ABOARD THE U.S.S. TARAWA -- Aircraft from Medium Marine Helicopter Squadron 166 (REIN), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit landed on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Tarawa (LHA-1) Aug. 17 to kick off their first at-sea exercise as part of the MEU’s pre deployment training.
The 11th MEU is an amphibious rapid reaction force from Camp Pendleton, Calif.
HMM-166 (REIN), the 11th MEU’s aviation combat element, from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, provides the MEU with everything from casualty evacuation and troop transport capabilities to close air support. The abilities of the ACE and the other elements of the MEU will be tested during the at-sea exercise.
In the upcoming months, the 11th MEU and members of Expeditionary Strike Group 3 will conduct two more at-sea exercises from the Tarawa to strengthen their ability to conduct air and ground combat missions. The exercises are designed to facilitate coordination between the Marines and Sailors during operations.
For more information about the 11th MEU visit their website athttp://www.usmc.mil/11thmeu.