Photo Information

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 11, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), participate in a live-fire range aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Dec 5. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the embarked 11th MEU are deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Demetrius Morgan/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Demetrius Morgan

11th MEU participates in friendly competition

9 Dec 2014 | Cpl. Demetrius Morgan 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 11, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conducted the first event of a long-term squad competition aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Dec. 5.  

While the squad competition serves multiple purposes, the priority is to maintain combat readiness throughout the deployment. 

As required, CLB-11 provides support for any element of the MEU when called upon. To maintain that versatile effectiveness, CLB-11 routinely conducts basic sustainment training.  

“CLB is everywhere in the MEU,” said Lance Cpl. Marybelo Ganal, an administrative specialist with CLB-11, 11th MEU. “You look around, you see us being used by everyone in some kind of way, so we got to stay prepared for anything really, because we, as a unit, have to cover so many bases.”   

The squad competition is split up into multiple events, with each event taking place on a separate week. Every event covers a basic Marine Corps skill. The first event was a battle zero live-fire exercise. Each section picked their representatives and shot to see which Marines had the best groupings. 
 
“This competition is a good way for us to see what our capabilities are individually,” said Ganal. “Even from the first event you could see us being competitive.”
 
Other events will cover Marine Corps knowledge, physical fitness, the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) and other basic Marine Corps skills.  

“As a sergeant of Marines, one thing I don’t want of the Marines under my charge is for them to lack some of the basic skills taught through basic training and combat training,” said Sgt. Danyel Tactay, a radio repairman with CLB-11, 11th MEU and Temecula, California, native. “I like to always teach to my junior Marines [that] before you can strive to do great things you must have brilliance in the basics. I think this competition kind of helps in that regard.”
  
Even among the competitiveness, Marines with CLB-11 still kept the bigger picture in mind.

“One of the things we have to keep on a high level is our unit cohesion,” said Cpl. Mohammed Yakubu, a warehouseman with CLB-11, 11th MEU, and Nigeria native. “Within the competitiveness and fun, we can’t forget we are a team and, through this, we must help each other get better if people need improvement in certain areas. One team, one fight.” 

All elements of the 11th MEU, including CLB-11, and the Makin Island amphibious ready group (ARG) are part of a sea-based, quick reaction force conducting sustainment training and supporting a wide scale of operations in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.


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