Expeditionary Marines to train on Guam, Tinian, Palau

USS BONHOMME RICHARD—The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is scheduled to participate in certification exercises on the islands of Guam, Tinian, and Palau from Aug. 10-19.

During CERTEX, III Marine Expeditionary Force Expeditionary Operations Training Group evaluates the MEU on several missions the unit may be tasked to execute as the Marine Corps’ crisis response force for the Asia-Pacific region. During each spring and fall deployment the 31st MEU conducts the certification exercise to test their capabilities and proficiency in their mission essential tasks.

“Training in this relatively unfamiliar environment is critical to our success,” said Col. Romin Dasmalchi, commander of the 31st MEU. “As the nation’s only permanently deployed Marine Expeditionary Unit, we must be able to react with little to no notice. Working these complex military problems on unfamiliar terrain makes us that much better. In order to stay flexible and always ready, we leverage every training opportunity we can to improve ourselves.”

The training conducted throughout these islands will center on situational training exercises. MEU planners will be issued a series of mock orders designed to replicate the types of missions they are likely to face during their deployment. The MEU staff will then plan the missions in detail and execute them in designated locations.

During CERTEX, Marine evaluators will observe and grade the MEU on the full range of military operations. “They are going to execute a vertical assault and small boat raid, as well as a humanitarian assistance exercise with mass casualty evacuations and ship-to-shore maneuvering,” explained Major Eric Lum of Expeditionary Operations Training Group.

The training in Guam will be held at Naval Base Guam Sumay Marina, South Finnegayan Housing in Dededo and Reserve Craft Beach. The exercise will also be conducted on Tinian North Field and at the U.S. Embassy in Palau.

Residents of the islands can expect to see Marines periodically throughout the exercise, and are likely to notice military helicopters and ground vehicles operating in the area.

Dasmalchi called the area ideally suited to the MEU’s needs.

“We must continuously prepare, plan and train to remain the Marine Corps’ forward deployed, force in readiness. This location provides tremendous training opportunities and CERTEX is one of our best opportunities to train and plan for variety of contingency missions.” (MEU)