Published: December 01, 2008 08:55 am            

Cunningham deploys in support of Maritime Security Operations

Community News

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. William J. Cunningham, son of Tina F. Ebenstein of Eubank, Ky., and William D. Cunningham of Davenport, Iowa, along with more than 6,000 marines and sailors of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), Norfolk, Va., and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C., are currently deployed to the Navy’s 5th and 6th Fleet area of operations in support of Maritime Security Operations and the Global War on Terror.

During deployment, approximately 30 marines and sailors attended the vehicle commander’s course in preparation for combat environments.

While in Naples, Italy, MEU Marines teamed with Commander, Naval Installation East and 6th Fleet sailors to participate in the 6th Fleet’s annual Evacuation Control Center Exercise. The marines and sailors practiced the skills required for the safe evacuation of embassy personnel and civilians during natural disasters.

The MEU’s Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264 “Black Knights” joined elements of the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 “Heavy Haulers” aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, to support missions ranging from transport of civilian contractors to conducting raids on insurgent elements.

In preparation for a mechanized sustainment training exercise designed to hone skills acquired during pre-deployment, more than 100 MEU Marines aboard USS San Antonio offloaded track and assault vehicles from ship to shore using landing craft, air-cushioned at Camp Patriot, Iraq.

Approximately 950 MEU marines offloaded from ESG ships to conduct bilateral military training exercises to improve coordination, weapons and unit exercises.

Rear Admiral Kendall Card, ESG 3 commander, along with Col. Mark J. Desens, 26th MEU commanding officer, visited MEU marines during training scenarios including military operations in urban terrain and weapons ranges.

Card, a Naval aviator, had the opportunity to fly a Marine CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter and have meals, ready-to-eat with the MEU’s command staff.

MEUs are built around a reinforced infantry battalion, a combat service support element, a reinforced helicopter squadron and a command element.

The Iwo Jima ESG consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7); the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); all homeported at Norfolk; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.

Cunningham is a 2007 graduate of Pulaski County High School and joined the Marine Corps in June 2007.

For more information on the 26th MEU, go to http://www.26meu/usmc.mil and the Iwo Jima ESG, go to http://www.navy.mil

        

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