MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines and sailors with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Command Element were issued vital combat gear, March 16, 2011, within the 22nd MEU supply warehouse.
The gear included items Marines and sailors would need aboard ship, while participating in humanitarian relief, noncombatant evacuation operations or in combat. Most of the issued gear resists flames or simply supplements standard-issue supplies for the MEU’s upcoming deployment to the Mediterranean Sea.
Officials assigned to MEU supply said a lot of the gear is standard for a combat deployment, where the risk of facing the blast of an improvised explosive device or vehicle fire exists.
In large sections consisting of command element personnel, the Marines received items like protective gloves, desert camouflage utilities and specially designed boots for rugged terrain.
The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU are currently deployed with Amphibious Squadron 6 aboard the USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and will continue to train and improve the MEU’s ability to operate as a cohesive and effective Marine Air Ground Task Force.
The 22nd MEU is a multi-mission, capable force, commanded by Col. Eric J. Steidl and comprised of Aviation Combat Element, Marine Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and its Command Element.
Marine Expeditionary Units are the Marine Corps' smallest permanent Marine Air-Ground Task Force, and comprised of approximately 2,200 Marines and sailors ready to provide immediate response capabilities in a hostile or crisis mission.