Pfc. Kevin E. Messer, a rifleman with 2nd platoon, Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, yells for Marines to board an amphibious assault vehicle during a mechanized raid course here May 17. The course helps Marines and sailors become familiar with the tactics and the gear that will be used in the unit’s upcoming deployment.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Carpenter

11th MEU's mechanized raiders

23 May 2011 | Lance Cpl. Ryan Carpenter 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Battalion Landing Team 3/1's Lima Company expanded its tactical capability during a Special Operations Training Group raid course here May 16-20.

The Marines and sailors of Lima Company, with the help of tracked amphibious vehicles and tanks, planned and executed a series of raids during the five-day field operation.

"The course let us see where the company stands as far as mechanized assaults go," said Lance Cpl. Jason A. Lindemann, a fire team leader with 1st squad, 2nd platoon, Lima Company. Lindemann, 24, is from Puxico, Mo.

The course marks the first time tracked amphibious vehicles, tanks and infantry Marines have trained together since the battalion joined the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit May 2.

"With all the assets here, the Marines got to see how the bigger picture works," said Sgt. Alexander M. Piasecki, Tomball Texas native and a section leader with Lima Company. "Some of the younger crew chiefs have only simulated transporting Marines, now they have to take into account Marines in and around their vehicles."

The raid forces will continue to work together to prepare for their upcoming deployment with the 11th MEU.

All Entries

Marine Corps News

Colonel Thomas M. Siverts

Commanding Officer

Colonel Tom Siverts is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 1989. He achieved a commission as a Second Lieutenant through the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program following his graduation from the University of Virginia in May 1999. Colonel Siverts has deployed in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM, IRAQI FREEDOM, and ENDURING FREEDOM. His other operational deployments include serving with Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU); BLT 3/8, 22d MEU; BLT 2/8, 26th MEU, and Task Force 61/2.

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 Travis L. DeBarr

Sergeant Major

Sergeant Major DeBarr enlisted in the Marine Corps and reported to MCRD San Diego, CA, for recruit training in October 1994.Staff Sergeant DeBarr completed two combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from September 2005 to April 2006 and again form March 2007 to September 2007. While serving with 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, First Sergeant DeBarr completed one combat deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, from October 2012 to May 2013. Sergeant Major DeBarr currently serves as the Sergeant Major for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Read Biography