III MHG trains for expeditionary operations

Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group exit a CH-53E Sea Stallion at the Camp Hansen Parade Deck Oct. 17 following a six-mile conditioning hike with 45-pound improved load bearing equipment packs and helicopter extraction. “They have the chance to train while sharing an enjoyable experience,” said Gunnery Sgt. Edward W. Chambers II. “Being in a helicopter is something many of these Marines have never experienced before. Now they have a memory they can share while also learning new skills such as how to secure a perimeter around a helicopter after exiting.” The hike, which the Marines started at 4 a.m., began at Camp Hansen and ended at Landing Zone Buzzard where they were extracted and inserted back at the Camp Hansen parade field. Chambers is a maintenance management specialist with Service Company, III MHG, III MEF. The CH-53E and aircrew are with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772, which is currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey/Released)