Essex (LHD 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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reconnaissance of the landing zones and beaches. Marines from the 13th MEU(SOC) ' s Force Reconnaissance and Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company detachments and the Navy SEALS led the initial thrust ashore. On D-Day, January 22, a massive force swept into the beaches in a surfaceborne amphibious landing, with support from a heliborne quick reaction force. Once on shore the Marines seized and secured their objective and continued security operations With the addition of light armored elements, the ground forces made route reconnnaissance and tactical movements to secure a beach for a safe withdrawal. During this phase the Marines and Sailors were also tested during a mass casualty drill. The final phase of the exercise consisted of two days of tactical amphibious withdrawal to the ships of the ARG, as well as an overviewand critique of the exercise.

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uum The Marines and Sailors of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) participated in Exercise Iron Magic 95- 2, January 21-25 in the United Arab Emirates. The unilateral exercise gave the Marines and Sailors an opportunity to demonstrate the MEU(SOC) ' s capabilities and maintain force readiness. The exercise also allowed the United States a chance to maintain a regional presence and demonstrated its own continued commitment to that region. One week before the mission actually kicked off, members of the MEU(SOC) met with U.S. officials from the U. A.E. to iron out details. Reconnaissance of the training sites also took place along with the extensive planning during the first phase. Phase two of the exercise was a detailed

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