Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit apprehend a role-player at a simulated evacuation site here June 18. The exercise prepared 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit members to protect and safely evacuate noncombatants in foreign countries, according to 1st Lt. Ryan D. Betters, Combat Logistics Battalion 11, which provides the unit with logistics and services. Betters, who oversaw the execution of the exercise, serves as the battalion's landing support officer. He hails from Batavia, N.Y.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Claudia M. Palacios

Marines, sailors simulate evacuation

19 Jun 2011 | Sgt. Elyssa Quesada 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted noncombatant-evacuation training during a field exercise here June 18-19.

The unit trained as a complete Marine air-ground task force, employing its ground-combat, aviation-combat and logistics-and-services elements to evacuate role-players in a safe and orderly manner.

Combat Logistics Battalion 11 used its noncombatant tracking system to process role-players, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced) provided helicopters and Battalion Landing Team 3/1 provided security.

The exercise prepared unit members to protect and safely evacuate noncombatants in foreign countries, according to 1st Lt. Ryan D. Betters, Combat Logistics Battalion 11.

Betters, who oversaw the execution of the exercise, serves as the battalion's landing support officer. He hails from Batavia, N.Y.

“Today’s mission went amazing,” said Sgt. Christopher B. Gentz, 26, a squad leader serving with CLB-11's landing-support detachment. “We were able to get everyone involved.”

Marine Corps News

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Colonel Tom Siverts is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 1989. He achieved a commission as a Second Lieutenant through the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program following his graduation from the University of Virginia in May 1999. Colonel Siverts has deployed in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM, IRAQI FREEDOM, and ENDURING FREEDOM. His other operational deployments include serving with Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU); BLT 3/8, 22d MEU; BLT 2/8, 26th MEU, and Task Force 61/2.

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Lieutenant Col. Steven M. Sprigg

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LtCol Sprigg was born in Parkersburg, WV. LtCol Sprigg enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September 2004 and recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC. LtCol Sprigg was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in March 2008. He was designated a Naval Aviator in February 2011 and reported to HMLAT-303 for training as an AH-1W pilot. LtCol Sprigg is currently serving as the Executive Officer for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Camp Pendleton, California.

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Sergeant Major Travis L. DeBarr

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Sergeant Major DeBarr enlisted in the Marine Corps and reported to MCRD San Diego, CA, for recruit training in October 1994.Staff Sergeant DeBarr completed two combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from September 2005 to April 2006 and again form March 2007 to September 2007. While serving with 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, First Sergeant DeBarr completed one combat deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, from October 2012 to May 2013. Sergeant Major DeBarr currently serves as the Sergeant Major for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

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