Sgt. Anthony A. Hodge, field radio operator, Command Element, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), calls cadence during the Command Element's six-mile hike, here in Camp Buehring June 10.

Photo by Cpl. Ruben D. Calderon

Boots hit Kuwaiti sands in CE hike

10 Jun 2006 | Cpl. Ruben D. Calderon 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait -- Strapped with packs, M-16 or 9 mm weapons, Kevlar helmets and flak jackets with Sappi plates, Marines from Command Element, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), conducted a six-mile hike here.

The six-mile trek was done in the spirit of camaraderie, but was also a conditioning hike to instill into all Marines, regardless of occupation, that they are all basic riflemen, said Sgt. Maj. Willy F. Metoyer, sergeant major, 11th MEU (SOC), Camp Pendleton, Calif.

The CE offloaded from the USS Peleliu in May and came back to Camp Buehring for the second time during their six-month deployment in the Western Pacific and Middle East region. While here, the 11th MEU (SOC) continues to conduct exercises and missions in various parts of the Middle East.

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