· Eight KC-130J cargo aircraft from Marine Aerial Refuel Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152). Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and eight CH-46E Sea Knights helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (HMM-262), MAG 36, 1st MAW, III MEF, based out of Marines Crops Air Station Futenma have been made available to support Operation Tomodachi. In addition, another KC-130T from MCAS Iwakuni has been made available. The 9 KC-130 cargo aircraft are currently basing out of MCAS Iwakuni, and the CH-46s are basing out Naval Air Station Atsugi.
o To date, they have flown 22 CH-46 sorties and 24 KC-130 sorties in support of Operation Tomodachi.
· Four Humanitarian Assistance Survey Teams have been deployed to Honshu. These team will assess damaged areas and help assist the Government of Japan with providing accurate information to disaster relief planners, both military and civilian. The HASTs are capable of distributing supplies and providing basic medical care for those in immediate need of aid.
· The HSV arrived in MCAS Iwakuni March 14 carrying a Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) for further transportation to Yamagata, the identified FARP location, and use in the assistance operations. A FARP is a temporary facility normally located close to the area of operations that allows aircraft to conduct continuous operations without having to return to an established airport to obtain fuel. This capability enables helicopters to fly rescue and transport missions in austere environments.
Two KC-130J cargo aircraft delivered a Deployable Joint Command and Control (DJC2) Rapid Response system to Naval Air Station Atsugi. The DJC2 system provides an integrated, rapidly deployable, modular Joint Command and Control system to support Joint Task Force command and control operations
31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)
A MEU is the smallest of the MAGTFs. Together with U.S. Navy forces, this team serves as the nation’s forward-deployed, quick-response team, capable of accomplishing numerous missions around the globe.
A MEU, directed by a single commander, is comprised of about 2,200 Marines and Sailors, embarked aboard three ships configured as an Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON).
The 31st MEU, working with PHIBRON 11 and their naval vessels comprises one such Navy/Marine Corps team. We are one of the seven total MEUs in the Marine Corps, but are the only continually forward-deployed MEU.
The 31st MEU provides a forward-deployed, flexible sea-based force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations in the Asia-Pacific area. Always ready to respond, the 31st MEU is also prepared to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief when directed. The 31st MEU remains the United States’ force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.
Our unit is routinely deployed through the Asia-Pacific region for three or more months at a time.
Elements of the 31st MEU
The ground combat element (GCE) for the 31st MEU is identified and attached to the MEU before the deployment. About 1,200 strong, it is based on the infantry battalion. It is reinforced with attachments including an artillery battery and an amphibious assault vehicle platoon.
The air combat element (ACE) for the 31st MEU is also identified and attached to the MEU before the deployment. About 500 strong, the ACE consists of a reinforced Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron, complete with CH-53E Super Stallions, CH-46E Sea Knights, UH-1Y Hueys, AH-1 Cobras and AV-8B Harrier Jets.
The final major element of the MEU is the Combat Logistics Battalion. About 300 Marines and Sailors of CLB-31 provide combat support, specifically supply; maintenance; transportation; explosive ordnance disposal; military police; water production and distribution; engineering; medical and dental services; fuel storage and distribution; and other services to the deployed MEU. The CLB gives the MEU the ability to support itself for 15 days in austere expeditionary environments.
The air-ground task -force concept is designed to thoroughly exploit the combat power inherent in air and ground assets by closely integrating them into a single force. The MEU brings what it needs to sustain itself from the sea for the rapid accomplishment of the mission or to pave the way for follow-on forces. The size and composition of the MEU make it well suited for amphibious operations; security operations; noncombatant evacuation operations; humanitarian assistance operations; and special operations.
History of the MEU
The 31st MEU’s regularly scheduled training and exercises are always contingent upon "real world" situations. Our MEU responded to three disaster relief situations in 2009 and one in 2010, including providing critical relief to earthquake victims in Indonesia and flood victims in the Republic of the Philippines.
No comments:
Post a Comment