well all operations went.

"Across the board in every area - Navy, Marine and staff - we've made great progress toward becoming a mobile, combat-ready, flexible and self-sustaining ESG," said Barfield. "Teamwork was the key ingredient to this success and that teamwork between the Blue and Green teams was evident throughout the exercise."

With PMINT complete, the Kearsarge ESG and 26 MEU begin preparations for the Expeditionary Strike Group Exercise, the next phase in their combined training.