22nd MEU leaves Kuwait, returns to sea - Marine Corps News, news from Iraq - Marine Corps Times

22nd MEU leaves Kuwait, returns to sea

Members of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are back to sea after training for more than a month in Kuwait.

The MEU, out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., hit the sand Aug. 8 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, where Marines and sailors trained in basic combat operations, countering improvised explosive devices, counter-insurgency operations, medical support, aerial gunnery and combined-arms training, the unit’s commander, Col. Gareth Brandl, said in a news release.

“During our predeployment training, we focused on MEU specific mission-sets like amphibious raids, noncombatant evacuation operations, and humanitarian relief missions to name a few,” Brandl said. “The facilities at Camp Buehring provided an excellent opportunity for a wide variety of training allowing the MEU to further hone and, in fact, enhance combat readiness.”

The unit’s more than 2,200 Marines and sailors are once again supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, according to the release. It’s unclear where they’re headed next.

The 22nd MEU set sail May 15 on the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group for a routine, six-month deployment.