Photo By Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel | Marines and sailors with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I4 Marine...... read more read more
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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Supporting Arms Liaison Team C of 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force, deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom from Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 23, 2014. SALT-C was the last group from 1st ANGLICO to be deployed to Afghanistan.
The unit went through extensive training to prepare for this deployment by working with other branches of the U.S. military and foreign allies.
“They’re definitely prepared,” said Maj. James Beal, executive officer of 1st ANGLICO. “These guys have been composite as a team almost a year now. They’ve had a ton of great training opportunities.”
Training with British troops and working with the Army at Fort Irwin, Calif., provided the Marines with opportunities to perfect their craft before being deployed.
“I’m actually a lot more confident about this deployment,” said Sgt. Joson Ramirez, who is leaving on his second deployment with SALT-C.
Ramirez said that the rigorous training has done a great deal to help the Marines feel prepared for their mission.
SALT-C provides liaison capabilities and expertise on working with foreign allies. They specialize in coordinating air power, close air support, and urban combat capabilities using joint, allied, and coalition forces.
“Just being able to create those bonds with other nations definitely helps out for whatever comes in the future,” said Cpl. Jeremy Schacht with SALT-C.
1st ANGLICO units have been used since World War II and have contributed their expertise to conflicts around the world including Vietnam, Korea, and the Middle East.
“It’s kind of a neat feeling closing it up, especially being familiar with ANGLICO’s history,” said Schacht. “Feels like we’re closing a chapter in the modern history books.”
1st ANGLICO has developed a pattern of closing out conflicts over seas. They were among the last U.S. forces deployed to Vietnam and to Iraq. Friends and family are proud to have their loved ones be a part of SALT-C.
“We’re very excited because it’s a big milestone for ANGLICO,” said Missy Harrison, the family readiness officer for 1st ANGLICO. “Everyone’s excited for the Marines to go and do a great job and come home safe.”
Harrison helped organize a social event at the 1st ANGLICO barracks so that friends and family could see their loved ones off and show their support.
“It’s bittersweet,” said Harrison. “It’s a departure and departures are always sad.”
A few people who witnessed 1st ANGLICO’s history first hand attended the event. Veterans who served with 1st ANGLICO during both Vietnam and Korea came to show their support to the deploying Marines.
“I am so proud of our men and women in the Marine Corps,” said Jeff Estep, a retired captain who served with 1st ANGLICO. “They’re as good as we were and probably better and smarter.”
With the involvement in Afghanistan dying down, the 1st ANGLICO command is looking to the future. They will continue to support Marine Expeditionary Units and the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force while maintaining readiness for whatever may come next.
| Date Taken: | 05.23.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 05.30.2014 17:41 |
| Story ID: | 131711 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 392 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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