CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit completed its final shore-based training exercise Friday, after two weeks of operations across the Southwest Region of United States.
The exercise, known as Realistic Urban Training Exercise (RUT), is an integral milestone of the MEU’s training plan for their upcoming deployment to the Indo-Pacific and Central Command areas of operations in 2019. Approximately 2,400 Marines and Sailors from the 11th MEU participated in the exercise at three training locations throughout the region: Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona; Reno, Nevada; and Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif; and Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif.
The 11th MEU exercised core mission essential tasks from across the range of military operations during this time, focusing on rapid response planning and the principles of maneuver warfare.
"Realistic Urban Training was a fantastic opportunity for the 11th MEU," said Col. Fridrik Fridriksson, commanding officer of the 11th MEU. "It was the first major exercise that integrated our air, ground and logistics elements together in an urban training environment. Our unit was tested over the last two weeks and we are now more prepared to assume the role as America's force in readiness when we deploy next year."
The MEU’s next major training evolution will be a sea-based exercise off the coast of Southern California where the unit will apply the lessons learned at RUT to a dynamic and flexible maritime domain.
For the upcoming deployment, the 11th MEU will embark upon the three U.S. Navy vessels from Amphibious Squadron Five that will make up the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group.
11th MEU: Capt. Jim Stenger, james.stenger@usmc.mil