BATARG/22nd MEU Complete Integrated Training

From Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, Atlantic Ocean (NNS) -- The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed three weeks of intensive training with Special Operations Training Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, and Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic (SFTL) April 11 - 12.

The BATARG and 22nd MEU deployed three months ahead of their original schedule to relieve the Kearsarge ARG and 26th MEU, currently conducting operations in the Mediterranean Sea.

An SFTL team of more than 60 active-duty service members and civilians embarked on board the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) to evaluate the ARG's ability to identify and respond to a broad range of operational challenges. Representatives from the Marine Corps' SOTG also embarked Bataan to conduct training and evaluate integration.

"This training allows us to test the ARG-MEU team's proficiency and decision-making abilities," said Rear Adm. Dennis FitzPatrick, commander, SFTL. "We're able to train, then assess their ability across multiple mission areas to include their ability to protect themselves, as well as their ability to project power."

Only 5 percent of Marines from 22nd MEU had been on board a Navy ship prior to their embarkation March 29. For many Sailors and Marines, the pre-deployment emergent integrated training (PDEIT) was their first experience operating at sea together.

"Things are coming together nicely," said Cpl. Leeland VanLeer, assigned to Easy Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd MEU, on board USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41). "Over the past few weeks, we've become more comfortable with the ship and the crew, and I'm confident we're ready. I know we are."

In addition to learning each others' capabilities as an ARG-MEU team, watch standers from the three ships benefited from multiple air and surface defense exercises with guided missile destroyers USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) and USS James E. Williams (DDG 95).

Complete focus was demanded of every Sailor and Marine as the exercises grew in scope and complexity including flight and well deck operations; replenishments-at-sea; air-defense exercises; non-combatant evacuations; tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel; medical evacuations; small boat operations, and visit, board, search and seizure missions.

"I've never been through a compressed training cycle like this before," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Terrance Bellock, assigned to Amphibious Squadron Six. "Everything comes at you all at once, and your body and mind have to adapt quickly to each event."

Because of all the pieces that need to come together to make each event successful, each person needs to understand his or her role and how that role contributes to the decision-making process, said Bellock, who is experiencing his fourth deployment.

"Communication is extremely important at the technical and procedural level and establishing relationships is critical for success," said FitzPatrick. "Watch standers need to know what information is important and how to make sure information flows through the correct channels to reach the right person or organization."

FitzPatrick expressed his confidence that a solid foundation had been established and that BATARG and 22nd MEU Sailors and Marines will continue to build upon that foundation throughout deployment.

"I am very impressed with this Navy and Marine Corps team," said FitzPatrick. "With their deployment accelerated, they have quickly and professionally come together and formed a powerful team."

The BATARG is comprised of Bataan, amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41).