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22 MEU, Bataan Enjoy Evening in Crete

28 Jul 2011 | Sgt. Amber Blancherd 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit

Marines and sailors of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and USS Bataan enjoyed "An Evening in Crete” July 28 through August 2, 2011.

During the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Event, Marines and sailors enjoyed Cretan cuisine, tasted local wine, and watched dancers perform to traditional Greek music.

“It was delightful, the food was amazing,” said Lance Cpl. Daniela Garcia, an administration specialist with the 22nd MEU Command Element. “The dancers made the whole evening come to life.”

After performing for guests, the dancers pulled participants onto the stage to learn Greek dancing.  The evening out gave Marines and sailors a chance to see a side of Crete many Americans do not usually see.

“It was an amazing insight of their culture,” Garcia added. “This is something I would love to do again.”

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 potent and formidable 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 are comprised of approximately 2,200 Marines and sailors ready to provide immediate response to a hostile environment or crisis.