Photo Information

Cpl. Justin Davis peers over the barrel of a MK-19 40mm grenade launcher during a practice raid here March 4. Davis and other infantry Marines from 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, conducted training missions March 2-6 as part of 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit exercise, which focuses on Marine Air Ground Task Force planning and execution.

Photo by Sgt. Scott M. Biscuiti

MEU exercise lays foundation for working together

6 Mar 2009 | Gunnery Sgt. Scott Dunn 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Aviation, ground and logistics elements worked in concert here March 2-6 to complete the first of several exercises planned for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which deploys later this year.

The exercise established the foundation of a cohesive war-fighting unit of 2,200 Marines and sailors, said Col. Gregg Olson, 11th MEU commanding officer.

“We have experienced leaders who know what it takes to prepare for war,” he said.

In addition to executing surface and helicopter-borne raids, the unit conducted a variety of missions including humanitarian assistance, personnel recovery and tactical refueling.

The three major subordinate elements, which officially joined the MEU in January, are Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines; Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (Reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion 11. 

“Each element brings specific expertise,” said Lt. Col. James R. Hensien, CLB-11 commanding officer. “There isn’t one unit with expertise in all areas. We have a requirement to teach each other.”

Simulating a forward-deployed environment, as if projected inland, the latest exercise put the planning skills into action by incorporating all players down to the platoon level.

As the MEU hones its capabilities as an air-ground task force and begins training from the sea with Navy counterparts, a progressive training schedule will integrate a more amphibious focus.

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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