2nd Recon Marines rival Houdini's famous water escape

Photo By Sgt. Dwight Henderson | Marines from 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division and 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, jump out of the back of a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter and parachute into Onslow Bay off of the coast of Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 21. A total of 30 Marines practiced low-level static-line jumps or military free-fall jumps into the ocean to gain the knowledge they need to utilize the versatility of a helicopter insertion along a hostile shore.  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

07.24.2009

Story by Lance Cpl. Dwight Henderson 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Remove your waist strap, undo your chest strap, and disconnect your reserve static line, 1,500 feet before you hit the water. Once in the water, pull the quick-ejector straps on your legs, arch your back, and slide out of the harness. Get yourself and your parachute into the boat and drive to the shore to complete your mission.

These are some of the steps that Marines from 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, and 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, remembered when practicing military free-fall and low-level static-line water jumps into Onslow Bay off the coast of Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 21.

There were 24 static-line jumpers who jumped from an altitude of 2,000 feet in four six-man teams, and six free-fall jumpers who leapt from an altitude of 10,000 feet, from a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter.

This training gives the Marines the knowledge they need to utilize the versatility of a helicopter insertion along a hostile shore.

"The reason that we do water jumps is because it's another type of insertion technique we need to be familiar with," said Staff Sgt. Anthony D. Slate II, the school's chief for 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. "If there is not a suitable drop zone on land close to our target site, then we may have to jump into water. Also, doing a deliberate water jump will prepare Marines for the possibility of an accidental water jump."

The last time the battalion did a water jump was in 2007 because the assets the battalion needs includes available parachutes, safety boats, drivers, safety swimmers and air space that are not always readily available.

In addition to logistical requirements, jumpers must have the highest swim qualification. Also, they must learn how to properly escape from underneath a parachute and how to remove the parachute harness the moment they land in the water in wet-silk training.

"You practice for it over and over and it just becomes muscle memory," said Sgt. Matthew L. Deboth, one of the static-line jumpers from 2nd Force Recon.

For most of the jumpers, including Deboth, it was their first time doing a water jump.

"It was interesting, good training and something I think all jumpers in recon should do," added the Carroll, Iowa, native.

The Marine Corps has been using water jumps as an insertion technique since the 50's. Though it has not been a common practice in Iraq or Afghanistan, it is still a vital skill that reconnaissance Marines must have for future missions and conflicts.

For more information on the II Marine Expeditionary Force, visit the unit's web site at www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil.

• Date Taken: 07.24.2009
• Date Posted: 07.24.2009 13:45
• Story ID: 36782
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US