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Marines gather for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s composite ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 8, 2016. The ceremony marked the joining of the ground combat element, air combat element and logistics combat element into the MEU’s Marine Air-Ground Task Force before the MEU begins its intensive six-month training and certification period prior to their upcoming Western Pacific 16-2 deployment.

Photo by Cpl. April Price

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Pendleton’s Pride of the Pacific Composites

8 Apr 2016 | Lance Cpl. Devan K. Gowans 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The subordinate elements, consisting of Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 4th Marines; Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced); and Combat Logistics Battalion 11, will embark three U.S. Navy vessels from Amphibious Squadron Five, and deploy to the U.S. Pacific and Central Commands’ areas of operations in late 2016.







The ceremony officially recognizes the merging of the 11th MEU’s major subordinate elements with its command element, led by Col. Clay C. Tipton and Sgt. Maj. Keith Massi. The MEU command element provides overall direction for the MAGTF and is augmented by various units and organizations throughout I MEF.







“For the next six months, we will go through a rigorous, high-tempo, high-intensity training and certification process,” said Tipton. “We must shift our mindset and bodies to this training as we prepare to execute our deployment and push off through U.S. Pacific and Central Commands with our Navy brethren.”







The ceremony also included remarks from Brig. Gen. David W. Coffman, deputy commanding general, I MEF, and featured artillery and tactical vehicle static displays, showcasing some of the capabilities the 11th MEU possesses for their upcoming deployment: Western Pacific 16-2.







“The goal is to produce the best sea-based Marine Air-Ground Task Force ever, embark it onto the ships of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and, together with Amphibious Squadron 5, sail out of San Diego next fall to do the nation’s bidding as a forward-deployed Navy-Marine team,” said Coffman.







While deployed, the 11th MEU provides senior U.S. military leadership with a sea-based, rapid, crisis-response force able to conduct amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations.







“You are preparing for a deployment to combat,” said Coffman. “All away games, all nasty enemies, fog and friction, utter confusion, tasks large and small that will require the very best that you have to give.”







The Marines and sailors of the 11th MEU will begin their six-month training cycle on Monday, which will certify their ability to effectively operate from the air, land, and sea.

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.

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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
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.

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