Photo Information

A Marine with Company G provides security during a mechanized raid July 3. The company, one of four that make up Battalion Landing Team 2/4, the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element – rode in tracked amphibious vehicles from USS Rushmore to an urban training area at Camp Pendleton. Two M1A1 tanks also partook in the raid, traveling to shore in Navy air-cushioned landing craft. The MEU, part of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, is conducting its first pre-deployment exercise at sea with its Navy counterpart, Amphibious Squadron 7. This Navy and Marine Corps team is testing interoperability before a deployment certification exercise later this summer.

Photo by Cpl. Jeffrey Belovarac

From ship to shore, tanks, tracks raid mock cityscape

3 Jul 2009 | Cpl. Jeffrey J. Belovarac 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Company G Marines conducted a mechanized raid from USS Rushmore July 3, the first ship-to-shore raid as the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit works up to deployment.

The company – one of four that make up Battalion Landing Team 2/4, the MEU’s ground combat element – departed the ship in tracked amphibious vehicles and hit the shore on the way to their objective at Camp Pendleton.

“It was the first time splashing out of a ship for most of these guys,” said Cpl. Garrett L. Miller, 23, from Abilene, Texas. “It’s a real trip when the tracks dip out.”

Two M1A1 tanks also partook in the raid, traveling to shore in air-cushioned landing craft.

Company G has trained with tanks and amphibious vehicles before; however, this was the first time they combined these mechanized assets to carry out a raid mission, said Sgt. Andrew Metelski, 24, from Phoenix.

For Marines, riding in tracked amphibious vehicles is an adventure accompanied with minor grievances.

“When you’re in there, everyone is all crunched up and can barely move. You’ll sit the same way for hours and your legs start to fall asleep,” said Pfc. Eduardo Fuentes, 22, from Phoenix.

After sitting in the same position for seven hours, the doors lowered and the Marines were instantly engaged in a fire fight.

“When we dismounted, everything got fast. You could feel the adrenaline,” said Fuentes. “I started off running; my heart was beating fast; people were yelling. Then I got back into it and thought, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve got to get some.’”

Marines rushed out and raided one of Pendleton’s urban training grounds. Squads moved nonstop, bounding from building to building while tanks rolled down the town’s streets. As Marines entered each building, they came across enemy personnel, improvised explosive devises or sometimes nothing at all.

Marines attributed their smooth and continuous movement to enhanced communication skills, which are essential in an environment of constant movement and gunfire.

“I’m a machine gunner, so people are always yelling at me to go here and go there,” said Fuentes. “It can be hard, but we all have to flow together.”

The Marines of Company G and the 11th MEU have two more periods at sea following this exercise. They deploy this fall.


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.

Read Biography

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.

Read Biography

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.

Read Biography