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Task Force K-BAR slices through its objectives at Eglin AFB

15 Dec 2003 | Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit

On the vast, open ranges of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., normally home to supersonic aircraft dropping test munitions, the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted a mechanized raid during the its recent Expeditionary Strike Group Exercise (ESGEX).

Undertaking the raid was Task Force K-BAR (TF K-BAR), a combined arms mechanized force consisting of units drawn from Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 6th Marines, the MEU's ground combat element.  For the raid aboard Eglin AFB, TF K-BAR consisted of BLT 1/6's Alpha Company, assault amphibian vehicle (AAV) platoon, combat engineer platoon, and Combined Arms Anti-Tank (CAAT) (Heavy) platoon.

Tasked with destroying an 'enemy arms cache,' TF K-BAR overcame its objective in less than 40 minutes.  The training aboard Eglin AFB was the latest in a string of training exercises undertaken by BLT 1/6 to forge a cohesive, combat-ready mechanized force.

The 22d MEU is scheduled to deploy early next year aboard the amphibious assault ships WASP, SHREVEPORT, and WHIDBEY ISLAND as part of ESG 2.  In addition to BLT 1/6, the 22d MEU consists of its Command Element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 (Reinforced), and MEU Service Support Group 22.

For more information on the mission, organization, and status of the 22d MEU, visit the unit's website at www.22meu.usmc.mil.