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MAREXCMDCON Division 24 Prepares for Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091026-04
Release Date: 10/26/2009 10:59:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Maddelin Angebrand

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (NNS) -- Maritime Expeditionary Command and Control (MAREXCMDCON) Division 24 conducted training and participated in a Marine Corps Combat Fitness test (CFT) at Naval Weapons Station Cheatham Annex to integrate new members of the unit in preparation for their upcoming deployment, Oct. 24.

The Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Norfolk mobilized the 57 reservists of MAREXCMDCON Division 24 to support overseas contingency operations in Kuwait.

Approximately 35 of the 57 reservists mobilized are working outside of their normal units in order to support MAREXCMDCON's mission. NOSC Norfolk mobilized the entire unit after receiving notice that the unit needed more Sailors to support their mission.

"This has been our biggest group to date. We came together as a NOSC in order to get them mobilized," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Dona Hubbard. "Usually it's just the mobilization department and PSD (Personnel Support Detachment) that gets them ready for NMPS (Navy Mobilization Processing Site) but with this group, it was a concerted effort from different departments."

MAREXCMDCON Division 24 must now properly train the additional reservists who have come from other drilling units in order to pass upcoming inspections required for the unit to deploy. They participated in the CFT at Ft. Eustis as part of their integration and training.

"I initially thought it would be challenging to integrate the new group coming in, but they are really working well together," said Lt. Cmdr Adam Bellin, executive officer of MAREXCMDCON. "The combat fitness test not only gets them ready for the heat and conditions of where we are going, but it focuses on team building as well."

Sonar Technician 1st class Jamie Hudson, who normally drills with MAREXCMDCON, trained the new members of the team. "We want to get everybody on the same page, that means everyone must know how to use the equipment, know what it does and how to fix it," said Hudson. "Today, we are stowing our TSPs (Trailer Sensor Platforms) and tearing down the large tents. It will help us when we are on deployment to know each other and how we work together."

MAREXCMDCON supports contingency operations as part of Operation Enduring Freedom by providing surface surveillance capabilities in littoral operating areas, harbors and offshore economic areas. They also provide law enforcement, intelligence collection and communication support.

For more news from Navy Operational Support Center Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/local/noscnorfolk/.