22nd MEU Marines, Sailors Play Bingo

USS BATAAN, USAFRICOM, AT SEA

04.21.2011

Story by Sgt. Amber Blanchard 

22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit

USS BATAAN – On any night aboard USS Bataan’s mess deck, Marines and sailors can counter boredom by playing card games checkers or chess. Frequently, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation staff members coordinate events to keep even Texas Hold ‘em from getting old.

During an MWR gaming event held April 21, Marines and sailors aboard the USS Bataan participated in the ship’s bingo night.
Participants purchased bingo cards for $10 throughout the week in order to participate in the event, with hopes to win prizes of $500, $700, or $800, respectively.

Marine and sailors gathered in the mess decks, lounges, and in their offices to watch the numbers called on the closed-circuit television. Winners called Bataan’s public affairs office to announce “BINGO!”, and then made their way to the office to verify a win. Multiple winners split the prizes from the games.

MWR also features multiple events other than bingo to keep Marines and sailors entertained, motivated and building camaraderie during deployment.

The Marines and sailors of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are currently deployed with Amphibious Squadron 6 aboard the USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and will continue to train and improve the MEU’s ability to operate as a cohesive and effective Marine Air Ground Task Force.

The 22nd MEU is a multi-mission, capable force, commanded by Col. Eric Steidl and comprised of an Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); a logistics combat element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; a Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and its Command Element.

Marine Expeditionary Units are the Marine Corps’ smallest permanent Marine Air-Ground Task Force, and is comprised of approximately 2,200 Marines and sailors ready to provide immediate response to a hostile environment or crisis.

• Date Taken: 04.21.2011
• Date Posted: 04.30.2011 07:49
• Story ID: 69620
• Location: USS BATAAN, USAFRICOM, AT SEA