Sierra Del Retin, Spain -- Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted a humanitarian assistance training operation aboard the Sierra Del Retin Training Center, Spain, June 25, 2011.
During the training, Marines established a humanitarian assistance camp, including an administrative processing tent, a medical tent and sleeping areas. Approximately 50 role players went through the process during the training.
“If we went into a country and locals needed to be evacuated or protected, we would be able to do so,” said Staff Sgt. Scott Faulkner, engineer platoon sergeant with CLB 22. “Today was practical application for a humanitarian assistance camp.”
The Marines successfully processed all role players. Some of the role players were given specific problems to enhance the scenario and build a stronger reaction baseline.
“Anytime we had someone come in and throw a curveball at us, we were able to identify it, and as our commanding officer would say, ‘hit a home run’,” said Faulkner.
Marines and sailors with the 22nd MEU recently conducted bilateral training with Spanish Marines as part of the Spanish Amphibious Bilateral Exercise, also known as Spanish PHIBLEX 2011.
The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU are currently deployed with Amphibious Squadron 6 aboard the USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group serving as a flexible, formidable and potent force who continues to train and improve their capability 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 an Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); a Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; a 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 to a hostile environment or crisis.