Photo By Cpl. Timothy Childers | A Marine from Communications Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine...... read more read more
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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Marines from Communications Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, deployed a Jump Command Post during a training exercise, Dec. 8. A Jump CP establishes a forward point for a command to communicate with its troops.
A CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter flew into the simulated forward operating base. As it landed, Marines covered their faces as sand and debris was kicked up from the helicopter’s propeller. The troops walked in a column formation into the rear of the helicopter, carrying radio equipment they would use to establish communications when they landed.
Marines from Landing Support Company, CLR-17, 1st MLG, rigged a Humvee to the bottom of a CH-53, making three trips in under half an hour. The helicopters transported one Humvee and more than 10 Marines during each of the three flights. Once all the Marines touched down, they transited via Humvee to a location where they would establish a Jump CP.
“Marines [from Communications Company] rarely get to conduct helicopter insertions,” said Gunnery Sgt. Erich J. Wolfinger, operations chief, Communications Company, CLR-17, 1st MLG. “This exercise breaks the monotony and will give the Marines a good idea of their abilities and effectiveness.”
After driving off-road to the jump location, the Marines dismounted their Humvees and began to construct the Jump CP. The setup included deployment of a Support Wide Area Network. A satellite dish is used in the network to increase the capabilities of long-range communications. It allows the unit to carry a smaller network package. A generator that was towed behind a Humvee powered the Jump CP’s electronics through extensive wiring that also connected the system together.
Once power was established, Marines adjusted the dish to connect to a satellite with the aid of a computer program. The dish sent radio signals to the satellite which relayed them to another dish in the simulated FOB, allowing a clear connection. The mission was accomplished.
CLR-17 is transitioning back to its expeditionary roots, under the command of Col. James W. Clark, commanding officer, CLR-17, 1st MLG. The regiment is now conducting exercises that focus on the expeditionary nature of the Marine Corps.
“The future of the Marine Corps is likely smaller exercises,” said 1st Lt. Samuel R. Howe, executive officer, Communications Company, CLR-17, 1st MLG. “The regiment plans to get back to its expeditionary roots. Colonel Clark’s vision is to be able to get close to the front lines with dependable communications. This training exercise is a great example of operations with expeditionary nature.”
Communication Company has conducted many training exercises. The repetition has allowed them to become more efficient and skillful at their work.
“It’s good to get challenging and realistic training similar to real scenarios,” said Howe. “I’ve been with the regiment for two years and every exercise I have seen improvement from the last. This is the best part of the job.”
| Date Taken: | 12.08.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 12.13.2011 12:27 |
| Story ID: | 81304 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 61 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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