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    Fire, maneuver keep anti-armor team sharp

    Eleventh Marine Expeditionary Unit trains in Horn of Africa region

    Photo By Sgt. Elyssa Quesada | Staff Sgt. Apollo Flores radios commands during live-fire training Jan. 30. The...... read more read more

    DJIBOUTI - A platoon of anti-armor Marines mounted tactical vehicles and fired small-arms weapons to engage training targets at a range here Jan. 30 in their first live-fire and maneuver exercise since deploying November 2011 with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

    Combined Anti-Armor Team 1 - one of two teams in Weapons Company - provides specialized firepower for the unit's ground combat element, Battalion Landing Team 3/1.

    The platoon laid down suppressive fire from medium and heavy machine guns while motoring toward an enemy simulation.

    "It's important to continually train because as a combined anti-armor team, we have to be able to move as a mounted force to accomplish a mission," said platoon sergeant Gunnery Sgt. Lewis Layton. Layton, 29, hails from New Port Richey, Fla.

    Sgt. Benjamin Wooden, a vehicle commander with the platoon, said the training helped each Marine identify his deficiencies and work on gunnery skills.

    "They did really well," Wooden said. "It was a good opportunity to come out and conduct conventional operations."

    Elements of the unit are currently deployed aboard USS Makin Island as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 01.30.2012
    Date Posted: 02.10.2012 06:14
    Story ID: 83658
    Location: DJ

    Web Views: 297
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN