British Royal Marines experience American way during Op Auriga
US Marine Corps News
7/15/2010 By Cpl. Melissa A. Latty, 2nd Marine Logistics Group
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — To the average Marine, Camp Lejeune is probably just like any other base. Not having to leave the base to grab lunch, get a hair cut, go grocery shopping, or rent a movie usually isn’t looked at as a big deal.
To the British Royal Marines and sailors from the British Amphibious Task Group participating in Operation Auriga, Camp Lejeune seems more like a city than a base.
“I can’t believe the size of this base,” said one Royal Marine.
“The training areas here are massive,” marveled another.
“It’s like driving across town when you go to the (chow hall),” a Royal sailor remarked.
The British service members have been training aboard Camp Lejeune since their arrival June 17.
Their visit is part of an exercise, Operation Auriga 2010, which consists of a series of events designed to increase
the abilities and confidence of both U.S. and U.K. forces in joint and amphibious operations.
The Royal Marines have been utilizing the large and diverse training facilities aboard the base to facilitate their training, and are working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Marines to practice tactics they will employ in future deployments to Afghanistan and other operations around the world.
Capt. Tom Hughes, a troop commander with the Brigade Reconnaissance Force from 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales’), said this training has given him confidence that the U.S. and U.K. forces will be able to work together.
“If we are in Afghanistan, both British and American Marines can work together and do the same thing,” he said.
The environment and facilities Camp Lejeune offers have given the Royal Marines opportunities that might have otherwise been unavailable to them.
“The training facilities here are massive,” said Capt. Chris Waite, a support commander with 30 Commando IX Group. “We don’t have access to these kinds of training areas, such as live-fire ranges, in the U.K.”
The live-fire ranges have given the British service members more realistic training to prepare them for future operations. During these ranges, American and British Marines fired commonly used weapons to increase their familiarization.
The Royal Marines and sailors have also used the base’s Atlantic coast to practice amphibious landings.
The troops practiced drills on the shore of Camp Lejeune’s Onslow Beach July 11. At one station a group of Royal Marines exited a Royal Navy Landing Craft Utility (LCU) and stormed the beach letting out a thunderous war cry.
The British Marines then formed a 180 degree arc providing security for the ship while it retreated from shore. The Royal Marines lay in the sand, soaking wet and silent, until the ship safely exited the area.
Aside from training grounds like the beach and live-fire ranges, the Royal Marines were able to use the humid North Carolina climate to get a feel for the heat they may experience during global operations.
“We don’t get this kind of climate in the U.K.,” Waite said. “It’s a good opportunity to experience different training and to get to come across to another country and to work with the American Marines. We are very focused on joint training.”
In addition to training alongside the Royal Marines, the U.S. Marines have provided their British counterparts with several logistical assets including facilities, ammunition and food.
“One of the best things about this (experience) is the Marine Corps has been incredibly cooperative in facilitating our access to these training facilities,” Hughes said. “Our experiences with the American (Marines) have been overwhelmingly positive. If there’s anything they can do, they will.”
Operation Auriga is scheduled to continue until the end of July. During the remainder of the training the Royal Marines will be working alongside the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit to prepare for and conduct a final amphibious and urban exercise.
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