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Sailors and Marines Integrate Aboard USS Iwo Jima

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080519-03
Release Date: 5/19/2008 10:02:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Katrina Parker, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) are preparing for their upcoming deployment by learning to combine their individual skills to complete ship, strike group and Marine missions.

Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Integration training (ESGINT) is the first opportunity for the entire Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) to work in conjunction with the Marine assets of the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26 MEU). It is the initial test of many months of planning and preparation, and places the Navy and Marine Corps team in simulated scenarios to test its planning and execution processes.

The ground support element (GSE) work center incorporates both maritime services into their daily production in order to increase the shop's efficiency before deployment. Sailors and Marines working in GSE, which maintains a variety of support equipment for the embarked aircraft, have the opportunity to work side by side and learn from each other.

Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class (AW) Edward Engelsen, a GSE supervisor, said working with Marines has helped increase the shop's capabilities.

"We now have more hands on the gear," Engelsen said. "Once we get them qualified with our gear and licensed on our equipment, we will have more people to work with. The more qualified people we have in the shop, the better equipped the shop will be to support the ship."

Marines also benefit from the integration by getting hands-on experience with new equipment in a different environment.

"On the shore, we work with the same concept of equipment," said Lance Cpl. Kevin Graziano, from the Air Combat Element with 26 MEU. "Working on a ship involves more hydraulic systems, which is something I don't have as much experience with."

Graziano explained this is his first time on a ship, and working with Sailors has helped him become more educated in Navy traditions and safety procedures.

For more news from the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/iwoesg/.