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CLB 22 Marines Conduct Mass Casualty Training

26 Jun 2011 | Sgt. Amber Blanchard 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit

Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted a mass casualty exercise aboard the Sierra Del Retin Training Center, Spain, June 26, 2011.

This training was designed to provide security to an area while treating and evacuating casualties as quickly as possible.

“We go in, secure the area, and send in an initial medical team for an initial assessment of the casualties,” said 1st Lt. Kyle Martin, mass casualty team officer in charge with CLB 22.  “From there, we transport the casualty to the appropriate triage station to provide stabilization care until we can evacuate them.”

Despite windy weather canceling air support for the exercise, Marines adapted and continued practicing the drill just as they would in a real situation.

“We could be doing this for real.  Every day we practice makes us better prepared for tomorrow,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Barrera, mass casualty staff noncommissioned officer in charge with CLB 22. “We try to keep in mind - we can potentially save lives.”

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.