06/05/2013: These photos highlight various aspects of the USMC working in Europe and Africa. The Special Purpose MAGTF is a key tool for such operations.
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- In the first two photos shot at MORON DE LA FRONTERA, Spain, six MV-22B Ospreys assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 arrived here April, 27 in support of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force, Crisis Response (SP-MAGTF CR). The fleet of six executed the longest and largest transatlantic flight of any MV-22B squadron to date, traveling from Marine Corps Air Station New River. The MV-22B Ospreys, along with two KC-130J aircraft from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 and other command and control assets and support staff make up the aviation command element for SP-MAGTF CR. SP-MAGTF CR will provide limited defense crisis response in support of U.S. Embassies in the region, to support non-combatant evacuation operations, humanitarian disaster relief operations or provide recovery capabilities.
- In photos, three, four and five, Marines from Special Purpose MAGTF Africa 13 work with Burundi National Defense Force soldiers work together to construct linear charges at an artillery range near the 110 Brigade Compund, Buramata, Burundi, March 19, 2013.The soldiers learned how to make the charges from U.S. Marines assigned to Special-Purpose MAGTF Africa 13, who are conducting training as part of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.
- In photos, 6, 7 and Marines are working in Morocco. The 14th Marine Regiment were assigned to the 4th Marine Division.
Exercise African Lion is a U.S. Africa Command-scheduled, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa- led, joint multi-lateral exercise.
In April, 2013, the joint task force, consisting of U.S. Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen, were able to conduct modified joint training for Exercise African Lion 13, demonstrating their ability to adapt to unpredicted circumstances, restore mission essential tasks, build interoperability and create friendships during the remaining days of the evolution.
The logistics component continued to exercise vigilant, safe and rapid retrograde of almost 1,200 personnel and 250 short-tons of vehicles and equipment while working with Moroccan partners and contractors to sustain the force and redeploy them back to their home stations in a timely and efficient manner.
- In the final photo, the Marines are supporting the training of forces for the Mali mission.
Armed Forces of Liberia 1st. Lt. Nathaniel Waka discusses his platoon’s course performance with U.S. Marine Corps 1st. Lt. Robert Rivera, AFL engineer mentor, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gregory Starace, AFL Armed Forces Training Command mentor, during an improvised explosive device recognition course provided by Operation ONWARD LIBERTY mentors at Edward Binyah Kesselly Military Barracks May 3.
The participating soldiers encountered a variety of IED scenarios during the course and learned how to recognize and react to them safely and effectively ahead of an eventual deployment to Mali.
ONWARD LIBERTY is a U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa-led operation comprised of joint U.S. service members who mentor and advise the AFL in order to develop a national military that is responsible, operationally capable and respectful of civilian authority and the rule of law.
OOL personnel continue to mentor AFL leaders and training staff at all levels to ensure the deploying platoon is properly trained and equipped to succeed in partner-nation operations in Mali.
Credit Photos: USMC