U.S.S. PELELIU (Nov. 10, 2005) - Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit stood in formation in the hangar bay as Brig. Gen. Carl B. Jensen, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, and Col. J.W. Bullard, Jr., commanding officer of the 11th MEU, cut the ceremonial cake for the Marine Corps' 230th birthday and gave a piece to the oldest and youngest Marines present, Nov. 9. The Marines and sailors paid homage to the Corps' tradition that has stood for 230 years. Lance Cpl. Nina Crust, communications Marine from MEU Service Support Group 11, the youngest Marine present; and Master Sgt. Richard Siegfried, maintenance control chief for Marine Medium Helicopter 166 (Reinforced), the oldest Marine, partake in the first pieces of cake. The sharing of the cake symbolizes the passing of traditions to the next generation of young Marines. The Marines were served steak and lobster by staff noncommissioned officers as part of the celebration. The 11th MEU's Command Element, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, MSSG-11, HMM-166 are all onboard conducting the MEU's first at sea period Expeditionary Strike Group 3 Exercise.