Saipan Tribune

Monday, May 20, 2013

Monday, February 11, 2013

Marine Corps's exercise brings Okinawa-based troops to Guam

Two companies of Okinawa-based Marines and sailors with III Marine Expeditionary Force will begin training in Guam today, Feb. 11, during Exercise Guahan Shield 2013, which is scheduled to conclude in May.

The exercise will facilitate multiservice engagement, set conditions for bilateral and multilateral training opportunities, and support rapid response to potential theater crises and contingency operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

About 175 members from Combat Logistics Detachment 39, 9th Engineering Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and about 175 members with the infantry's Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, will participate in the training. The exercise will be conducted on existing military facilities in Guam.

Guam provides the diverse expeditionary training opportunities Marines need to conduct dynamic, varied training evolutions necessary to maintain proficiency and operational readiness across the range of military operations, further improving the Marine Corps' ability to rapidly respond to contingencies throughout the region.

“It is exciting for us to deploy for training; we look to take advantage of the diverse training environments and opportunities that Guam has to offer. Aviation units have done several exercises [in] Guam, but ground service support companies can also benefit from training there, specifically our engineering company and the potential opportunities for multiservice engagement projects,” said Capt. Chad Presley, company commander for CLD-39.

Additionally, Guahan Shield also offers the opportunity for Marines and sailors from III MEF to interact with local communities in Guam and the surrounding Mariana Islands, facilitating constructive community engagements and community relations projects.

“We look forward to interacting with the local communities there and learning about the Chamorro culture,” said Maj. Rob Thomas, officer in charge of the forward command element for Guahan Shield.