British Royal Marines from 42 Commando Royal Marine Unit, Juliet Company, boarded amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) and met with U.S. Sailors and Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit July 7-10 to improve interoperability between U.S. and British military forces.

British Royal Marines, much like U.S. Marines, take tremendous pride in their history. King Charles II established the Royal Marines Oct. 28, 1664 during the beginning of the Second Anglo-Dutch War to serve as the Royal Navy's amphibious infantry troops. In order to become a Royal Marine, recruits have to go through 32 weeks of physically and mentally demanding training in the inhospitable terrain of Dartmoor, Woodbury Common woodlands in England and Sennybridge, Wales.

During their visit aboard Whidbey Island, the Royal Marines were able to integrate into some of the U.S. Marines' training such as the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. They also observed the capabilities of amphibious assault vehicles, shot the M4 carbine and M27 service rifles, received training on equipment from explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) technicians and learned about the 120mm expeditionary fire support system mortar.

"We went into detail on the nomenclature and characteristics of our weapon system, allowing the Royal Marines the opportunity to get hands-on experience and a chance to learn," said Sgt. David Cuevas, an artillery section chief with 2nd Platoon Mortars.

"I think doing things like this increases interoperability with each other," said 1st Lt. Kyle Jackson, a rifle platoon commander with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, who oversaw the training. "Getting to meet and understand the Royal Marines allows us to develop a better relationship with them."

The U.S. and British Marines have fought together in many conflicts from the Boxer Rebellion to the war in Afghanistan, and because of this teamwork they have been able to accomplish their many missions and goals throughout their respective histories. Both services have a common bond and share many of the same traditions.

The Royal Marines and U.S. Marines appeared happy to meet and interact on both a professional and personal level.

"You have made us feel welcomed right from the very start," said British Royal Marine Lance Cpl. Oliver Cleland. "Anytime we are with our counterparts from the U.S., they are always taking time out of their day to make an effort for us."

Before leaving, the British Marines were able to enjoy an event hosted by U.S. Sailors and Marines called a steel beach picnic. A steel beach picnic is an event that allows the service members to play games, share a meal and socialize with each other, and is a way to build camaraderie among the service members. The Royal Marines were able to play games and experience something they had never seen before with the U.S. Marines and Sailors.

"Everyone from 42 Commando Unit, Juliet Company, enjoyed the steel beach event today," said British Royal Marine Lance Cpl. Alex Johns. "It was a good atmosphere ... and it was also a good way to get away from a normal working environment."

The 22nd MEU is currently deployed with the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, and is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.