Marines Board USS Carter Hall for Unit Training Exercise

MOOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (NNS) -- Approximately 400 Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) integrated with more than 300 Sailors onboard USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) Jan. 23, to participate in amphibious squadron/marine expeditionary unit integration (PMINT) and Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).

Carter Hall is one of three ships attached to the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSG ARG) led by Amphibious Squadron 4.

Each ARG deploys with Marines to conduct amphibious training exercises focusing on ship-to-shore movements and deck landing qualifications.

"We are excited to finally get underway and perform our first of many beach raid exercises," said 2nd Lt. Michael Swenson, field artillery officer with 26th MEU. "We have everything operational that we will need to include ammunition, amphibious assault vehicles (AAV), weapons, field equipment and a lot of hand-held gear."

The Marines will load cargo and ammunition in preparation for well deck operations in addition to ship-to-shore operations during COMPTUEX.

"For this operation, the Marine cargo brought aboard includes support equipment, vehicles, AAVs, tanks and Humvees, all necessary for beach raids and ship-to-shore evolutions," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Dale Daniken, combat cargo officer for Carter Hall.

The relationships built between Carter Hall Sailors and Marines from 26th MEU will increase the potential for a successful mission once they deploy.

The KSG ARG COMPTUEX is being conducted and is currently exercising off the East Coast of the United States in preparation for a scheduled deployment this spring.

For more news from Commander, Amphibious Squadron 4 and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), visit
www.navy.mil/local/phibron4/ and
http://www.facebook.com/USSCarterHall?ref=hl.