11th MEU TRAP team brings downed pilots home

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ABOARD THE USS BELLEAU WOOD -- Air Force Captain Scott O'Grady became a household name when he evaded capture by Bosnian Serb forces for six harrying days after his F-16 Falcon jet was shot down. United States Marines were the ones to go in and rescue him.

Most people don't know what it takes to accomplish such a mission, called Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel, or TRAP. However, a platoon of Marines from 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit does.

Marines from 3rd Platoon, Company C, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 11th MEU, participated in a TRAP exercise at San Clemente Island, Calif., April 17.

The TRAP mission was successfully completed during the 11th MEU's second at-sea period called Composite Unit Training Exercise, or COMPTUEX, and is one of 23 missions the MEU trains for to earn the designation "Special Operations Capable."

In this scenario, 3rd Platoon boarded two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters and went to rescue two American pilots who ejected from their aircraft over enemy territory due to mechanical problems. Third Platoon's mission was to rescue and bring them safely back to the USS Belleau Wood.

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Colonel Caleb Hyatt

Commanding Officer

Colonel Caleb Hyatt is a native of Tamarac, Florida. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant following graduation with merit from the United States Naval Academy in May 2001. Colonel Hyatt’s command positions include Guns Platoon Commander, Battery S, 5th Battalion, 10th Marines; Headquarters Battery Commander, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines; Battery R Commander, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines; and Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 11th Marines. Colonel Hyatt has deployed in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM with artillery, light armored reconnaissance, and logistics units. Colonel Hyatt holds a BS in Computer Science, MA in Management, MMAS in Theater Operations, and an MS in National Security Strategy. Colonel Hyatt is also a 2023 distinguished graduate from the National War College.

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Lieutenant Col. Steven M. Sprigg

Executive Officer

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 Geronimo Guzman

Sergeant Major

Sergeant Major Guzman enlisted in the Marine Corps in November of 1998. He attended recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. In April of 1999, Private First Class Guzman transferred to the Material Readiness Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, Okinawa, Japan. In July of 2005, Sergeant Guzman reported to Drill Instructor School, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. In May of 2011, Staff Sergeant Guzman reported to the Officers Candidate School, Quantico, Virginia. In November of 2019, Sergeant Major Guzman was promoted to his current rank and reported to Recruiting Station Sacramento. In July 2022, Sergeant Major Guzman reported to 1st Maintenance Battalion, where he previously served as the Battalion Sergeant Major.

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