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Iwo Jima ARG Conducts Second Phase of PMINT

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS111104-16
11/4/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Heather M. Paape

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8 and 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted phase two of PHIBRON-MEU Integrated Training (PMINT), Oct. 29-31.

PMINT is the first integrated training between the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) comprised of approximately 1,700 Sailors from Iwo Jima, amphibious dock-landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), and approximately 1,200 Marines with the 24th MEU.

During the second phase of PMINT, Sailors and Marines conduct air defense exercises, communication scenarios, surface gunnery exercises, well deck operations, boarding exercises and testing gear.

"The key focus of PMINT is to get a good understanding of how to operate with the ship's personnel," said Maj. Scott Lauzon, executive officer of Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 1/2. "Since we've been on the ship, we've done a lot of training to prepare for the upcoming deployment."

Phase two of PMINT is a training stage where post-exercise evaluations are held after each operation. All training evolutions are reviewed and critiqued to find how each one can be improved.

"So far the training has gone well," said Lauzon."PMINT is the time for us to get through the rough spots and work out all the kinks."

During PMINT Sailors and Marines learn to live together as well as work together in close quarters aboard the ships.

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Aircraft Handling) Senior Chief Joshua D. Kramer, Air department leading chief petty officer aboard Iwo Jima said everyone tries to stay as flexible as possible so there are multiple ways of getting everyone to where they need to be.

"We've been able to work very well together," said Kramer. "Our Sailors and Marines have come together as a team, which is exactly what PMINT is for."

Upon the completion of PMINT the Iwo Jima ARG will continue with its remaining exercises in preparation to deploy in Spring 2012.