11/18/2010 – The Marines train for the two types of TRAP missions – TRAP stands for Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel -, ground and helicopter. Helicopter TRAP missions are essential to a battalion’s mission and are important to expanding the capabilities of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Helicopters and Ospreys are the primary modes of transportation for TRAP missions, and the MEU will be able to use this capability to quickly insert Marines to recover aircraft and personnel. This training enables the section to establish capabilities and develop multi-mission standard operating procedures for engagements the battalion could face on deployment.
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Credit: 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit Public Affairs, September 24th, 2010
- In the first photo, Lance Cpl. Anthony Bodgger Jr., a mortarman with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides security during the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel exercise on the flight deck of USS Kearsarge in the U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet Area of Operation, Sept. 23. 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed aboard the ships of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in late August to support Pakistan flood relief efforts.
- In the second photo, Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, debark an MV-22 Osprey.
- In the third photo,Marines are seen providing security on the flight deck.
- In the final photo, U.S. Marines 1st Lt. Kenneth Mackenzie with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, debriefs his team after the exercise.