9/11 - Roll On

6 Sep 2002 | 11th MEU Public Affairs Office 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

More than 500 Marines and Sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) and USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks Sept. 6 by spelling out the now famous quote from Todd Beamer, "Let's roll," on the flight deck of the ship. Beamer was one of the heroic passengers on United Flight 93, which crashed in a western Pennsylvania field after he and several other passengers attempted to regain control of the plane from terrorist hijackers. "Let's roll," an expression often used by Beamer, was the last statement heard from him by the GTE Airfone operator before the crash. Currently deployed in the U.S. Central Command area of operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the 11th MEU (SOC) and USS Belleau Wood Amphibious Ready Group stand ready as the nation's premier forward-deployed, rapid-response force. Comprised of approximately 4,200 personnel, the MEU/ARG team is prepared to respond to any contingency or crisis that may involve the interests of the United States. Commanded by Col. Anthony M. Haslam, the 11th MEU (SOC) is the third Camp Pendleton-based MEU to deploy since the war on terrorism began after Sept. 11.

Marine Corps News

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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