Staff Sgt. Apollo Flores radios commands during live-fire training here Jan. 30. The 28-year-old El Paso, Texas, native serves as a section leader with Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is currently providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Sgt. Elyssa Quesada

Unit's light-armored recon maintains readiness

27 Jan 2012 | Sgt. Elyssa Quesada 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

DJIBOUTI -- Marines participated in a motorized training patrol here Jan. 27, operating light-armored vehicles on the ground for the first
time since deploying with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard Navy ships in November 2011, according to platoon sergeant Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Rea.

Twenty-eight Marines and one corpsman, members of the unit's ground combat element, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, mounted vehicles and moved across rugged terrain.

"It was good get on the road again," said Lance Cpl. Devin Foret, a driver with the platoon, which is a detachment from 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion based at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Drivers moved along using periscopes to navigate.

"I received hands-on training," said the 22-year-old Cairo, Ga., native. "Being closed in with limited line of sight helped me improve my driving skills and communication with the crew."

Elements of the unit are currently deployed aboard USS Makin Island as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, which is a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

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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

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