Lance Cpl. Christopher Duffourc, 21, of Lockhart, Texas, fires a wire-guided missile at a range here Dec. 13 as Sgt. Roberto Colon of New Jersey stands by as a position safety officer. Duffourc and Colon are serving with the Magnificent Bastards, the ground-combat element of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Scott Dunn

Exercise in Arabian Gulf ends with a bang

15 Dec 2009 | 11th MEU Public Affairs 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

AMPHIBIOUS EXERCISE AREA, ARABIAN GULF -- More than 700 Marines and Sailors disembarked two Navy ships, trained alongside the host nation’s Marine Corps and wrapped up a weeklong exercise Dec. 15.

The aviation combat element, ground combat element and logistics combat elements of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit trained with the host nation’s Marine forces, firing a host of weapons and artillery, integrating aviation and learning basic lifesaving techniques.

“We were fortunate to be truly engaged in such valuable bilateral training,” said Col. Andrew Wilcox, commanding officer of the 11th MEU’s ground combat element, Battalion Landing Team 2/4 - known as the Magnificent Bastards.

The exercise culminated with a combined-arms live-fire demonstration that included rotary wing close air support by helicopter gunships, armored maneuver by amphibious vehicles, breaching explosives, laser-guided anti-tank missiles and a combined ground attack of an objective.

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Colonel Caleb Hyatt

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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

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